What Happens to Your Digital Accounts When You Die

When a person dies their physical possessions are usually covered by a will or estate plan, yet their online life often lacks the same structure. Email archives, cloud backups, photo albums, cryptocurrency wallets, and even streaming subscriptions can outlive their owner. Together these accounts form a digital afterlife that carries emotional value for families and sensitive data that needs protection.

Most technology companies view each profile as private property. Without advance planning or clear legal authority, providers rarely allow anyone to review or manage the data. Understanding what happens to your digital accounts when you die, and preparing instructions that your loved ones can follow, reduces stress during an already difficult time.

Platform specific policies

Every major platform applies different rules after a user passes away. Learning how each service responds helps you document wishes and give executors the evidence they need. If you need a step-by-step walkthrough of the process families follow when credentials are unavailable, read our guide How to Access a Deceased Person's Online Accounts to understand the verification documents and timelines that most providers require.

Facebook and Instagram (Meta)

Meta lets you choose between memorialization and deletion. A memorialized profile becomes a tribute space where friends can leave memories, while a deletion request removes the account entirely. Designate a Legacy Contact if you want someone to update the profile photo or respond to friend requests on your behalf. Without a Legacy Contact, Meta may still memorialize the page once the death is confirmed, yet no one will be able to manage it.

Google (Gmail, Drive, YouTube)

Google offers an Inactive Account Manager that notifies trusted contacts if you stop signing in. You can specify what data they may download, from Gmail messages to Google Photos libraries. When no plan exists Google evaluates family requests individually, yet the company may delete accounts after prolonged inactivity.

Apple (iCloud, iTunes, App Store)

Apple maintains strict privacy rules. The Digital Legacy program allows up to five Legacy Contacts who can present an access key and a death certificate to retrieve data. Without that setup, relatives usually need a court order and Apple limits the amount of information it releases.

Microsoft (Outlook, OneDrive)

Microsoft does not provide a formal legacy feature. Accounts typically close after long periods of inactivity, and the company rarely releases data unless a court compels it. Families can request account closure, yet direct access is uncommon.

Twitter (X)

X allows immediate family members or authorized representatives to request account deactivation. The platform will not share login credentials or private messages, so any sentimental information stored in direct messages is usually lost.

LinkedIn accepts memorial requests from friends, colleagues, or family. After verification the company either removes the profile or marks it In Memoriam. Privacy protections continue to apply, which means no one can read the person's inbox.

Other services and subscriptions

Streaming services, payment apps, online stores, and cloud providers often shut down accounts when billing stops. Subscription fees may continue until someone cancels them, and files stored in unpaid accounts can be deleted. Cryptocurrency exchanges are a special concern because private keys and recovery phrases are required to transfer funds. Without that information, assets can be lost permanently.

Risks of unplanned digital estates

Leaving digital assets unmanaged can create emotional, financial, and legal complications. Family members might lose irreplaceable photos, while bank accounts or subscription services continue charging monthly fees. Privacy laws such as the GDPR or the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act prohibit unauthorized access, so even using a known password may violate regulations. Our article How to Secure a Loved One's Online Banking and Subscription Accounts outlines a repeatable process for closing financial services quickly to prevent fraud or unexpected charges.

Dormant accounts can also attract hackers and scammers who impersonate the deceased. Criminals sometimes use inactive profiles to target friends and relatives with phishing messages, so keeping an inventory and closing unused accounts is essential.

Understand legal documentation

Estate executors frequently need court appointments, death certificates, or notarized letters before companies will share data. Building these requirements into your plan clarifies expectations for your loved ones. We break down the paperwork in more detail in How to Close or Transfer a Deceased Person's Email Account, which covers the forms providers ask for when closing high-value services such as Gmail or Outlook.

How to prepare a digital legacy plan

The best safeguard is a documented plan that outlines accounts, trusted helpers, and specific instructions. Follow these steps to stay organized and give your executor clear direction. If you need help designing a template, explore How to Create a Digital Estate Plan for worksheets and examples you can adapt to your situation.

1. Make an inventory of digital assets

List email addresses, social media profiles, financial services, subscriptions, and any cryptocurrency wallets or NFTs. Note what each account contains and whether you prefer memorialization, transfer, or deletion. Our guide Do This First When A Loved One Dies: Managing Digital Accounts explains how to gather that information quickly.

2. Designate trusted contacts

Use each platform's legacy tools to add reliable people who can confirm your passing and follow through with your wishes. For accounts without built in options, store credentials in a password manager that offers emergency access.

3. Store documentation securely

Keep your will, digital asset list, and supporting paperwork in an encrypted location. Ensure your executor or another trusted person knows how to access the instructions legally when the time comes.

4. Use a service like Fort Legacy

Fort Legacy centralizes digital estate planning. You can securely store account information, assign legacy contacts, and automate notifications. After a verified passing or extended inactivity, Fort Legacy delivers the right instructions so loved ones can request access, download important data, or close accounts without guesswork.

5. Update regularly

Review your plan at least once a year. Add new services, remove accounts you no longer use, and confirm that your trusted contacts remain accurate. Keeping the plan current prevents confusion and ensures your wishes are always clear.

6. Prepare your loved ones

Conversations about death are uncomfortable, yet they prevent confusion when something unexpected happens. Share your plan with the people you trust, explain which platforms you use, and point them to resources such as our article Do This First When A Loved One Dies: Managing Digital Accounts so they know what to tackle immediately.

Planning ahead for peace of mind

Preparing your digital legacy protects private information, preserves cherished memories, and supports the people who will care for your estate. With a clear plan, your loved ones can focus on healing instead of searching for passwords or disputing charges.

Fort Legacy is here to guide every step. Begin your plan today so your digital life remains secure, compassionate, and aligned with your wishes long after you are gone.