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Phones, passwords, and digital accounts after a death

Phones and online accounts hold photos, bills, and contacts. Taking them in order prevents lost memories and locked accounts.

Short answer
After a death, keep the phone charged and paid for while you gather what you need, and use each company's official process to request access or close the account rather than guessing passwords. Before a death, setting up legacy contacts with Apple and Google makes this much easier.

First steps

Keep the phone charged and the phone plan active for now. Two-step codes often go to that number.
Do not reset or wipe the phone.
List known accounts: email, photos, banking apps, subscriptions, social media.
Keep a death certificate and proof of your authority, such as letters from the court, ready. Companies usually ask for them.

Apple and Google

Apple lets people name a Legacy Contact, and has a process for families to request access to a deceased person's account. Google has an Inactive Account Manager for planning ahead and a request form for a deceased user's account. Follow their official steps.

Facebook lets families request that an account be memorialized or removed. Other services have similar forms in their help centers.

Subscriptions and online accounts

Check bank and card statements for recurring charges and cancel them with a death certificate. Watch for scams that target families after a death; see scam protection.

Plan ahead

While your loved one can, ask them to set up legacy contacts, note where devices are, and record which accounts exist in the where is everything binder, without writing down passwords.

Common questions

Can I get into my loved one's phone after they die?

Apple and Google each have an official process for families. A Legacy Contact set up ahead of time makes access much easier. Without one, the company may need a death certificate and court documents.

Should I cancel the phone plan right away?

Usually not right away. Two-step codes may go to that number. Keep it active until key accounts are handled.

How do I close a Facebook account after a death?

Facebook lets family members request that the account be memorialized or removed through its help center.

Rules vary by state. Check with your state agency or a licensed professional where your loved one lives.

Want this organized for your family? The Estate Task Package turns it into a personalized checklist with reminders. See plans.

Official resources and further reading

Links go to public resources. Kinhaven is not affiliated with them.