Accounts · Action Guide

Decide whether Mom or Dad should add an Apple Legacy Contact

10 minFreeDo this with: Mom or Dad

Short answer · G025

For an Apple user who wants someone trusted to be able to request eligible account data after death, Apple’s Legacy Contact is the official mechanism. Set it up only with Mom or Dad’s clear choice and keep the access key appropriately.

Do this now

Explain what a Legacy Contact can and cannot access before changing anything.

Let Mom or Dad choose the person; do not choose on their behalf.

Use Apple Account settings to add the Legacy Contact and follow Apple’s current instructions for sharing the access key.

Make sure the chosen person understands that Apple also requires documentation when access is eventually requested.

Don’t do this

Do not store the Legacy Contact access key inside Next Time Home.
Do not assume Legacy Contact gives someone access while Mom or Dad is alive.
Do not treat it as access to Keychain passwords, passkeys, payment information, or all purchased media; Apple excludes categories of data.

Official sources

Apple — How to add a Legacy Contact for your Apple Account ↗

Last reviewed: September 23, 2026

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