The vault is stored locally on your device. Only the vault file and vault password can unlock it. Local Legacy Vault cannot recover your password and cannot access vault contents. A trusted person can be a family member, executor, or another person you choose. This article explains how to ensure a trusted person can open your vault when you are no longer able to—and how to store your password offline with secure measures in place.
Important note: Executor Mode records activity and related actions, but it does not unlock the vault.
Steps so others can access your vault when the time comes
1 Open Family Guide → Access
In the app sidebar, open Family Guide, then open Access. This is where you edit Where to find the vault, how to access the computer if needed, and step-by-step instructions. The Executor Guide does not replace this—access instructions are edited here only. Access is not granted automatically by the app.
2 Preview, print, or download the guides
The Family Guide and Executor Guide reflect information you save in your vault. Open Settings, go to the Tools tab, choose Family Guide or Executor Guide, then use Preview, Print, or Download PDF. These outputs do not contain your vault password.
3 Share materials and protect your vault password
Share printed or PDF guides with your trusted person when you choose. Add people under Important Contacts and use Executor in the sidebar for executor-focused workflows. Create and store your Vault Recovery File under Settings → Security (Protection and Recovery). Store your vault password or hint in a secure physical place only your trusted person can access when the time comes (see below). Tell them where the vault file is, where the guides and Vault Recovery File are, and where you stored your password. You can include this in your will, a letter with your attorney, or a simple "In case of emergency" note.
Storing your vault password offline safely
Never email your vault password or store it in plain text on the internet. Use one or more of these secure options so your executor or family can access it when they need it:
Home safe or lockbox
- Write your password or hint on paper and place it in a home safe or lockbox.
- Tell your executor or a trusted family member where the key or combination is—for example in your will or in a sealed letter held by your attorney.
Bank safe deposit box
- Store a sealed envelope with your password or hint in a safe deposit box.
- Add your executor or a trusted person as a co-signer, or leave clear instructions in your will so they can access the box when the time comes.
Sealed envelope with attorney or executor
- Give your attorney or executor a sealed envelope to be opened only when needed.
- Reference it in your will or estate plan so the right person knows it exists.
Password manager with legacy access
- Some password managers offer emergency or legacy access (e.g., a designated beneficiary who can request access after a waiting period).
- If you store your vault password there, ensure your executor knows which service and how to use the legacy feature.
Tip: Keep printed or PDF guides and your Vault Recovery File in a different location from your vault password. That way your trusted person has the "how to open the app" instructions in one place and the "what to type" (password/hint) in another—both secure and both accessible when the time comes.
Important: We have no way to recover or reset your vault password. Plan ahead and store it somewhere your family or executor can find it when they need it. Without it, the vault cannot be opened.