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I do know — it’s a grim topic. But in today’s digital age, we now have to plan for what happens to all our online accounts, data, notes, photos, videos, web sites, playlists, blogs, and subscriptions once we’re gone.
Speaking of subscriptions, more families are dropping streaming services. Money is tight, and you might want to contemplate canceling those you employ least. Tap or click here for proven ways to lower your streaming, cable, and web bills.
I’m not only talking about business documents or tax forms on the info side. Everyone must have a plan to guard their precious photos and videos. I hear from too many individuals on my national radio show who’ve lost all the things.
Take these steps now to make sure your accounts are in the precise hands after you pass away.
Your Apple account
Apple’s Legacy Contact finally debuted with iOS 15.2 as a secure and secure option to present someone access to data stored in your Apple account after you die. This includes photos, messages, notes, files, apps, and device backups.
Some information — similar to movies, music, books, or subscriptions you bought along with your Apple ID and data stored in Keychain (payment information and passwords) — can’t be accessed by a Legacy Contact.
You may add a couple of Legacy Contact, and all of them will have the option to access the account to make decisions. The person should be 13 or older and can receive an access key if you designate them as your Legacy Contact.
Here’s the best way to set it up in your iPhone:
- Open Settings and tap your name.
- Go to Password & Security > Legacy Contact.
- Tap Add Legacy Contact. You might have to make use of Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to authenticate.
- In the event you’re in a Family Sharing group, you possibly can select a bunch member. Or you possibly can tap Select Someone Else so as to add someone out of your Contacts.
- Select the person out of your Contacts. Tap Proceed.
- You’ll be asked how you wish to share your access key. Select Print Access Key or Send Access Key.
- In the event you decide to send the important thing digitally, Apple will create a message letting your contact know you’ve added them as your legacy contact. Tap Send.
Wish to be prepared? Don’t miss this Tech How-to: Mechanically alert your family members in an emergency.
You may add a couple of Legacy Contact to your Apple account.
(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Do the identical for Facebook
- On Facebook, you possibly can name a legacy contact who can write posts, update your profile photo, and get a duplicate of all the things you probably did on Facebook after you pass.
- On desktop: While you’re signed into Facebook, go to Settings & Privacy > Settings and search for Memorialization Settings.
On mobile: Select the three-lined menu option in the underside right. Scroll all the way down to Settings & Privacy. Tap to open that, then select Settings. From the Account menu at the highest of the subsequent screen, select Personal and Account Information > Account Ownership and Control. You’ll see Memorialization Settings. Click to pick out your legacy contact and notify your contact they’re now in that role.
Once you have got your legacy contact set, go to the Memorialization Settings. You may determine whether the person you selected can download a duplicate of what you’ve shared in your feed, including posts, photos, videos, and profile information.
Annually, you’ll receive a reminder of your chosen person as your legacy contact. In the event you’re sure your person won’t change or that you’re going to remember to alter them if need be, you possibly can click “stop annual reminders” within the Annual Reminder section.
In the event you’d fairly have your account deleted after you pass away, get to the Memorialization Settings page, and scroll down. Right above the Close button, there may be an option you possibly can click that claims, “Request that your account be deleted after you pass away.”
Don’t have a duplicate of all of the photos and videos you’ve uploaded to Facebook? Here’s the best way to get them.
A smartphone with Facebook’s logo.
Mechanically wipe your search history and site data
Let’s concentrate on protecting your privacy even after you are gone with regards to Google. You most likely have a couple of things in your search, watch, and site history that you simply’d prefer to remain private. Anyone with access to your account will only see what you would like them to see by establishing auto-delete.
Google auto-deletes account records after 18 months by default. If you wish to shorten that window, you possibly can in a couple of steps.
- Go to your Google Activity controls and log in along with your Google account.
- Under Web & App Activity, you’ll see Auto-delete. Be certain that is turned On.
- Click the arrow to decide on your chosen timeframe: 3 months, 18 months, or 36 months.
You may take more steps, including making a digital checklist that acts as a rundown of all of your accounts, passwords, and online assets. Tap or click here for steps to creating and sharing your personal.
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Bonus Tip: Save your texts, where to place the router, protect nude photos
I’ve got a variety of great advice on this episode of Kim Komando Today. First, you will find out how never to lose a text message again. I’ll also let you know the best way to protect your nude photos from hackers. (This was based on an actual listener query!) Plus, where to place your router for the most effective Wi-Fi, the best way to find spyware, and a couple of other tech suggestions that can make your digital life easier.
Try my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.
Take heed to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just seek for my last name, “Komando.”
What digital lifestyle questions do you have got? Call Kim’s national radio show and tap or click here to seek out it in your local radio station. You may hearken to or watch The Kim Komando Show in your phone, tablet, television, or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcasts.
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Study all the most recent technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her each day suggestions, free newsletters, and more, visit her website at Komando.com.
