Modern wills must now cover more than property and savings. Digital assets like online photos, emails and even cryptocurrency form part of what we call your digital legacy. Without a clear plan, families can face confusion and extra admin at a difficult time.
We explain why your online presence needs to be treated alongside physical belongings. Our guide sets out simple, practical steps you can take now. You do not need to be tech‑savvy to get this right.
We cover the UK legal position, how platforms handle inactive profiles and how to build a secure inventory of logins. For further practical detail on compiling and protecting digital assets, see how to include digital assets and online accounts in your estate.
Key Takeaways
- Digital assets form part of your wider estate and deserve clear instructions.
- Create a simple inventory and designate someone to manage your digital legacy.
- Use secure tools like password managers and enable two‑factor authentication.
- Check platform options for legacy or inactive account management.
- Keep records updated and explain your wishes in plain language to reduce stress.
Why your digital legacy now belongs in your estate plan
What you leave behind online can matter as much as what you leave behind in your home. Your profiles, messages and stored files often hold deep sentimental value. They also sometimes carry direct financial worth.
Sentimental and financial value
Photos, videos and old messages keep memories alive. Business enquiries, monetised channels and paid subscriptions can bring real money to bear. Email and cloud storage often hold passwords and paperwork families need.
Risks if accounts are left unmanaged after death
Unmanaged profiles can be hacked, trigger notifications, or keep charging subscriptions. Vital information may become inaccessible when loved ones need it most. Different platforms treat each case differently, so a one-size approach rarely works.
Emotional impact on loved ones
Seeing reminders and birthday prompts can reopen fresh grief. Clear instructions spare loved ones from guessing your wishes. We recommend a simple record and named contact to make calm decisions later.
For practical next steps see navigating social media accounts after a loved one’s.
What counts as digital assets in the UK and what can be passed on
Digital items sit in three broad groups that determine what can be passed on and what cannot. We use plain categories so you can spot what you own and where to look for details.
Digital records: memories and everyday content
These are the sentimental items people ask about first. Think photos, videos and messages saved on phones, social platforms or in the cloud.
They hold value to families. They are often easy to describe but may be hard to access without logins.
Digital property rights and contractual rights
Copyrights in your writing, images or other content are a form of property. Contracts with email or storage services can create rights that affect access.
Digital property interests: cryptocurrency and NFTs
Cryptocurrency and nfts are different. Access depends on private keys or wallets. Without those keys, the asset can be lost forever.
Subscriptions, purchases and licence limits
Many digital purchases are licences, not ownership. E-books, music and streaming often cannot transfer after death. That can affect what an executor can pass on or close down.
Devices and storage locations
Key data may sit on phones, laptops, external drives, or in cloud services like iCloud and Google Drive. A clear list helps executors know what exists, what can transfer and what must be closed.
| Category | Examples | Transferable? | Action to take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital records | Photos, videos, messages | Often yes (access needed) | List accounts and holders |
| Property rights | Copyrights, written works | Yes, as intellectual property | Record ownership and licences |
| Property interests | Cryptocurrency, NFTs | Only with keys | Secure private keys separately |
| Licenced content | E-books, streaming | Usually no | Note licence limits and subscriptions |
The legal position in England and Wales for online accounts after death
There is no single legal route that guarantees access to another person’s online content after death. Providers’ terms and conditions usually decide what families can do. This creates real uncertainty when someone dies.
Why platform terms often decide access
Most platforms set their own rules. Some allow memorialisation, some offer deletion on request and others refuse transfers. A Grant of Probate rarely changes those rules.
Privacy and data protection in practice
UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 still apply. Platforms must protect personal data. That means they will usually ask for proof of death and evidence of legal authority before releasing anything.
