What Happens to Your npm / PyPI / Package Registries Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Dependents
May break if unmaintained
Unpublishing
Breaks downstream projects
Step-by-Step Guide
Transfer maintainership
Add a co-maintainer on npm (npm owner add), PyPI (add maintainer in settings), or your registry. This is the most important action.
Do not unpublish popular packages
Unpublishing breaks every project that depends on yours. Transfer ownership instead.
Contact registry support
npm: npmjs.com/support, PyPI: pypi.org for account transfer.
Document Now Checklist
- npm/PyPI/RubyGems usernames
- List all published packages
- Note download counts (popular packages need succession plans)
- Note any paid packages
Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with npm / PyPI / Package Registries. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Related Guides
GitHub
GitHub has no formal memorialization process. Private repos become permanently inaccessible without account credentials. Add a trusted contact as org owner for any organizations you manage.
Vercel
Add a trusted person to your Vercel team with Admin role. This ensures deployments continue.
Netlify
Add a trusted person to your Netlify team. Team → Members → Invite.
Protect your npm / PyPI / Package Registries account — and all your others
Document your digital life in a zero-knowledge encrypted vault. 1,800+ platform guides. Dead Man's Switch. Everything your family needs.
Start your free trial →