Digital Assets Estate Planning: UK Step-by-Step Checklist

When someone dies, their online life doesn’t pause. Photos sit in clouds, bank and crypto accounts are locked behind two‑factor codes, subscriptions keep charging, and social profiles linger. Without a plan, families face lost value, privacy risks, and extra admin on top of grief.

The fix is a clear digital estate plan: an inventory, instructions, secure access details, and the right people authorised to act. Done well, it protects assets, preserves memories, and reduces stress.

This guide offers a UK‑specific checklist: what counts as a digital asset, including social media and email, prioritising your footprint, recording credentials and crypto keys safely, what to put in your will and LPA, legacy tools, and steps for executors.

Step 1. Understand what counts as a digital asset in the UK

For digital assets estate planning, think broadly. Digital assets include: sentimental records (emails, photos, videos, cloud files); digital rights (copyrights, domains, blogs, subscriptions, email accounts); and assets with monetary value (online banking and investment accounts, e‑money wallets, cryptocurrency/NFTs, loyalty points). Your devices (phones, laptops, hardware wallets) are gateways and may hold data themselves. Remember: access and transfer are shaped by UK law and each platform’s terms.

Step 2. Map your digital footprint with a master inventory

Create one up‑to‑date inventory to see everything at a glance. List personal and financial accounts and files across email, social media, cloud storage, online banking/investments, cryptocurrency wallets, subscriptions, domains/websites, loyalty schemes and e‑money. Flag what exists now; you’ll capture passwords, keys and recovery details securely in Step 5.

• Asset/account & URL/app: e.g. Gmail, Facebook, iCloud/Dropbox, online bank, crypto wallet, domain.
• Category: digital record, property right, or property interest (financial).
• Owner ID: name and email used to register.
• Identifier: username/account number.
• Status & value: active/paid; sentimental/financial notes.
• 2FA present (Y/N) & recovery contact: note only, no codes here.
  
  

Step 3. Prioritise assets by value, sensitivity and risk

Not all assets matter equally. Score each one 1–3 for financial value, sensitivity, and operational risk. This keeps your digital assets estate planning focused on what’s critical and tells your executor what needs attention first.

• Financial value: online banking, investments, crypto/NFTs, valuable domains; consider for estate valuation.
• Sensitivity/privacy: email, cloud storage, messaging, photo libraries; high harm if breached.
• Operational risk: auto-renewals, 2FA dependencies, single‑device access that could lock funds or data.
• Access fragility: crypto private keys/recovery phrases, hardware wallets; loss is often irreversible.
  
  

Step 4. Decide the outcome for each asset: keep, transfer, delete or memorialise

Decide what should happen to each entry in your inventory. Choose one outcome—keep, transfer, delete or memorialise—and name who should act. Check platform terms: Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn allow memorialisation; X deactivates on notification. For assets with monetary value, state transfer or closure in line with your will.

• Keep/preserve: email/cloud for records; schedule closure later.
• Transfer: revenue sites, domains, loyalty points, exchanges; nominate beneficiary.
• Delete: dormant accounts/subscriptions; stop auto‑renewals first.
• Memorialise: specify profiles and who will request it.
  
  

Step 5. Capture access details securely (usernames, passcodes, 2FA, recovery codes)

Now turn your inventory into something actionable by creating a secure credentials pack. Keep it separate from the main list and avoid plain text. For each account or wallet, record exactly how access is obtained, including two‑factor details and recovery routes. Prioritise the email account(s) and phone number that control password resets, and remember that crypto needs its private keys or recovery phrases to be included for any transfer to work.

• Login identifier: username and registration email.
• Password location: entry name in your password manager (not the password itself, if possible).
• Device passcodes: phone, laptop, hardware keys; note biometrics fallback.
• 2FA details: method used (app/SMS/key) and backup/recovery codes.
• Recovery contacts: secondary email, trusted phone, security questions in use.
• Crypto specifics: wallet type, addresses, private keys/seed phrase, any passphrases/PINs.
• Master accounts noted: Apple ID/iCloud and Google Account that gate photos, backups and apps.
  
  

Step 6. Choose where to store credentials and keys safely

Your credentials pack only works if it’s secure, findable and up to date. Pick one primary “single source of truth” and limit duplicates. Keep it separate from your will, but reference its existence there so your executor knows where to look. For crypto, offline storage is essential and someone you trust must know how to access it.

