iOS 15.2 - Legacy Contacts
The update we have all been waiting for is finally here – The Apple Digital Legacy program! Up until now, when a loved one has passed away there was no easy way to access their iCloud account or to unlock their phone without knowing their passcode. With the new Digital Legacy program, the Apple user can assign up to 5 people the role of their Legacy Contacts. Legacy Contacts will need to prove the death by providing Apple with a Death Certificate, and then they will have access to all data and personal information stored in iCloud such as photos, and documents.
We decided to test out this new feature and set up our own Legacy Contacts. A step-by-step guide of the process is listed below for you:
Ensure that you have installed the iOS 15.2 update to access this feature.
On an iOS device, such an iPhone or iPad, go to your settings, click on your name at the top, then click Password & Security.
If you are on a Mac, go to System Preferences, then Apple ID, then click Password & Security.
Click on Legacy Contact
Click Add Legacy Contact and then follow the instructions on the screen to add your chosen contact(s). If you use Family Sharing you can select a family member on the list, or you can add someone using their email or phone number.
Notify your Legacy Contact and share the access key via Messages. If your named Legacy Contact accepts, a copy of the access key is automatically stored in their Apple ID Settings. If they choose to decline, you will receive a notification.
Note that the access key is required to get into the account when someone passes away.
You can add a Legacy Contact who is not on iOS 15.2 as well, but they will not be able to store the access key in their Apple ID Settings. Ensure that you provide them with the access key another way.
With many social media platforms offering legacy options for pre-planning, it’s about time that Apple has released this feature as it’s been anxiously awaited! Thankfully, the set up was much easier than expected. There’s no better time than now to set up your Legacy Contact to ensure that your loved ones can get into your devices when the time comes.
This blog is not intended to be legal advice and should not be relied on as such. If you require legal advice, please contact a legal professional concerning your particular circumstances.