Dear friends,
Password managers and security tools are designed to be impenetrable fortresses, protecting your most sensitive information with military-grade encryption. This creates a paradox in legacy planning: the very security measures that protect you in life can permanently lock out your loved ones after death unless you plan appropriately.
Your password manager likely contains credentials for dozens or hundreds of accounts, including financial institutions, email accounts, and critical services. Without access to this vault, your family may be unable to manage your digital estate, access important accounts, or even complete basic administrative tasks after your death.
Critical challenges include recovery codes are one-time use only - disappear after use, lost recovery codes = permanent account lockout if 2fa device lost, and many users never save recovery codes during setup. These security layers protect against unauthorized access but can also prevent legitimate access by authorized family members and estate executors.
DeathNote helps you securely document master passwords, recovery keys, 2FA backup codes, and hardware security device PINs. You can provide step-by-step instructions for accessing your password vault while ensuring this information remains encrypted and protected until properly verified death triggers delivery to your designated contacts.
Consider creating a layered access plan: emergency contacts who can access critical accounts immediately, trusted executors who receive full vault access, and detailed documentation of what's stored where. This planning ensures security during life while enabling access when needed.
Platform Overview
Primary Use
Account security via two-factor authentication, backup access when primary 2FA method unavailable
Account Types
Feature available on most platforms: Google, Microsoft, Apple, banking, social media, crypto exchanges
Data Types
Recovery codes (8-16 digits each), backup codes, one-time use codes, SMS backup numbers, authenticator app seeds
Access Challenges
- Recovery codes are ONE-TIME use only - disappear after use
- Lost recovery codes = permanent account lockout if 2FA device lost
- Many users never save recovery codes during setup
- Recovery codes stored in random locations (screenshots, notes apps, email)
- Account lockout occurs if user dies with 2FA enabled and no recovery codes stored
- SMS 2FA backup requires access to deceased's phone number
- Authenticator apps on deceased's phone require device PIN/password
Inheritance Guidance
Step 1: Identify All Accounts with 2FA Enabled
2FA-enabled accounts are the #1 cause of permanent lockout after death. Create inventory of every account using two-factor authentication.
Step 2: Download and Store All Recovery Codes
Recovery codes are your ONLY backup if 2FA device is lost or you're deceased. Must be downloaded during initial 2FA setup or from security settings.
Step 3: Centralize Recovery Codes in Password Manager
Recovery codes scattered across devices create inheritance nightmare. Centralize ALL recovery codes in one secure location accessible to your executor.
Step 4: Plan Authenticator App Access
Authenticator apps (Google Authenticator, Authy, Microsoft Authenticator) on your phone die with you unless backed up. Plan access method.
Step 5: Document 2FA Bypass Procedures
Some platforms offer account recovery without 2FA (ID verification, support tickets). Document these procedures for your executor.
Related Resources
Google Authenticator Transfer
Specific guidance for transferring Google Authenticator codes to family after death
Hardware Security Key Handoff
Transfer physical security keys (YubiKey, Titan Key) for 2FA account access
1Password Vault Handoff
Secure recovery codes stored in 1Password for inheritance planning
iPhone Legacy Contact
Apple's Legacy Contact feature for accessing 2FA-protected iCloud after death
How It Works
Learn how DeathNote automates digital legacy delivery including 2FA recovery codes
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my family doesn't have my 2FA recovery codes when I die?
They may be permanently locked out of your 2FA-protected accounts. Recovery codes are the ONLY backup if they don't have your phone, hardware key, or authenticator app. Most platforms (Google, Apple, banks) will not disable 2FA even with a death certificate - they require recovery codes or the physical 2FA device. This is why storing recovery codes in your password manager or estate documents is critical.
Can I use SMS text messages as my 2FA backup for inheritance?
SMS 2FA is the LEAST secure method but the MOST inheritance-friendly. If you die, your executor can access your phone (with PIN/password) and receive SMS codes. However, SMS is vulnerable to SIM swapping attacks. Better approach: Use authenticator app as primary 2FA, enable SMS as backup, and store recovery codes in password manager. This provides security during life and multiple access paths after death.
Should I store my 2FA recovery codes in the same password manager as my passwords?
Yes, despite the 'all eggs in one basket' concern. If your password manager vault is compromised while you're alive, you have bigger problems than 2FA. For inheritance, centralization is critical - your family needs ONE place to access everything. Store passwords + recovery codes in the same password manager, secure the master password properly, and use emergency access features (LastPass/Bitwarden) or Emergency Kit (1Password).
What's the best 2FA method for inheritance planning?
Authenticator app (Authy or Microsoft Authenticator) with cloud backup + recovery codes stored in password manager. This balances security and accessibility. Avoid: SMS-only (insecure), hardware keys alone (physical device required), Google Authenticator without export (no backup). Best practice: Use password manager's built-in TOTP feature (1Password, Bitwarden) so 2FA codes and passwords are stored together for inheritance.