• Password manager: Use a reputable manager (e.g. Apple Keychain, Dashlane, LastPass). Document the master password and recovery route, and where these are stored.
• Offline encrypted bundle: Store an encrypted file on a USB/external drive with a printed backup of critical items (2FA backup codes, recovery phrases). Keep in a safe place.
• Paper pack in a safe place: A sealed, dated envelope in a home safe, bank safe deposit box, or held by your solicitor. Note location and access process in your inventory.
• Crypto specifics: Use a cold wallet where appropriate; store private keys/seed phrases offline (never in cloud/email). Keep any hardware wallet, PINs and instructions together.
• Redundancy and versioning: Maintain one current version and one sealed backup in a second location. Date each version and destroy superseded copies.
  
  

Step 7. Enable built-in legacy tools for key platforms

As part of your digital assets estate planning, switch on any legacy or memorialisation settings that let you pre‑authorise actions after death. This keeps loved ones within platform terms and avoids delays. Do your most important accounts first, then note what you’ve set in your inventory.

• Use memorialisation tools: Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn offer memorialise options.
• Nominate a contact: Set who can manage tributes or request closure.
• Have proofs ready: Executors will usually need ID and a death certificate.
• Know exceptions: X (Twitter) deactivates on notification, not memorialisation.
• Record choices: Log contacts and settings alongside each account.
  
  

Step 8. Appoint a digital executor and brief your main executor

As part of your digital assets estate planning, appoint a tech‑savvy “digital executor” to organise online accounts and data. This isn’t a distinct legal role everywhere; your named executors still hold authority, but this person can act for them. Brief your main executor so they know what exists, where the credentials pack is, and how to use platform memorial/closure routes.

• Choose wisely: same person as executor or a trusted specialist.
• Hand over the “how”: inventory, retrieval steps, and who holds the sealed pack.
• Crypto ready: ensure the estate’s handler has private keys/seed phrases, securely.
  
  

Step 9. Put clear directions in your will (and keep passwords out of it)

Use your will to set direction; keep access details elsewhere. Authorise executors to deal with digital assets and communications, state outcomes for key categories, and point to your separate inventory and credentials pack. Never put passwords, 2FA codes or crypto keys in the will.

• Authorise powers: access, management, transfer and closure/memorialisation in line with platform terms.
• Name a digital executor: to support your appointed executors.
• Set outcomes: for value‑bearing assets (banking, investments, crypto, domains, loyalty).
• Signpost documents: say where the latest inventory and secure credentials pack are held.
  
  

Step 10. Set up a lasting power of attorney covering digital access on incapacity

A will only helps after death; if you lose capacity, someone must be able to manage your online life. Create a UK Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Financial Affairs and make clear you expect your attorneys to deal with digital assets and accounts (within platform terms). Keep any passwords and keys in your separate credentials pack, not inside the LPA document.

• State the scope: include online banking/investments, subscriptions, utilities, domains, cloud data, devices and 2FA methods.
• Choose capable attorneys: appoint a tech‑confident primary and at least one replacement.
• Give a guidance letter: point to your inventory and where the sealed credentials pack is held (no passwords in the LPA).
• Plan device access: document phone/computer passcodes and recovery routes so attorneys can receive resets/2FA.
• File and signpost: store the registered LPA safely (e.g., with your solicitor) and record its location in your inventory.
  
  

Step 11. Plan specifically for cryptocurrency and other digital finance

Crypto and related digital finance need their own plan because access is all‑or‑nothing. In digital assets estate planning, treat cryptocurrency, NFTs and exchange accounts as high‑priority: your executor can only realise them if they have private keys, recovery phrases and 2FA routes, stored offline, know where any hardware wallets are kept, and your will authorises management, transfer or sale in line with platform terms.

• List wallets and exchanges: wallet type (custodial/non‑custodial), coins/tokens, public addresses.
• Record keys securely: seed phrases/private keys, any passphrases/PINs, hardware wallet location.
• Cover 2FA: authenticator app or hardware key in use, plus printed backup codes.
• State your intention: hold, transfer to a named beneficiary, or sell to the estate.
• Note valuation method: how to snapshot balances for probate and refresh figures later.
  
  

Step 12. Document online money accounts, balances and loyalty points

List every place money can sit online. This includes online banking and investment platforms, e‑money wallets (e.g., PayPal, Wise), marketplace seller balances, exchange credits, gift card balances, and loyalty schemes. These values may form part of the estate, so make them easy to find, value and redeem or close.

• Provider and ID: platform name, account/member number, registered email.
• Access route: where credentials and 2FA details are stored (see Step 5).
• Balance snapshot: amount and date; note how to evidence for probate (statement/screenshot).
• Actions: withdraw/transfer, close, or retain for a beneficiary.
• Rules and fees: payout limits, closure steps, charges, and timing.
• Loyalty points: scheme, balance, expiry/transfer rules, and who should redeem.
  
