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Devices, Passwords, and Security
Focused answers for people handling the first days, paperwork, and follow-up steps after a death in California.
Start checklistSurviving spouse, financial predators, and digital estate
What if the deceased's phone is locked with Face ID or Touch ID?Face ID requires the registered face — using it after death is not possible and attempting to force it can disable the phone. Touch ID with a fingerprint may technically work for a brief period after death before the device locks —…What is Apple's Legacy Contact program?A feature that allows an Apple ID holder to designate one or more people who can access their data after death. A legacy contact receives a special access key that, combined with the death certificate, allows them to request access to the…What is a password manager and how does it help with estate access?A password manager (LastPass, 1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane) stores all of a person's login credentials in one encrypted vault. If the deceased used one and you can access the master password, you can access virtually all of their accounts. This is why estate…What if there is no password manager and no written passwords?Work through each account individually using its official estate or deceased account process. Prioritize: financial accounts first, then subscriptions with recurring charges (cancel them), then email (needed for many account recovery processes), then social media. This process takes time — expect weeks…What about two-factor authentication (2FA)?Two-factor authentication sends a verification code to the deceased's phone or email. If you have physical access to their phone and it is unlocked, you can receive 2FA codes. If you cannot unlock the phone, some accounts allow 2FA bypass through identity…What if important financial documents are only stored digitally?Check cloud storage: iCloud, Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive. Check their email for sent copies of important documents. Check their computer's documents folder. If you can access their computer but it is encrypted, the decryption key may be needed — this is another…What if the deceased had a smart home system (Alexa, Google Home, smart locks)?Smart home systems are generally account-based. Access may be needed to continue controlling the home during estate settlement. Contact the account provider with estate documentation. Smart locks may need to be reset or replaced — consult a locksmith. Do not leave a…What about their work laptop or devices?Employer-issued devices belong to the employer — return them promptly. Personal data on employer devices is tricky — the employer generally has the right to access their own devices. If there is personal financial or sensitive data on a work device, consult…What if they had important files only on a local hard drive?A local hard drive can be accessed by connecting it to another computer as an external drive — if it is not encrypted. Encrypted drives require the password or encryption key. A professional data recovery service can sometimes recover data from damaged…What about their smart TV, streaming accounts, and subscriptions?Cancel subscriptions promptly to avoid ongoing charges: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Prime, and others. Most can be canceled through account settings or by calling customer service with a death certificate. Check bank and credit card statements for recurring charges…