Probate is not the same as access
| Situation | What probate gives | What providers require |
|---|---|---|
| Banking and some property | Legal authority to deal with assets | Often documentary proof plus direct contact |
| Social platforms and email | Grant of Probate recognised by courts | Proof of death, ID and platform forms |
Practical steps: prepare proof documents, note where sensitive data sits and seek legal advice for complex property, business or high‑value digital assets. Keep a named executor or power attorney briefed so they can act quickly.
estate planning for social media accounts uk: setting clear instructions for each platform
We recommend writing specific wishes for each service. Clear notes make it quick for an executor or next of kin to act. That reduces stress and avoids guesswork.
Memorialisation, deletion or handover — choosing what fits your wishes
Memorialise keeps a profile as a memory. Deletion removes the account. Handover gives limited control to someone you trust.
- Think privacy first. Some choices keep posts visible. Others close notifications.
- Write short instructions per platform so your wishes are clear.
- Note what access details or proof a family may need.
Platform specifics at a glance
| Platform | Options | What a named contact can do |
|---|---|---|
| Legacy contact, memorialise | Manage pinned posts; cannot read messages | |
| Memorialisation or removal request | May remove account with documentation | |
| X (Twitter) | Deactivation on notice | Family requests considered with proof |
| Profile memorialisation | Helps prevent business confusion |
“The simplest protection is to use built‑in settings while you are alive.”
Check each provider’s terms. Platform rules often decide the outcome. Small, clear notes now save time for a loved one later.
How to build a secure digital inventory your executor can actually use
We recommend a short, searchable inventory. It gives an executor clear steps and removes guesswork. Start small and add detail over time.
What to record for each account:
- Service name and username.
- Linked email or phone number.
- Subscription status and fees.
- Recovery methods (backup codes, security questions).
- Location of keys or wallets for crypto assets.
Password managers and digital vaults
Use a reputable password manager or vault to store passwords and sensitive data. These services let you grant controlled access without writing passwords in a will.
Where to store instructions and how often to review
Keep instructions in a separate letter of wishes, a sealed document, or a secure physical or digital vault. Do not place passwords in your will; wills can become public.
| Item | What to include | Why it helps the executor |
|---|---|---|
| User details | Username, linked email | Speeds account identification |
| Access info | Password manager location, recovery codes | Secures controlled access without sharing secrets |
| Subscriptions | Active fees, renewal dates | Stops unwanted charges quickly |
| Storage locations | Cloud folders, external drives | Prevents loss of photos and documents |
Review the inventory every 6–12 months and after major life changes. For a practical guide to creating a secure digital asset inventory and legacy plan see creating a secure digital asset inventory.
Choosing the right people: executor, digital executor and power of attorney
Choosing the right people to look after your digital life reduces confusion at a difficult time. We recommend naming a clear team in your wider estate plan and noting who will carry out your wishes.
What a digital executor does and best-practice responsibilities
An executor administers the will. A digital executor focuses on online profiles, cloud files and business pages.
- Locate the digital inventory and recovery details.
- Contact providers and follow your written wishes.
- Secure or close accounts to protect privacy and value.
When a lasting power of attorney may be needed
Problems often start before death if someone lacks capacity. A Lasting power of attorney lets an attorney act on your behalf while you are alive.
This can include managing subscriptions, accessing crucial documents, and preserving income streams in line with your wishes.
How to brief loved ones without overwhelming them
Hold a short meeting and leave a written summary of key details. Tell them who acts and what they may be asked to do.
Share only what’s necessary. Keep passwords in a secure vault and note where to find the inventory.
“Naming a digital executor is a small, sensible step that saves time and stress.”
For guidance on how to appoint a digital executor see appoint a digital executor. If your situation is complex, seek professional advice.
Conclusion
Treating online records with the same care as physical items spares families extra work later.
Digital assets now sit alongside traditional assets. Ignoring them can cause real practical and emotional problems for loved ones.
Take four simple steps: list what you have, decide what should happen to each account, use platform legacy tools, and keep the list updated. Keep passwords out of your will and use a secure vault instead.
Your photos, posts and profiles tell part of your life story. Choose how that story is handled and note it clearly. If you hold business interests, property rights, cryptocurrency or NFTs, seek professional support to protect value and ensure lawful transfer.
Act now to protect what matters and to make life easier for those you leave behind.