What Happens to Your Online Accounts When You Die—and How to Make Sure Your Family Isn’t Left Scrambling

Without a digital legacy plan, loved ones may be locked out of online accounts, financial assets, and personal files after you die.

Taking time to organize your digital accounts now can save your family significant stress and complications later. Koupei Studio/Shutterstock

When you die, your online accounts don’t automatically close or transfer to your family. Without a digital legacy plan, your loved ones may be locked out of financial accounts, stuck paying your subscriptions, and unable to recover irreplaceable photos or files.

Most times, the fix is straightforward: designate a digital executor, activate the built-in legacy tools on your major platforms, and store your credentials somewhere your family can actually access them.

Managing Digital Assets After Death

Most people have a will, a named beneficiary on their life insurance, and maybe even a folder somewhere with their important documents. What most people don’t have is a plan for the 150-plus online accounts they'll leave behind.