What happens to your photos and crypto when you're gone?
Two parts of your digital life are the ones families lose most often: your photos — a lifetime of memories — and your crypto, which can vanish forever if no one has the keys. Here's how to make sure neither is lost.
Your photos: locked in the cloud
Most of our photos live in iCloud or Google Photos, behind a password your family doesn't have. Without access, a lifetime of memories can be locked away or deleted after inactivity. The fix is free and takes minutes: set Apple's Digital Legacy and Google's Inactive Account Manager, and keep a backup somewhere your family can reach.
Your crypto: the unforgiving one
- If no one has your seed phrase or private keys, your crypto is gone — permanently. There's no 'forgot password,' no support line, no recovery.
- Never write your seed phrase in your will — wills can become public in probate.
- Store the recovery info securely (a hardware wallet, a sealed backup) and make sure one trusted person knows it exists and where to find it.
- Leave clear instructions on which exchanges and wallets you use.
How the law sees this
In the U.S., access is governed by RUFADAA — the platform 'online tools' you set win over everything else. In Mexico, your digital legacy can be named in a will. Either way, the platforms won't help your family unless you set it up first.
Where FamiliaLista fits
FamiliaLista doesn't store your passwords or your seed phrase — it stores where to find them and how to reach each account, plus your wishes for your photos and accounts, and delivers that to the people you choose. It's the map that turns 'lost forever' into 'they knew exactly what to do.'
Your life's operations manual, ready in an afternoon
FamiliaLista stores your instructions, messages, and access — and delivers them to your people only if you're ever gone or unreachable. Via WhatsApp and email, in English and Spanish.
Start free →Familia plan from $79/year · Your family, ready. No matter what.
Frequently asked questions
Can my family recover my crypto without the keys?
No. If the seed phrase and keys are lost, the crypto is unrecoverable. That's why leaving secure access instructions matters so much.
How do I make sure my photos aren't lost?
Set Apple Digital Legacy and Google Inactive Account Manager, keep a backup, and write down where everything lives.
Should I put passwords or seed phrases in FamiliaLista?
No — FamiliaLista is built to hold where to find them, not the secrets themselves. Store the actual keys securely and point your trusted person to them.
Is this legal advice?
No — general information. For wills, trusts, and crypto estate questions, consult a licensed attorney.
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What happens to your bank, digital, and business accounts if you die without instructions — and how to spare your family.How to leave instructions for your family (no lawyers needed)
Leave your family the essentials: accounts, payments, contacts, and wishes — organized and delivered only when needed.See all guides →
All 18 guides to get your family ready, in one place.