Devices, Passwords, and Security
What is Apple's Legacy Contact program?
Short answer
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 this usually means
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 deceased's Apple account and data. If no legacy contact was set up, Apple requires a court order for access.
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.
Related questions
- What if the deceased's phone is locked with Face ID or Touch ID?
- What is a password manager and how does it help with estate access?
- What if there is no password manager and no written passwords?
- What about two-factor authentication (2FA)?
- What if important financial documents are only stored digitally?