Guide
What happens to your online accounts, photos and crypto when you die?
Much of what we own now lives online. If you do not plan for it, your family could be locked out of your photos, your accounts and even money you hold in cryptocurrency.
Last reviewed 2 November 2026. General information, not legal advice. All guides
Open Monday to Friday 9 to 6, Saturday 9 to 12
What counts as a digital asset
- Things with money value. Cryptocurrency, online payment balances, domain names and online businesses.
- Things with sentimental value. Photos, videos, messages and social media accounts.
- Accounts and subscriptions. Email, cloud storage, streaming and shopping accounts.
Why it is a problem
Your executors deal with your estate, but they have no automatic right to log in to your accounts. Many providers’ terms say an account cannot be transferred or shared, and some will only act on a court order. Cryptocurrency is the biggest risk: without the keys or recovery details, it can be lost for good.
What to do
- Make a list of your accounts and what should happen to each. Keep it up to date.
- Do not put passwords in your will. A will becomes public after probate. Use a password manager and tell your executors how to reach it, perhaps through a letter of wishes.
- Use the providers’ own tools. Some let you name a legacy contact or set what happens to an inactive account.
- Name a person you trust to deal with your digital estate and tell them.
- Mention valuable digital assets in your will, including cryptocurrency, so they are not missed.
Quick answers
Common questions
Can my executor access my email and social media?
Not automatically. It depends on the provider’s terms. Some have a process for deceased users, others need a court order, so plan ahead.
Should I put my passwords in my will?
No. A will becomes a public document after probate. Record where your passwords are kept and give your executor access some other way.
What happens to my cryptocurrency?
It forms part of your estate and passes under your will, but your executors can only deal with it if they can reach it. Without the keys or recovery phrase it may be lost.
Keep reading
Related guides
Are wills public documents, and where should you store yours?
What becomes public after probate and where to keep the original.
What is a letter of wishes, and do you need one?
A private note that guides your executors and trustees.
What does an executor actually do?
The main jobs, how long they take and the responsibility involved.
Talk to us
Want to talk it through?
Add your details and we will call you back, or call us directly on 01332 215 151. The first consultation is free.
01332 215 151Opening hours
| Monday | 9:00am to 6:00pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:00am to 6:00pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00am to 6:00pm |
| Thursday | 9:00am to 6:00pm |
| Friday | 9:00am to 6:00pm |
| Saturday | 9:00am to 12:00pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
1st Floor, 1 St James Court
Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1BT