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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/1451520
Who can Designate a Legacy Contact? OK, so now we know what a Legacy Contact is, and what they can access. But how do you designate a Legacy Contact? First, let’s start with the prerequisites. According to Apple, you can only set up a Legacy Contact if you’re old enough to create an Apple ID according to local law. In the US, that’s 13, but in Ireland, for example, it’s 16, so this will vary depending on where you live. In addition, there are some technical requirements. You have to be using an Apple device running iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, or macOS Monterey 12.1 or later. You have to be signed in with your Apple ID. And that Apple ID has to be protected by two-factor authentication. How to Designate a Legacy Contact Your Legacy Contact can be anyone you want, as long as they’re 13+. They don’t have to have an Apple ID or an Apple device. You can also have more than one Legacy Contact if you want, but keep in mind that any of your Legacy Contacts can make irreversible decisions about your data after you die (such as deleting it all). Here’s how to set up a Legacy Contact: On an iPhone or iPad 1. Go to Settings, tap your name, tap Password & Security, and then tap Legacy Contact. 2. Tap Add Legacy Contact, and authenticate again if prompted. On a Mac 1. Go to Apple menu System Preferences Apple ID. 2. Click Password & Security and then click Legacy Contact. 3. Click Add Legacy Contact, authenticating again if required. At this point, whether you’re on a Mac or a mobile device, you can designate your Legacy Contact. If you’re in a Family Sharing group, you can simply select a member of the group. Otherwise, use the Choose Someone Else option to add someone from your Contacts by phone number or email address. What Your Legacy Contact Will Need In order to access your account, your Legacy Contact will need to have an access key (more on this in a moment) as well as a copy of your death certificate. The access key is generated when you first set up a Legacy Contact. It comes as both a QR code and a long alphanumeric version. As for how to share the key, that depends on what kind of device your Legacy Contact is using. If they’re using an Apple device running iOS 15.2 or later, iPadOS 15.2 or later, or macOS Monterey 12.1 or later, you’ll be able to notify them via Messages when you add them, and they’ll automatically have a copy of the key stored in their Apple ID settings. If your Legacy Contact uses an older Apple OS, or doesn’t have an Apple device, you’ll need to find a way to get them a copy of the key. You can accomplish this in several ways: • Print out a copy of the access key and give it to them • Send them a PDF or screenshot of the page with the key • Print out and save a copy of the key with your estate planning documents (e.g. your will and other documents)