What Happens to Your Password Manager Account Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Urgency
Critical — master key to all accounts
Recovery
Depends on the specific provider
Encryption
Most use zero-knowledge encryption
Step-by-Step Guide
Identify the password manager
Determine which password manager is being used. Check browser extensions, phone apps, and computer applications.
Find the master password and emergency kit
Search physical locations for the master password, emergency kit, or recovery key. These should be stored in a safe, sealed envelope, or with an attorney.
Check for emergency access contacts
Many password managers allow designating emergency access contacts. Check if this feature was set up with a trusted person.
Contact the provider with death certificate
Reach out to the password manager's support team with a death certificate. Most cannot decrypt vaults but may assist with account-level access.
Document Now Checklist
- Password manager name
- Emergency access set up (yes/no)
- Emergency kit location
- Master password location (physical only — NEVER digital)
- Recovery key location
Save this to your vault
When you document your accounts in Passed Plan, your family gets a personalized action plan — with only the guides that apply to them, in the right order, with your notes attached.
Start your vault — free for 30 daysLast verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with Password Manager Account. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Related Guides
What is 2FA?
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is the single biggest barrier families face when accessing accounts after death. If 2FA is enabled on an account and nobody has the authenticator device or backup codes, the account may be permanently inaccessible.
Google Authenticator
Open Google Authenticator → tap your profile icon → turn on sync. This backs up your 2FA codes to your Google account so they survive phone loss.
Authy
Settings → Devices → Allow multi-device. This lets you add Authy to multiple phones or tablets. If multi-device is off and the phone is lost, recovery is extremely difficult.
Protect your Password Manager Account account — and all your others
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