Most of us have dozens of online accounts. When we die, almost none of them have a clear, automatic process for handover. The result is a patchwork of different platform policies, legal complications, and accounts that persist — sometimes permanently — without any living owner.

Email accounts

Gmail (Google): Google offers an Inactive Account Manager — a tool that lets you decide what happens to your account after a period of inactivity. You can share its data with up to 10 trusted contacts. If not set up in advance, a next-of-kin can submit a request to access or close the account, but the process requires documentation and is not guaranteed.

Microsoft/Outlook: Microsoft will close an inactive account after 2 years. Family members can request account access or closure, but Microsoft does not provide login credentials to next-of-kin.

Social media

Facebook and Instagram (Meta): Facebook allows you to appoint a Legacy Contact — someone who can manage your memorialised profile after your death. They can pin posts and respond to friend requests. They cannot log in as you or read your messages.

TikTok: At present, TikTok has no formal legacy or memorialisation policy. Accounts remain until they become inactive enough to be removed, or until a family member requests closure.

Apple devices and iCloud

Since iOS 15.2, Apple has offered a Digital Legacy feature that allows you to designate legacy contacts who can request access to your iCloud data after your death. Without this set up in advance, access requires a court order — even for a spouse.

Streaming and subscriptions

Netflix, Spotify, Apple Music — these are services, not assets. When the account holder dies, the subscription simply continues billing until cancelled. The content cannot be inherited: you don't own the films or music, you licence access to them.

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency held on an exchange can be transferred by next-of-kin with the right documentation. Cryptocurrency held in a self-custody wallet requires the seed phrase — without it, the funds are permanently inaccessible. If you hold crypto, your seed phrase must be stored securely and your family must know where to find it.

The practical action: For each platform you use, decide now: memorialise, or delete? Appoint legacy contacts where available (Google, Facebook, Apple). Record credentials and account details securely so your family can act quickly.

For the exact steps on each platform, see how to close or memorialise a loved one's accounts, platform by platform.