What happens to digital accounts when someone dies?
Last reviewed October 2026
Each company has its own process. Facebook and Instagram let you memorialise or remove an account. Google lets people set an inactive account plan and has a request form for families. Apple lets people name a legacy contact who can access data after death. Do not log in with a password you found, as it can breach the terms of service. Save photos and important documents first, then cancel paid subscriptions so they stop charging the estate.
Order to work in
Protect what matters before closing anything.
- Keep the phone charged and paid for until you have saved what you need
- Download photos and documents where you have permission
- Cancel paid subscriptions
- Memorialise or close social media
Frequently asked questions
Can I get into a dead person's phone?
Apple and Google only give access through their own processes, such as a legacy contact. Phone networks can close or transfer the contract.
Do digital assets count for probate?
Money held in online accounts, such as PayPal or crypto, does. Photos and emails usually have no financial value.
Continue in chat
Alenity walks you through this in plain English and gets you to the right next step.
Build my checklist