Learn / What Happens to Your iPhone When You Die
An iPhone locked with Face ID or a passcode is essentially a sealed vault. When someone dies, their iPhone often contains irreplaceable photos, messages, and contacts — but without the passcode or Apple ID credentials, family members cannot get in.
Apple has a Legacy Contact program that allows designated people to request access to an Apple ID after death. Without a Legacy Contact set up, family members must go through a formal legal process with Apple — which requires a court order.
Set up an Apple Legacy Contact in your iPhone settings. Store your iPhone passcode and Apple ID credentials in a secure vault. Make sure your family knows your iCloud account — it controls backups, photos, and Find My.
iPhones often contain the only copies of family photos, the 2FA authenticator app used for every other account, and contact information that family members need immediately.
Put this into practice
Documenting your iPhone passcode, Apple ID, and iCloud credentials in a vault means your family doesn't need a court order to access your photos and contacts.
Create your free vault →