Digital Inheritance how to assign a successor on an iPhone or mac?

Recently, reported that Apple is testing the Digital Legacy feature. In other words, after a user dies, a trusted person can access

Digital Inheritance how to assign a successor on an iPhone or mac?

Recently, reported that Apple is testing the Digital Legacy feature. In other words, after a user dies, a trusted person can access their iCloud account and other files. These files include photos, messages, notes, files, downloaded applications, device backups, and more. However, the heir cannot access certain information, such as movies, music, books, or subscriptions purchased with an Apple ID, or data stored in a keychain, such as payment information and passwords.

As we delve deeper into the digital world, this practice is gradually becoming commonplace. For example, you can already bequeath your Facebook page. So, if you decide to use the Digital Legacy feature, here are the instructions.

Note. You do not need to have an Apple ID or Apple device to be eligible to inherit, but you must be over 13 (at least 14 or 16 in some countries) to request access to your account after the death of its owner. .

How to use the Digital Heritage feature?

  1. First, upgrade your iPhone to iOS 15.2 (list of changes) or iPad to iPadOS 15.2. MacOS requires Monterey version 12.1 (change list).
  2. Go to "Settings" -> click on the section where your name is indicated.
  3. Select "Password and Security".
  4. You need the "Heir" section.
  5. Then click on "+" -> "Choose an heir" -> will be verified by Face ID
  6. You can choose a person (one) from the list provided (family access) or choose from contacts.
  7. Click "Next" -> "Continue".
  8. You need to choose how to distribute the access key with which the heir will be able to access your data -> send a message to iMessage or print and put with other important documents.
  9. If the message -> offers ready-made text with a message about the situation, but you can edit it.
  10. After sending the message, the access key will be automatically saved in the settings of the heir's account.
  11. Follow the instructions on the smartphone screen to print the access key.
  12. When it's time to use this key, you'll need to go to this site and follow the instructions.

Importantly:

  • If your heir is using a device with iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2 or macOS Monterey 12.1 or later, you can notify him that you have added it via the "Messages" program. If this person accepts your request, a copy of the passkey will be automatically saved in their Apple ID settings. If she declines the request to add as an heir, you will be notified and will be able to select someone else.
  • If your heir is using an Apple device with an older version of the software, you can still notify him through the Messages app. He will be prompted to update his software to keep the access key. You can see from your device if it has saved the key, and if necessary, resend the key.
  • If you're adding a person who doesn't have an Apple device or can't access the heir from their device, you'll need to provide them with a physical copy of the passkey. You can send her a printed copy of the passkey, send a PDF file or a screenshot of the page, or save a copy with inherited property distribution documents.
  • Regardless of how you pass on the access key to your heir, in any case it will be advisable to keep a printed copy together with the documents on the distribution of inherited property.

How to delete an heir?

There are different situations in life and it may happen that you want to change the heir. To do this, you need:

  1. On iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings -> [your name] -> Password & Security.
  2. On a Mac -> "System Preferences", then click "Apple ID" and select "Password and Security".
  3. In the heir settings section, select a contact name to see other options.
  4. Click Delete Contact to delete it from the heirs. This person will not be notified of your decision, but your name will no longer appear on their successor list if they have an Apple device with this setting. The access key you gave her when you added her heirs will no longer work.