Update to iOS 15.2 and add a Legacy Contact
This can be a touchy subject for some, but it’s important to consider what happens to your stuff after you’re gone. There’s a new feature in the recently released iOS 15.2 update that gives you the ability to add a trusted “Legacy Contact” to give them access to your digital life after you pass away.
Here’s Apple’s definition of what a Legacy Contact is:
Adding a Legacy Contact is the easiest, most secure way to give someone they trust access to the data they stored in their Apple account after they pass away. This data may include photos, messages, notes, files, apps they downloaded, device backups, and more. Certain information, like movies, music, books, or subscriptions they purchased with their Apple ID, and data stored in their Keychain, like payment information and passwords, can’t be accessed by a Legacy Contact.
You can find a comprehensive list of what your contact will be able to access here.
Be aware that adding a Legacy Contact sends a rather eerie text message to that person, so it’s best to notify them before adding them. Here’s the text of that message:
(Name), I’ve added you as my legacy contact. This means that you will have access to the data in my account after my death. I’m sharing an access key with you that will be automatically saved in your Account Settings. You can use this key to access my iCloud data after I’m gone.
Weird, right? The access key automatically gets saved in the recipient’s Apple ID settings on their device (which also needs to be running iOS 15.2 or later).
Here’s how to add a Legacy Contact:
Update your iPhone to iOS 15.2
Go into Settings
Tap your name at the top (where it says Apple ID, iCloud, Media & Purchases)
Tap Passwords & Security
Tap Legacy Contact
Tap Add Legacy Contact
It’ll require verification via Face ID or Touch ID. If you have Family Sharing set up, you’ll first be presented with a list of the people in your family. If you don’t want to add any of them, you can select Choose Someone Else from the bottom of that list.
In the event you need to access a deceased person’s data, you’ll need to go to Apple’s Digital Legacy website to request access. Then you’ll need to provide the Access Key and a copy of the death certificate.
This is a great solution and something I’d highly recommend everyone do, but it would still be a good idea to leave any important passwords and access codes in a regular will just to be safe.
While this probably isn’t anyone’s idea of a fun activity, the looming holiday season could be a great time to get all of your family members squared away with Legacy Contacts. Then have a few drinks and laugh about how weird this whole thing is.
