Devices, Passwords, and Security
What about two-factor authentication (2FA)?
Short answer
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 this usually means
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 verification. Account recovery processes are the legitimate path — document every attempt.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.