What happens to your digital accounts when you die? Many people now have dozens, or even hundreds, of online accounts, subscriptions and digital services. From email and social media to streaming services, online banking and cloud storage, our digital lives often continue after we are gone.
Without guidance, family members may not know which accounts exist, what should happen to them, or how to access important information. Including digital wishes in a Letter of Wishes can help provide clarity during an already difficult time.
What are digital assets?
Digital assets are the online accounts, files and information that exist in your digital life.
They can include:
- Email accounts
- Social media profiles
- Online banking and financial accounts
- Cloud storage
- Photos and videos
- Subscription services
- Online shopping accounts
- Digital documents
- Password manager accounts
- Websites or online businesses
- Cryptocurrency or digital investments
Many people do not think of these as part of their estate planning, but they can contain important information, memories and practical details.
Do digital accounts automatically transfer after death?
Usually, no.
Different online services have different rules about what happens when an account holder dies. Some accounts may allow access to nominated people, some may allow closure requests, and others may have specific processes for managing a deceased person's account.
In many cases, your family may need to prove their authority before a company will provide assistance.
This is why it can be helpful to leave clear guidance about your digital life.
What happens to email accounts when someone dies?
Email accounts can be especially important because they are often connected to other online services.
Your email may be used for:
- Password resets
- Account notifications
- Important communications
- Digital receipts
- Access to other services
You may wish to include guidance about:
- Whether you would like your email account closed
- Who should be notified
- Where important information may be stored
- Whether there are emails or messages you would like family members to keep
It is important not to include passwords or sensitive login details in your Letter of Wishes. Instead, you can provide guidance about where access information can be found, such as through a password manager.
What happens to social media accounts after death?
Social media platforms have different options for managing accounts after someone dies.
Depending on the platform, accounts may be:
- Memorialised
- Closed
- Left active
- Managed by a nominated person
Some people like the idea of keeping their account as a place where friends and family can remember them. Others prefer their online presence to be removed.
Your Letter of Wishes can explain your preference.
You may also want to consider whether there are particular photos, posts or memories you would like preserved.
What happens to subscriptions after death?
Subscriptions can continue charging after someone passes away if nobody knows they exist.
These might include:
- Streaming services
- Software subscriptions
- Memberships
- Online storage plans
- News subscriptions
- Apps and digital services
A simple list of recurring subscriptions can save your family time and frustration.
You can include:
- The name of the service
- What it is used for
- Whether you would like it cancelled
- Any relevant notes
Should you include passwords in a Letter of Wishes?
Generally, it is not recommended to include passwords, PINs or full account access details in a Letter of Wishes.
A better approach is to provide guidance about where access information is securely stored.
Many people now use password managers that allow trusted people to access important information when needed.
Your Letter of Wishes can include details such as:
- The name of your password manager
- Where instructions for access are stored
- Who should be contacted for assistance
This keeps sensitive information separate while still helping your family know what to do.
What digital information should you leave for your family?
A useful starting point is to think about the online services you use regularly.
Consider including guidance about:
Important accounts
List accounts that your family may need to know about, such as:
- Cloud storage
- Banking or financial platforms
- Important online services
Photos and memories
Digital photos and videos are often some of the most meaningful things people leave behind.
Consider noting:
- Where your photos are stored
- Which accounts contain important memories
- Whether there are specific photos or collections you would like preserved
Online subscriptions
A list of subscriptions can help prevent ongoing charges and make administration easier.
Your wishes for social media
Think about whether you would like accounts kept, memorialised or closed.
Why include digital wishes in a Letter of Wishes?
A Will is designed to provide legal instructions about your estate. Digital matters are often more personal and practical.
A Letter of Wishes gives you a place to explain what you would like to happen with your online presence and digital life.
It can help your family understand:
- What accounts exist
- What matters to you
- What should be preserved
- What can be closed
- Where they can find further information
As more of our lives move online, preparing guidance for your digital accounts has become an important part of helping your family after you are gone.