These days our devices and online accounts hold a wealth of information about our lives. Planning for the future includes making sure our  loved ones can access important data if something happens to us. Apple’s Legacy Contact feature on iPhones allows you to designate someone to access your digital information after you pass away. Here’s how to set up a Legacy Contact and why it’s an important step to take.

Why You Should Set Up a Legacy Contact

Setting up a Legacy Contact ensures that a trusted person can manage your digital legacy, including photos, messages, and other personal data. Without this, your loved ones might face challenges accessing important information or could lose access to cherished memories stored on your device.

What a Legacy Contact Can Access

When you designate a Legacy Contact, they can access:

  • Photos and videos
  • Messages
  • Notes
  • Contacts
  • Calendar events
  • Downloaded apps and app data

However, they won’t have access to your payment information, passwords stored in Keychain, or licensed media.

How to Set Up a Legacy Contact on Your iPhone

Follow these steps to set up a Legacy Contact on your iPhone:

  1. Update Your iPhone
    • Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 15.2 or later. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for and install any updates.
  2. Open Settings
    • Tap the Settings app on your home screen.
  3. Access Your Apple ID Settings
    • At the top of the Settings menu, tap your name to access your Apple ID settings.
  4. Legacy Contact Option
    • Scroll down and select Password & Security.
  5. Add Legacy Contact
    • Tap Legacy Contact. You might need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
    • Tap Add Legacy Contact.
  6. Choose Your Contact
    • Select a contact from your address book. This person will be your Legacy Contact.
    • Apple will generate an Access Key that your Legacy Contact will need to access your account after your death.
  7. Share the Access Key
    • You can share the Access Key with your Legacy Contact via a message or by printing it out. It’s crucial that they keep this key in a safe place.
  8. Confirm Your Selection
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your Legacy Contact. They will receive a notification, and the Access Key will be shared with them.

How the Legacy Contact Feature Works

  • After Death: Your Legacy Contact will need to provide Apple with the Access Key and a copy of your death certificate.
  • Access Granted: Once Apple verifies the documents, your Legacy Contact can access your data for a limited period.
  • Manage and Preserve: They can download and preserve your data, ensuring your digital legacy is managed according to your wishes.

Final Thoughts

Setting up a Legacy Contact is a thoughtful way to ensure that your digital life is in order and accessible to those you trust. It’s a simple process that can save your loved ones from additional stress during a difficult time. Take a few minutes today to set this up and provide peace of mind for the future.

By following these steps, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your digital legacy is in trusted hands. Don’t wait—set up your Legacy Contact today and secure your digital memories for the future