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 no cloud sync by default - database file stored locally on your computer, master password and key file (if used) both required for access, and database file location may be unknown to family members. 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
Offline password storage, encrypted database file, no cloud sync (by default), portable USB storage
Account Types
Free (no accounts - it's a desktop application), no subscription, no cloud service
Data Types
Login credentials stored in encrypted .kdbx database file, key files, master password, portable database on USB drives
Access Challenges
- NO cloud sync by default - database file stored locally on your computer
- Master password AND key file (if used) both required for access
- Database file location may be unknown to family members
- No built-in emergency access or account recovery features
- Offline nature means no automatic inheritance features exist
- Multiple database copies may exist across devices (sync confusion)
- Family needs KeePass software + database file + master password + key file
Inheritance Guidance
Step 1: Document Database File Location
KeePass stores passwords in a local .kdbx file on your computer. Your family must find this file to access your passwords. Location is critical for inheritance.
Step 2: Secure Master Password and Key File
KeePass requires master password AND key file (if configured) for access. Both must be stored securely for inheritance. Losing either makes database permanently inaccessible.
Step 3: Create Redundant Database Backups
KeePass has no cloud recovery. If database file is deleted or corrupted, passwords are lost forever. Create multiple secure backups for inheritance.
Step 4: Provide KeePass Software Access Instructions
Your family needs KeePass software to open your database. Software is free but must be downloaded and installed. Provide clear instructions.
Step 5: Document Cloud Sync Setup (If Used)
If you sync KeePass database via Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive, your family needs access to that cloud account to retrieve the database file.
Related Resources
1Password Vault Handoff
Compare KeePass's offline approach to 1Password's cloud-based Emergency Kit
Bitwarden Legacy Planning
Explore Bitwarden's emergency access feature vs KeePass's manual offline inheritance
2FA Recovery Codes Legacy
Secure 2FA backup codes stored in KeePass database for account recovery
How It Works
Learn how DeathNote automates digital legacy delivery including offline password databases
Crypto Wallet Legacy
Secure seed phrases and private keys stored in KeePass offline database
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my family access my KeePass database if they don't know where it's stored?
No. KeePass stores passwords in a local encrypted file on your computer or cloud storage. If your family doesn't know where the .kdbx database file is located, they cannot access it even with the master password. You must document the exact file location in your estate planning documents. Common locations: Desktop, Documents folder, Dropbox, OneDrive, or USB drive stored in safe.
What happens if I lose my KeePass master password or key file?
Your KeePass database becomes permanently inaccessible. KeePass has NO password recovery feature - this is intentional for security. If you lose the master password or key file, there is no way to recover your passwords. This makes secure storage critical for inheritance: Write master password on paper, store key file on USB drive, keep both in fireproof safe or with attorney.
Does KeePass have cloud sync or emergency access features?
No. KeePass is an offline password manager with no built-in cloud features or emergency access. You can manually sync the database file using Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive, but you must set this up yourself. For emergency access, you must manually provide family members with: KeePass software, database file location, master password, and key file (if used). If automated emergency access is important, consider LastPass or Bitwarden instead.
Should I store my KeePass database in cloud storage for inheritance?
Yes, with caveats. Storing the encrypted database in Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive provides redundancy and easier access for your family. The database file is encrypted, so cloud storage is safe. However, this creates two inheritance points: Your family needs access to your cloud account AND your KeePass master password. Document both in estate planning. Also keep a USB backup in a safe as offline backup.