# Plan for your digital photos after death Ensure your loved ones can access your digital memories. - **Source:** [Popular Science](https://brifing.si/source/cc3d313a-759c-4802-b881-fc8585f35ef9) - **Published:** 2026-07-26 - **Topic:** [Career Growth](https://brifing.si/c/growth) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/f164ac88-94fe-4330-ad75-84b1052d7c51 ## The importance of digital legacy Today, personal belongings consist more of digital content than physical objects. Thousands of photos, videos, and messages stored on smartphones raise the question of what happens after a person's death. Research shows that 75% of Gen Z is thinking about this issue. As terabytes of digital memories replace traditional photo albums, planning is needed to preserve and pass on this content. Taking steps to prevent digital legacy from being lost or becoming inaccessible is crucial. ## What is a Legacy Contact? Platforms like Apple, Google, and Facebook offer a 'Legacy Contact' feature to provide access to accounts after a user's death. This feature allows designated individuals to receive an access key. A death certificate must be uploaded for access. On Apple, the legacy contact has three years to request access to files. Google's 'Inactive Account Manager' can be set for 3 to 18 months. These systems make it easier to protect digital assets. ## Appointing a Digital Executor A Digital Executor can be appointed by adding them to a last will. Services like Everplans make it easy to create this role, which carries more active responsibilities than a Legacy Contact. A Digital Executor can archive personal files, delete specific files, or wipe entire hard drives. They can also close online accounts and transfer income-generating platforms to heirs. This person plays a critical role in organizing and preserving digital legacy. Appointing a Digital Executor simplifies the management of complex digital assets. ## Backups and physical copies Regular backups are essential for preserving digital legacy. Precious photos and data can be stored on an external hard drive. Additionally, creating printed copies of meaningful photos or curated photo books for special events can be beneficial. Memories like vacations, graduations, or special summers can be preserved in physical albums. These methods ensure memories remain safe if a phone is lost or damaged. Physical copies enhance the permanence of digital content. ## Platform policies Different platforms have varying policies for digital legacy management. On Apple, a Legacy Contact must request access within three years. Google allows users to set a period between 3 and 18 months. Facebook's legacy contact feature can turn an account into a memorialized account. The options offered by these platforms vary based on user needs. Understanding policies and taking appropriate steps is critical for preserving digital legacy. Keeping up with platform updates is also important. ## The legal aspect of digital legacy Managing digital legacy also has legal implications. In many countries, digital assets must be addressed under inheritance laws. Appointing a Digital Executor simplifies this process. However, platforms' terms of service and privacy policies must also be considered. In some cases, a court order may be required. When planning digital legacy, local laws and platform policies should be taken into account. Legal consultation can be beneficial in complex situations. ## Digital detox and legacy Digital legacy planning also offers an opportunity for digital detox. Users can decide which content they want to preserve. Deleting or organizing unnecessary files can make digital legacy more meaningful. This process also helps manage one's personal digital footprint. Digital detox is important not only for current life but also for future legacy. Selecting meaningful content can make things easier for loved ones. ## The emotional value of digital legacy Digital photos and memories hold priceless value for loved ones. Preserving this content ensures it is passed on to future generations. Digital legacy planning is not just a practical step but also an emotional responsibility. Preventing memories from being lost helps preserve family history. Managing digital legacy can ease the grieving process for loved ones. Therefore, it is important not to delay digital legacy planning and to take necessary steps now. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.popsci.com/diy/digital-photos-after-death/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._