9 Digital Assets That Aren’t Covered in Most Wills

July 17, 2025

When you think about writing a will, you probably picture things like your house, car, or savings account. But what about your digital assets? Most people have a growing list of online accounts, files, and digital property. These things can hold real value—sometimes emotional, sometimes financial. Yet, many wills skip over them. If you don’t plan for your digital assets, your family could face headaches, lost memories, or even legal trouble. It’s easy to overlook these details, but they matter more than you think. Here’s what you need to know about digital assets that often get left out of wills.

1. Email Accounts

Email is the backbone of your online life. It’s where you get bills, reset passwords, and keep in touch with people. If you don’t include your email accounts in your will, your family might not be able to access important information. Some email providers have strict rules about who can access an account after someone dies. Without clear instructions, your loved ones could lose access to everything in your inbox. Make a list of your main email accounts and leave instructions for how to access them. This can save your family a lot of stress.

2. Social Media Profiles

Social media is more than just fun. It’s a record of your life. Photos, messages, and memories live on your Facebook, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter) accounts. If you don’t plan for these, your profiles might stay online forever, or worse, get hacked. Some platforms let you name a legacy contact or set up memorialization options. But you need to set this up before anything happens. Add your social media accounts to your digital asset list and say what you want done with them. Should they be deleted, memorialized, or passed on? Make it clear.

3. Cloud Storage and Online Drives

Think about all the files you keep in Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud. These could be family photos, tax documents, or work files. If you don’t include these in your will, your family might never see them again. Cloud storage companies have different rules about access after death. Some may delete accounts after a period of inactivity. List your cloud storage accounts and give instructions for what should happen to the files. This helps make sure nothing important gets lost.

4. Digital Photos and Videos

Most people don’t print photos anymore. Your memories are probably stored on your phone, computer, or in the cloud. If you don’t plan for these digital assets, your family could lose years of memories. Make a list of where your photos and videos are stored. Include passwords or access instructions. You might also want to back up important files to an external drive and tell someone where to find it. This way, your memories don’t disappear.

5. Cryptocurrency and Digital Wallets

Cryptocurrency is a digital asset with real value. If you own Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other coins, you need to plan for them. Without the right keys or passwords, your crypto could be lost forever. There’s no “forgot password” option for most wallets. Make sure your will includes details about your crypto holdings and how to access them. You might want to use a password manager or write down instructions and store them in a safe place.

6. Online Banking and Investment Accounts

Many people manage their money online. This includes bank accounts, investment platforms, and even PayPal or Venmo. If you don’t include these digital assets in your will, your family might not know they exist. Some accounts could go unclaimed. Make a list of your online financial accounts and how to access them. This helps your family settle your estate and avoid missing out on money you’ve saved.

7. Domain Names and Websites

If you own a website or domain name, it can have value. Maybe it’s a business, a blog, or just a personal site. Domain names can be worth money, and websites can generate income. If you don’t include these digital assets in your will, they could expire or be lost. List your domains and websites, and say what you want done with them. Should they be sold, transferred, or shut down? Make your wishes clear.

8. Digital Subscriptions and Loyalty Points

You probably have subscriptions to streaming services, news sites, or software. You might also have loyalty points with airlines, hotels, or stores. These digital assets can add up. Some points can be transferred or redeemed by your family, but only if they know about them. Make a list of your subscriptions and loyalty programs. Include account details and instructions for what to do with them. This can help your family save money or enjoy benefits you’ve earned.

9. Online Businesses and E-Commerce Accounts

If you run an online business, your digital assets could include store accounts, payment processors, and customer lists. These can be valuable and complicated to manage. If you don’t plan for them, your business could shut down or lose value. Include your online business accounts in your will. Say who should take over or how to close things down.

Planning for the Digital Age

Digital assets are part of modern life. If you don’t include them in your will, you leave your family with a mess. Take time to list your digital assets, write down access details, and say what you want done with each one. This makes things easier for your loved ones and protects your memories, money, and online presence. Planning for digital assets isn’t just smart—it’s necessary.

Have you thought about your digital assets? What steps have you taken to protect them? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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