Apple, Facebook, Google Legacy Contact Set Up
Legacy
According to the Oxford Dictionary it's "the long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc. that took place in the past, or of a person’s life."
In this day and age, that legacy is digital. Front and center is Apple, Facebook and Google (to name only a few). What happens to your data when you die? Who needs access to it?
If you've been confronted with these questions after a loved one has died, you're not alone. It's important to speak with your partner or family members about being each other's digital legacy contact for sites like Apple, Facebook and Google.
If you don't, these companies will not allow anyone access to any of the data they have stored in your accounts. You can try to get a court order. But even that can be tricky in terms of getting access. Think about it, Facebook has all kinds of photos and personal information that you might need. If you're an Apple person, well, your entire life is in that iPhone. Your survivor will need access to your phone to get into your email, text messages, files, etc. in order to manage your affairs. Plus, all those great photos and videos you've taken over time need to be downloaded and shared with the family. And,Google knows everything if you have a Gmail account, search history and photos.
We break down how to add a legacy contact for Apple, Facebook and Google. Don't forget to look into adding a legacy contact on your other accounts as well.
Apple
Apple makes it easy to assign a person to be your legacy contact.
On your iPhone, tap Settings.
Tap your name at the top.
Tap Sign-In & Security or Passwords and Security.
Tap Legacy Contact.
Tap Add Legacy Contact and follow the prompts to add someone you trust to your account.
Google
https://support.google.com/accounts/troubleshooter/6357590?hl=en&sjid=6697096485320116266-NA
Login to your Google account on a web browser like Chrome, Safari or Firefox.
Click on your avatar located in the upper right corner of the web browser. Mine has my photo. Many people have the first letter of their first name.
Click on Manage your Google Account.
On the next screen, click Data & Privacy on the left side navigation.
Scroll down to the More options section and click on Make a plan for your digital legacy.
Click Start and follow the prompts to give a trusted person access to your account after you're gone.
Facebook
Login to your Facebook account on a web browser like Chrome, Safari or Firefox.
Click on your avatar located in the upper right corner of the web browser. It's usually a photo you've taken. If you’re on your phone, tap your avatar located on the lower right corner.
Click Settings & Privacy from the web or the Gear icon from your app.
Click Settings from your browser.
Click Accounts Center.
Click Personal details.
Click Account ownership and control.
Click Memorialization.
Click on your Facebook account. It's usually the only one in the list.
Follow the prompts to choose a legacy contact.
Take 10 minutes to update these settings on your social accounts. Your data is important to your legacy and you want to make sure it's in the right hands. Your legacy contact will thank you.
