What happens to online accounts when someone dies in the UK?

Online accounts owned by a deceased person form part of their digital estate. Social media platforms have memorialisation or removal processes. Financial accounts require executor documentation.

Can executors access email accounts after death?

Accessing someone's email without authorisation may be illegal under the Computer Misuse Act. Most providers have a formal deceased user process.

What happens to cryptocurrency when someone dies?

Cryptocurrency can only be accessed with the private keys or seed phrase. Without these, the funds are permanently inaccessible.

Digital Estate UK

A digital estate includes all online accounts, digital assets, and subscriptions owned by someone who has died. Managing these is increasingly important as more of our lives move online.

What is a digital estate

Email accounts (Gmail, Outlook, etc.)
Social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, LinkedIn)
Banking and investment apps
Digital subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime)
Cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox)
Cryptocurrency and digital assets
Online shopping accounts with stored payment details

Why it matters

Billions of pounds are held in unclaimed digital assets. Cryptocurrency without documented access keys is lost forever. Subscriptions continue charging until cancelled. Identity theft can occur if accounts are left open.

Social media accounts

Facebook: Can be memorialised or deleted – requires proof of death
Google: Inactive Account Manager lets users pre-set what happens
Apple: Digital Legacy contacts can access data after death
Instagram/Twitter: Can request removal with death certificate

Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency presents a unique challenge. Without the private keys or seed phrase, funds cannot be accessed by anyone – including executors. If the deceased used an exchange, contact their support team with probate documentation. Self-custody wallets require the seed phrase to be recorded somewhere the executor can find it.

How SafeKept helps

SafeKept allows vault owners to store digital asset information securely – including cryptocurrency details, password hints, and recovery information. This ensures executors can access what they need when the time comes.