Secure Your Digital Legacy: Assigning a Legacy Contact
In today’s digital world, smartphones store our most personal data. From photos and messages to important documents, these devices hold key aspects of our lives. But what happens to this data when we’re gone? That’s where a legacy contact comes in—a crucial step many overlook.
A legacy contact is someone you choose to access your device’s data after you pass. This helps loved ones retrieve memories, manage accounts, and handle your digital footprint. Without one, your digital assets could become inaccessible, adding stress during an already difficult time. Here’s how to set up a legacy contact on iPhone and Android.
For iPhone Users:
- Update Your iOS: Ensure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Open Health App: The Legacy Contact feature is managed through the Health app. Open the app and tap on your profile picture.
- Select Legacy Contact: Navigate to the “Legacy Contact” option under the “Medical Details” section.
- Add a Legacy Contact: Follow the prompts to add a contact. You’ll need the person’s Apple ID email address. They’ll be notified and given instructions on how to access your data in the event of your passing.
- Share Access Key: Optionally, you can print or share an access key directly with your legacy contact for added security.
For Android users:
- Visit Your Google Account: Open your preferred web browser and go to your Google Account page.
- Navigate to Data & Personalization: Find the “Data & Personalization” tab on the left-hand side.
- Find the Inactive Account Manager: Scroll down to the “Inactive Account Manager” and click on it.
- Set Up Inactive Account Manager: Follow the prompts to choose what happens with your data, who is notified, and who can access your account after a period of inactivity that you specify.