Add an Apple Legacy Contact
Choose someone now who can request certain Apple Account data after your death. Add them in your Apple Account settings, then share the access key. This does not give them your passwords.
- 5 steps
- Official sources
- Checked October 15, 2026
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Open your Apple Account settings
On your iPhone or iPad, open Settings and tap your name. Use your own device and account. Open Apple's instructions alongside this guide if the screen looks different.
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Find Legacy Contact
Tap Sign-In & Security, then Legacy Contact. Read the choices on your screen before continuing. If the option is missing, check Apple's device and software requirements on its instructions page.
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Add someone you trust
Tap Add Legacy Contact and follow Apple's prompts. Choose the person yourself. Talk with them about the photos and files you would want them to keep for your family.
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Share the access key
Use the sharing option Apple offers, or print a copy. Keep the key with your important papers. Do not put passwords, passcodes or the access key into a public checklist.
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Confirm where the key is
Ask the person you chose to find their copy of the key. Explain that this is preparation for a later request. Their ability to find the key is the thing to check today.
Good to know
Does this share my passwords?
No. Apple says a Legacy Contact cannot access passwords or passkeys in your iCloud Keychain. Make a separate plan for emergency access through your password manager.
Does this give access while I am alive?
Legacy Contact is for an access request after your death. For help while you are alive, ask Apple about the options for your situation.
Helping your mom or dad with this?
Let them choose the person and use their own account. Sit beside them if they want help reading the instructions. Ask them where they want to keep the key.
Will this include every Apple purchase?
No. Apple excludes purchased movies, music, books and subscriptions, as well as iCloud Keychain data. Read Apple's access limits before choosing your arrangements.
What we checked
| Fact | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| On an iPhone or iPad, Legacy Contact is under Sign-In & Security in your Apple Account settings. | Apple | Oct 15, 2026 |
| Apple requires the access key and documentation of your death before a Legacy Contact can request access. | Apple | Oct 15, 2026 |
| A Legacy Contact cannot access passwords or passkeys stored in your iCloud Keychain. | Apple | Oct 15, 2026 |
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Something wrong here? Tell us.