Today, most of us store a lot of our personal and financial data online. Typically individuals spend a lot of time making sure their passwords are secure from hacks and online trolls – but that also means if something happens, their family and trusted friends also cannot access their online data. If you’re an Apple owner, an operating system update will let you give someone access to your Apple data. The new Legacy Contact setting in iOS 15.2 lets you specify who can access your Apple iCloud information after you die. This will give authorized friends or family access to most of your data after you pass away.
After you download the iOS 15.2 update, here is how to do set up your Legacy Contact on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch:
1. Open Settings
2. Click: your name
3. Click: Password & Security
4. Click: Legacy Contact
5. Click: Add Legacy Contact
6. Click: Add Legacy Contact again and you’ll be prompted to use Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode to continue
7. After setting up a Legacy Contact, they will be listed on the Legacy Contact page. Tap a person to view their access key.
You can repeat the process if you want to add more than one Legacy Contact. Apple’s Legacy Contact is an easy, secure way to give someone you trust access to the data stored in your Apple account after you pass away.
In 2016, Illinois joined the Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act, explaining what will happen to your digital assets if you die without designated beneficiaries or plans.
Learn More:
• FAQs: What Happens to My Social Media Accounts When I Die?
If you want to decide if and who will have access to your electronic files after you die or if you become incapacitated, consult an attorney. Contact the Estate & Probate Legal Group at 630-864-5835.
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