How can my family access my Google Inactive Account Manager account after I die?

The process typically involves contacting Google Inactive Account Manager with a death certificate and proof of relationship. Our step-by-step guide walks you through the exact procedure.

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What Happens to Your Google Inactive Account Manager Account When You Die

Critical — do this today10 minutes

Google Inactive Account Manager automatically shares your account data with designated people after a period of inactivity. Without it, your family must submit a formal request and wait weeks.

Quick Facts

Without it

Submit form + wait weeks

With it

Auto-shares after inactivity

Time to set up

10 minutes

Step-by-Step Guide

Go to Google Inactive Account Manager

Visit myaccount.google.com → Data & Privacy → Make a plan for your digital legacy.

Go to page

Set your inactivity period

Choose how long Google should wait before considering you inactive: 3, 6, 12, or 18 months.

Add trusted contacts

Add up to 10 people who will be notified and can download your data after the inactivity period.

Choose what to share

Select which Google services to share: Gmail, Drive, Photos, YouTube, etc. You can give different access to different people.

Document Now Checklist

Set up Inactive Account Manager: myaccount.google.com → Data & Privacy → Make a plan for your account
Note your Google account email address
Note if Google Photos is your primary photo storage
List important Drive folders or shared drives

Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with Google Inactive Account Manager. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Related Guides

Apple Legacy Contact

Without Apple Legacy Contact set up BEFORE death, your family needs a court order to access iCloud. Court orders take months and cost thousands. Set this up today.

Facebook Legacy Contact

Settings & Privacy → Settings → General → Memorialization Settings.

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