  

Step 13. Include devices, backups and security hardware in your plan

In digital assets estate planning, devices and security hardware are often the keys to your estate. Phones, laptops and tablets hold data and authenticator apps; cloud and external backups hold copies; SIMs receive codes; hardware wallets and security keys protect value. Treat them as assets to catalogue and control.

• List devices: passcodes and locations.
• Backups: note cloud/external and encryption passwords.
• 2FA/SIM custody: record who controls and handover.
• Security hardware: wallets/keys, PINs and spares.
  
  

Step 14. Cover business, creator and domain assets

If you own a website, blog or domain, sell online, or earn from creator channels, include them in your digital assets estate planning. These combine intellectual property and contractual rights and may generate income. Decide to continue, transfer, sell or close, and ensure access to registrars, hosting, CMS, ad networks and payout dashboards.

• Domains and websites: registrar, DNS, hosting, SSL, CMS logins.
• Monetisation accounts: ad networks, affiliate schemes, marketplaces; payout methods and tax.
• IP and content: copyrights, licences, brand assets; who inherits and permitted use.
  
  

Step 15. Audit and manage subscriptions, auto-renewals and cloud storage

Recurring services can drain funds and lock away data if they lapse. As part of your digital assets estate planning, review the inventory for streaming, software, domains, backups and cloud storage tied to key email addresses. Decide what to keep, transfer or cancel; export important files before closure; and note renewal dates so executors avoid unwanted charges and accidental data loss.

• Cancel or pause: end non‑essential auto‑renewals with the provider.
• Export and archive: download cloud data; record where archives are stored.
• Transfer where possible: move ownership/seats; otherwise schedule orderly closure.
  
  

Step 16. Protect privacy and stay within UK law and platform terms

Protecting privacy while enabling access is essential. Stay within UK law and platform terms by using formal authority and provider routes, not ad‑hoc logins. Executors should prove status, act minimally, and store sensitive credentials offline and encrypted.

• Authorise properly: include powers in your will/LPA and use provider processes with ID/proof.
• Use platform tools: prefer memorial/legacy options; avoid password sharing that breaches terms.
• Secure storage: keep credentials and crypto keys offline and encrypted; never in email/cloud.
• Data minimisation: export only what’s needed, then close/delete; securely wipe devices and keep a brief audit trail.
  
  

Step 17. Keep your digital estate plan up to date

A digital estate plan only works if it’s current. Review it after life events and on a regular cadence, as new accounts, password changes and device upgrades can break access. Date each version, store it securely, destroy superseded copies, and tell your executors what changed.

• Quarterly check: add/remove accounts, update 2FA.
• Annual review: inventory, outcomes, executors, storage.
• Version control: date, change log, retire backup codes.
  
  

Step 18. If you’re dealing with a death now: quick-start checklist for executors

If you’re acting now, stabilise the digital estate first to prevent lockouts, data loss and unwanted charges. Work within provider terms and be ready to show proof of death and your authority (will, ID, and grant of probate when available). Keep a clear record of every action.

• Secure the keys: safeguard devices, SIMs and email accounts; don’t guess passwords.
• Gather proofs: will, death certificate copies, your ID; note account identifiers.
• Snapshot the footprint: list banking, investments, e‑money, crypto, cloud, social, subscriptions.
• Preserve 2FA routes: keep the phone number and primary email active.
• Notify providers: contact bereavement teams to freeze, value and guide next steps.
• Stop bleed: cancel auto‑renewals; back up vital cloud data before closure.
• Social profiles: request memorialisation/closure (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn; X deactivates on notice).
• Crypto: secure seed/keys and hardware; follow exchange processes if custodial.
• Log everything: dates, balances, contacts, reference numbers for probate.
  
  

Step 19. Where to get professional help and trusted UK resources

You don’t have to do this alone. For digital assets estate planning that’s compliant and practical, use UK professionals and official provider routes. Choose regulated advisers with probate and wills expertise. Keep ID and a death certificate handy—bereavement teams usually need both before acting.

• Private client solicitor/will writer: will wording, digital clauses, LPAs.
• Probate/estate specialists: executor support, valuations, bereavement processes.
• Regulated financial adviser: account mapping, beneficiary planning.
• Trusted IT support and platform bereavement teams; official GOV.UK/Citizens Advice guidance.
  
  

Final checks and next steps

You now have a workable digital estate plan. Make it stick by keeping it current, accessible to the right people and properly authorised. Tell your executors where the inventory and credentials pack are stored, keep sensitive details offline and encrypted, and use platform bereavement and legacy routes rather than informal logins.

• Date the plan, name the latest version, and retire older copies.
• Confirm your will/LPA reference the plan (but contain no passwords).
• Set a recurring review and after major life events.

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