What specifically is meant by 'digital assets' in a digital legacy plan?

Digital assets include any information, accounts, and data stored or accessed digitally, such as email accounts, social media profiles, online banking details, cloud storage, websites, digital photos, videos, and even cryptocurrencies.

Should I share my passwords directly with my digital executor?

It is generally not recommended to share your passwords directly. Instead, use a secure password manager that allows for emergency access by a trusted individual, or include instructions on how your digital executor can securely gain access to your accounts after your passing.

What is the difference between deleting and memorialising a social media account?

Deleting an account permanently removes it and all associated data from the platform. Memorialising an account, offered by some platforms like Facebook, transforms it into a tribute page that preserves posts and photos, but prevents new logins or activity.

How often should I review and update my digital legacy plan?

It's advisable to review and update your digital legacy plan annually, or whenever there are significant changes to your online accounts, new digital assets, or changes in your wishes for specific platforms.

Can I include my digital legacy wishes in my will?

While you can mention your digital executor and general wishes in your will, it's often more practical to keep a separate, detailed document with specific instructions, account lists, and password manager access. Your will can then refer to this separate document.

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Your Digital Legacy: Planning Beyond Your Lifetime

Understanding and planning for your digital legacy ensures your online life is handled according to your wishes after you're gone. It's about protecting memories, managing accounts, and easing the burden on those you leave behind.

Last updated 30 July 2026

When we consider our legacy, we often think of cherished photographs, meaningful possessions, or stories shared with loved ones. In our increasingly connected world, however, our 'digital legacy' has become an equally significant part of what we leave behind. Your digital legacy encompasses all your online accounts, digital assets, and the information you've created or stored digitally during your lifetime.

What is Digital Legacy?

Digital legacy refers to the digital information, accounts, and assets that belong to you online. This includes everything from your social media profiles and email accounts to online banking, cloud storage, subscriptions, websites, and even cryptocurrencies. Thinking about what happens to these digital elements after you're no longer here can feel daunting, but a thoughtful plan can bring peace of mind to you and clarity to your loved ones.

Why is Digital Legacy Planning Important?

Planning your digital legacy is a compassionate step that can alleviate significant stress for your family during an already difficult time. Without instructions, navigating the digital world you leave behind can be complex and emotionally draining for them. A clear plan ensures your wishes are respected, whether that means preserving precious memories, closing accounts respectfully, or preventing identity theft.

It allows you to:

Preserve memories: Decide what happens to photos, videos, and shared posts.
Protect your identity: Prevent misuse of your accounts.
Manage financial assets: Ensure access to any online financial accounts or digital currencies.
Ease administrative burdens: Provide clear instructions for closing or memorialising accounts.
Maintain privacy: Control who sees what, even after you're gone.

How to Approach Your Digital Legacy Plan

Creating a digital legacy plan doesn't have to be completed all at once. It's a process that can evolve as your digital footprint does. Here are some key areas to consider and steps to take:

1. Inventory Your Digital Assets

The first step is to create a comprehensive list of all your digital accounts and assets. This might include:

Email accounts: Personal and work-related.
Social media profiles: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.
Financial accounts: Online banking, investment platforms, PayPal.
Cloud storage: Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud.
Subscription services: Streaming services, news subscriptions, software.
Websites/Blogs: Any personal sites or domains you own.
Cryptocurrency wallets: If applicable.
Photo/Video storage: Flickr, Google Photos, private galleries.
Gaming accounts: If they hold significant value or community.

For each, note down the platform, your username, and any specific instructions you have for it. Do not write down your passwords directly with this list. Instead, consider a secure password manager.

2. Designate a Digital Executor (or Trusted Contact)

Choose one or more trustworthy individuals who will be responsible for carrying out your digital wishes. This person, sometimes called a Digital Executor, should be organised, comfortable with technology, and someone you completely trust. Communicate your wishes clearly to them and ensure they know where to find your instructions.

3. Utilise Platform-Specific Tools

Many online services now offer options for managing what happens to your account after death:

Facebook: Allows you to appoint a 'legacy contact' who can memorialise your account or request its deletion.
Google: Offers an 'Inactive Account Manager' that lets you decide what happens to your data if your account becomes inactive for a set period, including sharing it with a trusted contact or deleting it.
Instagram/Twitter: Typically allow accounts to be memorialised or removed upon request from a verified family member.
Apple: Has a Digital Legacy programme allowing you to designate Legacy Contacts who can access your data after your passing.

Explore these features for each of your key accounts and set them up as appropriate. This proactive measure can greatly simplify matters for your digital executor.

4. Create Clear Instructions for your Digital Executor

This is where your inventory becomes crucial. For each account, specify what you'd like to happen:

Delete the account: Completely remove your presence.
Memorialise the account: Transform it into a tribute, preserving memories without active use.
Transfer ownership: For things like blogs, domains, or shared photo albums.
Retrieve specific data: For example, download all photos before deletion.

Consider where your digital executor can find crucial access information. A reputable password manager is an excellent solution for securely storing your login details, and many offer emergency access features for designated individuals. Provide instructions on how to access this password manager, for example, within your will or a separate letter of instruction.

5. Keep Your Plan Updated

Our digital lives are constantly evolving. As you create new accounts, close old ones, or change your passwords, remember to update your digital legacy plan. Review it annually or whenever there's a significant change in your online activity.

Considering Your Digital Footprint

Beyond individual accounts, reflect on the overall digital footprint you wish to leave. Do you want your online presence to fade away entirely, or do you hope certain memories or messages will endure? This reflection can guide your specific instructions for each platform.

Planning your digital legacy is a heartfelt way to care for your loved ones, even when you're no longer present. It offers the comfort of knowing your digital life will be handled with dignity and according to your wishes, allowing your memory to be preserved as you intend. For families navigating loss, having clear instructions for an individual's digital life provides much-needed clarity during an emotional time. Thinking ahead like this allows those you leave behind to remember you through cherished digital memories, perhaps on a dedicated space like a tribute page for you at TributeLegacy.

Keep their candle lit.