Legacy contact - full access to app data?

I’ve set up a legacy contact for a trusted person (and am familiar with what content is included and how Apple then grants access to the device) but I’m curious about the app data included in the iCloud backup that is also part of what’s made available.

Does this mean that 3rd party social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram and other messaging services etc would be restored as they were and also be fully accessible? Effectively the trusted person has full access to my phone as it was before I died?

What if a 3rd party app, like Facebook Messenger, was locked by FaceID - can that also be accessed by a legacy contact? I’m assuming that apps that had their own independent passcode (not FaceID) would not be accessible however?

iPhone 12 Pro

Posted on Apr 11, 2023 10:42 PM

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1 reply

MrHoffman

Level 10

161,017 points

Apr 11, 2023 11:11 PM in response to expatbob

Adding a Legacy Contact is the easiest, most secure way to give someone you trust access to the data stored in your Apple account after your death. The data may include photos, messages, notes, files, apps you've downloaded, device backups, and more. Certain information, like movies, music, books, or subscriptions you purchased with your Apple ID, and data stored in your Keychain—like payment information, passwords, and passkeys—can’t be accessed by your Legacy Contact.

Face ID, Touch ID, and iCloud Keychain passwords are not included.

Face ID and Touch ID are shortcuts for passwords, but are not and cannot replace passwords.

If there are local passwords stored in a backup, those are available once the backup is restored.

iCloud Keychain passwords, not.

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Legacy contact - full access to app data?