Learn / How to Give Someone Access to Your Email Account

How to Give Someone Access to Your Email Account

Your email account is the master key to your digital life. Giving a trusted person access — whether for emergencies, travel, or estate planning — requires more than just sharing your password. You need to think about 2FA, recovery codes, and what happens if they need to act without you.

Steps to take

1
Document your login credentials

Write down your email address, password, and any backup email or phone number associated with the account.

2
Record your 2FA method

If you use an authenticator app, note which one and how to access it. If you use SMS, note which phone number receives the codes. Without this, your password alone won't get anyone in.

3
Save your recovery codes

Most email providers give you one-time recovery codes when you set up 2FA. Store these — they're the backup when the primary 2FA method isn't available.

4
Write access instructions

Note any unusual login steps, security questions, or verification steps your provider might require.

5
Store everything securely

Don't leave this information in an unprotected document. Use an encrypted vault that only the right people can access.

Put this into practice

A vault entry for your email — with credentials, 2FA method, and recovery codes — gives your designated person everything they need to get in without calling your provider.

Create your free vault →

Related guides

→ What Happens to Your Gmail Account When You Die → Digital Estate Planning Checklist for Parents → How to Give Someone Access to Your Bank Account