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I will never forget the day my mother was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Doctors gave her only three months to live, so I made it my mission to be her most passionate advocate and fight by her side.

Against all odds, she defied the initial prognosis and was blessed with a year free of cancer. But then, cruelly and without warning, after four long years, cancer returned with a vengeance and took my wonderful mother from me on September 19, 2021.

Then I did something I had never done before: I was an executor.

Ending a person’s digital life

Your loved one’s cell phone is the key to important information. From saved passwords to two-factor authentication codes, so many services are tied to our phones.

Without access, retrieving this information can become a frustrating task. With the phone active, you can easily access accounts, manage subscriptions, and handle final bills without the added stress of having to prove your identity to various service providers.

Keep your child’s phone active for at least six months. If cost is an issue, call the provider and get the cheapest plan. Most of the time the phone will be accessible via Wi-Fi anyway.

Keep the memories

Take a deep breath and look for important things on your phone:

• Sentimental text conversations: Take a screenshot and email it to yourself, or better yet, use one of these options.
• Photos and videos: Sync them with one of your cloud accounts or send them to yourself in another way.
• Voice messages: Keep them so they last forever.
• Check the Notes app: Look for important information, instructions or personal thoughts that should be saved.

Share the passcode

Without the passcode, it’s almost impossible to access the phone. Even a simple four-digit PIN has 10,000 possible combinations, and most smartphones will lock you out after several failed attempts – or even wipe all data from the phone.

If you are caring for an elderly or terminally ill person, encourage that person to include their passcode in their will or in a document they give to the person managing their estate.

🩷 When my friend Bob died, his wife asked me to help her find the accounting files on his PC. I came across a folder labeled “For my wife.” Inside, I discovered a heartfelt letter expressing his great love for her. She didn’t know how to use a PC at all. But Bob knew I would find that letter and give it to her.

Keep your technical knowledge up to date

My popular podcast is called Kim Komando Today. It’s about 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions from all over the country, just like you!

Listen to “Kim Komando Today” on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

Sound like a tech pro, even if you’re not! Award-winning and popular host Kim Komando is your secret weapon. Listen on over 420 radio stations or get the podcast. And join over 400,000 people who receive her free, five-minute daily email newsletter.

Keywords: App, Email, Mother, Phone, Photos, Two-Factor Authentication, Videos, Warning