Digital legacy planning makes things easier for the people who may need to manage your accounts later. This page outlines how to organize your digital accounts and set out instructions for how they should be handled.
What is a digital legacy plan?
Your digital legacy includes all the online accounts, digital files, and personal information you leave behind – for example, email, social media, cloud storage, subscriptions, online shopping, and photo libraries.
The average internet user has approximately 100 online accounts. Planning ahead helps ensure all of yours are closed, preserved, or transferred according to your wishes.
Choosing a digital executor
A digital executor is the person responsible for managing your digital accounts after your death. Their role may include closing accounts, preserving files, downloading important documents, and managing social media profiles.
Before naming someone, speak with them to make sure they feel comfortable taking on the role. Some people choose the same person who serves as their Power of Attorney or executor. Learn more about choosing a Power of Attorney or executor .
Creating a list of your digital accounts
You'll need a list or spreadsheet of your digital accounts so your digital executor knows what exists and what may need attention. List the most important accounts first.
Accounts to include
- email services
- banking and financial platforms
- government accounts (such as Canada Revenue Agency)
- social media accounts
- communication apps
- transportation apps (car sharing, parking, public transit)
- print subscriptions (magazines, newspapers)
- loyalty programs
- online shopping accounts
- streaming and content subscriptions
- insurance (health, home, car)
- cloud or photo storage
- digital wallets or cryptocurrency
- utilities (land line, cell phone, cable, internet)
- municipal accounts (taxes, water, residential waste, library)
- accounts billed by mail
- your mobile phone access code (for two-step authentication)
Details to include
- the website and login URL for each account
- the email address associated with each account
- whether you use third party authentication
- whether it’s a paid account or has automatic payments
- who else may have access
- what you would like done with each account, such as:
- posting a memorial message
- deleting the account (immediately, or after a memorial)
- ending subscriptions
- archiving messages, files or photos
- transferring or closing online stores, domain names and websites
Managing access and security
Downsize your digital footprint
As you create your digital legacy document, consider unsubscribing and cancelling accounts you no longer want.
Store passwords separately
Store access instructions for each account – including usernames, passwords, and PINs – separately from your digital legacy document.
Use a password manager
Password managers securely store account credentials and allow trusted people to access them if needed. If you don’t already use one, consider signing up. Make sure your digital executor knows how to access it.
Storing your document securely
Decide how to store your list so it is secure and accessible only to your digital executor.
For digital documents
- give the document a clear and logical name
- store it as a password-protected file or in encrypted storage
- use a unique password that you do not use anywhere else
- do not store the password in the same place as the document
- give the password to your digital executor in a different way, such as a sealed envelope, a note in a secure location, or through your lawyer or executor
For printed documents
- store the document in a secure location such as a locked cabinet, box or safe
- make sure your digital executor knows where the document is and how to access it
- if you created the document digitally before printing it, delete the file or protect it with a strong password so the information is not left unsecured
Asking for help
For many people, organizing a digital legacy is a practical way to begin the broader process of planning ahead and caring for the people who may one day manage these details.
If this feels overwhelming, consider starting the process by asking someone to be your digital executor and request they help you get started.
Digital Legacy Planning Checklist
Make a list of your digital accounts and the key details for each
Note what you want done with each account (delete, memorialize, download, or transfer access)
Decide where your digital legacy plan will be stored (print or secure digital file)
Keep your plan in a safe location, and store login details separately or use a password manager
Choose a digital executor and talk to them about the role
Let your executor know where to find your plan and review it regularly