UK guide to closing or memorialising a deceased person's Google, Apple, Microsoft, social media, subscription and PayPal accounts safely.
This guide is part of ProbateHelp's Notifications guide cluster. Estimated reading time: 11 min.
This guide explains how executors and family members can deal with a deceased person's email, subscriptions, cloud storage and other online accounts, including closing, memorialising or preserving important records.
It sits in the digital-assets cluster with device access, social media, junk mail, bank notifications and asset tracing, helping families reduce fraud risk and keep a clear action record.
Do not assume that knowing a password gives you authority to use an account. Provider terms and the Computer Misuse Act 1990 can still matter. Preserve the device and use the provider's deceased-user, legacy-contact or estate process instead.
Tell the provider exactly what is needed and why, and supply the evidence its official process requests. Google may consider a request for data but does not guarantee disclosure. Microsoft says it will only consider releasing personal email or OneDrive information after formal legal process. Take legal advice before seeking a court order.
No. An executor's duty to identify and administer estate assets does not create a universal right to sign in or obtain private communications. The outcome depends on the asset, the provider's terms, any legacy setting, the evidence available and, in some cases, a court order or other legal document.
Google may delete an inactive personal account after at least two years, subject to its current policy and exceptions. A nominated Google Inactive Account Manager contact may receive selected data. An Apple Legacy Contact can request access to eligible iCloud data using the access key and death certificate, but cannot access Keychain passwords, passkeys or purchased media.
Do not rely on a transfer or refund. Ask the provider to cancel the account or subscription through its official support route, and ask whether any refund is due under the contract. Also review the payment card or bank account so recurring charges are identified without making an unauthorised login.
A domain name or website may have financial value and may form part of the estate, depending on the registration and contract. Contact the registrar or host before renewal expires. Record income, costs and any transfer or sale in the estate accounts and obtain specialist advice where a business is involved.