I can add my spouse as a legacy contact. The text message is sent to her but it is not saving the key on her phone. We are both on iPhone 14 with iOS 16. I have hers saved but it won’t save for her on her phone. So odd.
iPhone 13 Pro
Thanks for posting in the Apple Support Communities Numadel,
The following section from the article you linked here from, on the subject of sharing access keys with your Legacy Contact, may help:
Share the access key with your Legacy Contact
The access key is extremely important—your Legacy Contact must have both the access key and your death certificate to request access after you pass away. Then they'll need the access key again to set up a legacy contact Apple ID and access your data.
• If your Legacy Contact is using a device with iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, or macOS Monterey 12.1 or later, you can notify them via Messages when you add them, and if they accept, they automatically store a copy of the access key in their Apple ID settings. You’ll receive a notification if they decline your Legacy Contact request, and you can choose someone else.
• If your Legacy Contact is using an Apple device with older software, you can ask them to update to iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, or macOS Monterey 12.1. Then you can use the Send a Message option to allow them to receive and store the access key on their device. Or you can print out and give them a copy of the access key.
• If you add someone who doesn’t have an Apple device or can't access Legacy Contact settings on their device, you'll need to give them a physical copy of the access key. You can print a copy of the access key and give it to them, send them a PDF or screenshot of the page, or save a copy with your estate planning documents.
Note: If you use Send a Message to share the access key, it's a good idea to confirm that your Legacy Contact received it. However you share the access key, you may also want to print and save a copy of their access key with your estate planning documents.
How to add a Legacy Contact for your Apple ID
Cheers!
Numadel,
From here, you can try setting up the contact again. If she's still not able to accept the request, you'll want to reach out to Apple directly for further help: Get Support
Take care.
We are both using the latest iOS 16.1.1 however when the text message is sent my spouse is not prompted to accept and it does not save for her.
• If your Legacy Contact is using a device with iOS 15.2, iPadOS 15.2, or macOS Monterey 12.1 or later, you can notify them via Messages when you add them, and if they accept, they automatically store a copy of the access key in their Apple ID settings. You’ll receive a notification if they decline your Legacy Contact request, and you can choose someone else.
Problems with legacy contact key not saving
