Let your family get your photos and files after you die

Why it happens

Your iCloud data is locked to your Apple Account, so without a plan your family may not be able to get to it. A Legacy Contact is someone you choose who can ask Apple for access after you die. Apple checks their access key and a death certificate before it opens anything.

How to fix it

1. Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings, and click your name at the top of the sidebar. Then click Sign-In & Security.

2. Click Legacy Contact. You may need to enter your Mac password or your Apple Account password.

   Apple Account›Sign-In & Security›Legacy Contact

3. Click Add Legacy Contact and follow the steps. Choose someone from your family or pick anyone from your contacts. You can add more than one person.

4. When asked, choose how to share the access key. You can send it in Messages, or print a copy to keep with your will or important papers.

5. Tell the person what this is and where the key is. They don't need an Apple device, but they will need the key.

Still not fixed?

1. No Legacy Contact option, or it won't let you add someone? Your Apple Account needs two-factor authentication turned on, and your Mac should be up to date. Check for updates in Software Update.

   General›Software Update

2. To change your mind, open Legacy Contact again, click the person's name and remove them. Their old key then stops working, and you can add someone new.

3. Want a way back into your account while you're alive, for example if you forget your password? That's a Recovery Contact, which is set up on the same page and is separate.

   Apple Account›Sign-In & Security›Recovery Contacts

4. For your Legacy Contact later on: they ask Apple through Apple's Digital Legacy page, using the key and the death certificate. If they get stuck, or there is no Legacy Contact and the family needs help, contact Apple Support.