As An Apple Legacy Contact
Being a Legacy Contact is the most secure way for someone to give you access to the data stored in their Apple Account after their death. In a previous TGM post, we reviewed How To Set Up a Legacy Apple Account. In this post, we will review what you need to do if you are the Legacy Contact and the person who made you the LC passes away.
Apple Legacy Contact – How Do You Get Access
A key requirement to getting access is having the access key that was created when the Legacy Contact was assigned. For those with an iCloud account that was used when setting up the LC, the access key information should be found on your Apple account.
- If your access key is saved in your Apple Account settings on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac
- Go to Settings, then click on your name (top left)
- Click on Sign-In & Security, then click where it says Legacy Contact
- You will see the person listed that you are the LC for. You can access the Access Key there and also start the access request.
When you request access, you will be given instructions and prompted to upload the death certificate.
- If you received the access code via an email/text message/or printed, you can visit Apple’s Digital Legacy page.
- Sign in to your Apple Account.
If you don’t have an Apple Account, there is an option that says “I don’t have an Apple Account” that you can click on that will give you an alternative way to provide the access key and your contact information.
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- Under either option, follow the instructions on the website to verify your identity, enter your access key, and upload the death certificate.
What To Know Once Request Is Made/Access Granted
Once the request has been filed, Apple will send an email confirming that the request has been made. Once the request has been reviewed and verified, the LC will be notified with access details or if more information is required.
The LC will be able to access most of the data via iCloud. For items that require end-to-end encrypted data, like health data, voice memos, and contacts, access to the loved one’s device would be the easiest way to access that information. When access is approved, Apple will remove the activation lock from the loved one’s device.
Lastly, the LC access is temporary. Access is granted for 3 years by Apple, from when the request is first approved.
Final Thought
When you set up a Legacy Contact or if you are the selected LC, make sure you protect the Access Key information. That is the key to being able to access a lost loved one’s iCloud data.
Source:
- Apple – Requesting Access As A Legacy Contact
- Apple – Digital Legacy Sign-In
