Digital legacy checklist: what to prepare (and how to keep it simple)

What “digital legacy” means

Your digital legacy is everything online that matters: accounts, devices, photos, subscriptions, and the access information people need to close, preserve, or hand off things responsibly.

The checklist (start with what matters most)

You don’t need perfection. Pick the top 10–20 items that would cause stress if nobody could access them.

Accounts & identity

• Primary email account (often the key to password resets).
• Cloud storage/photos (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox).
• Social media accounts you want memorialized or deleted.
• Two‑factor authentication method (authenticator app, where backup codes are stored).

Devices & access

• Phone + laptop models and where they are stored.
• How to unlock devices (where to find the passcode/PIN, or the process).
• Where important files live (folders, password manager, cloud).

Subscriptions & payments

• Streaming, apps, and memberships to cancel.
• Domain names/hosting renewals (if you own a website).
• Recurring bills tied to your cards (how to identify them).

People & instructions

• Who should get what (one person for finances, another for photos, etc.).
• A “first 72 hours” contact list (family, business partner, accountant, attorney, etc.).
• Where physical documents are stored (safe, folder, bank box).

Safety note: don’t paste raw passwords

For security, avoid putting passwords or full financial credentials in any message. Instead, give a clear path to access.

• Use a password manager “emergency access” feature (if you use one).
• Describe where to find backup codes / recovery keys (physical location).
• Use separate messages per recipient so you share only what they need.

Turn this into deliverable instructions

The easiest way to make this useful is to split it into a few short messages.

1. Write a “Digital legacy overview” message (top accounts + priorities).
2. Write a “Devices & photos” message (where things are and how to access them).
3. Write a “Subscriptions & renewals” message (what to cancel and when).