TL;DR: A Meta legacy contact can retrieve your Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger data, but they cannot post, comment, or access your private messages. RUFADAA §4 lets an executor request access if the legacy contact fails. Set one up this weekend in 30 minutes. Learn more about legacy contacts on other platforms.
What a Meta Legacy Contact Can Actually Do
A Meta legacy contact (formerly Facebook Legacy Contact) can view your profile, see your posts, and download a copy of your data, including photos, posts, and messages. They can also request that your account be permanently deleted if you choose. They cannot, however, log in to your account, post on your behalf, or access your private messages unless you explicitly grant them that permission. RUFADAA §4 allows an executor to request access to the account if the legacy contact is unable or unwilling to do so.
Meta’s policy: a legacy contact can retrieve profile data and request deletion, but cannot post, comment, or read private messages. RUFADAA §4 permits an executor to request account access if the legacy contact fails.
The Four Things a Meta Legacy Contact CANNOT Do
Post or comment on your behalf. The legacy contact is not a proxy user; they cannot create new content or engage with others.
Read private messages or view your chat history. Only the account owner or an authorized executor can access these.
Change account settings such as password, email, or security questions. The legacy contact has no administrative privileges.
Delete the account without your explicit instruction. They can request deletion, but you must authorize it.
Meta’s legacy contact limitations: no posting, no private message access, no account changes, and no deletion without owner approval.
Common Misconceptions About Legacy Contacts
Many people think that designating a legacy contact is the same as giving them a master password. TikTok “5 things every adult must do” and LinkedIn financial influencers often oversimplify this. In reality, a legacy contact is a limited, read‑only role that does not grant full control. The myth that “the will handles it” is also wrong; a will does not override Meta’s policy or RUFADAA.
Misconception: Legacy contacts equal full access. Reality: They have read‑only rights and cannot post or change settings.
Weekend Action: Set Up a Meta Legacy Contact in 30 Minutes
Open the Meta app on your phone or go to facebook.com/settings?tab=privacy on a desktop.
Navigate to “Privacy Settings” and click “Legacy Contact.”
Enter the email address of the person you trust (e.g., your spouse or adult child). Confirm with the verification code sent to their inbox.
Choose the level of access: “View profile and posts” or “Request deletion.” Do not select “Full account access.”
Save changes and send a confirmation email to the legacy contact so they know they have been designated.
Write a short note on your phone: “I’ve set a legacy contact. If you need to access my data, let me know.” Tape it on the fridge.
By doing this, you reduce an 8‑month post‑death headache to a 2‑hour one. Do the next one next weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my spouse access my Gmail if I die?
No. Gmail does not allow a legacy contact to log in or read messages. The only access is to a limited set of account recovery options, and even those are restricted by Google’s policies.
Does RUFADAA apply in my state?
RUFADAA (Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act) applies in Oregon and 28 other states. It lets an executor request access to digital accounts, but only if the account owner has not set a legacy contact or if the legacy contact cannot access the account.
What is Apple Digital Legacy?
Apple Digital Legacy is a feature that lets you designate trusted contacts who can access certain data on your Apple devices after you die. It works only for Apple services and does not give full device control.
What happens if my legacy contact refuses to help?
Under RUFADAA §4, you can petition the court for access. The executor can request the court to compel the legacy contact or to grant the executor direct access.
Can a legacy contact delete my Meta account?
Only with your explicit instruction. The legacy contact can request deletion, but you must authorize it through the account settings.
