How can my Beneficiary access my LegacyApp notes without my PIN, fingerprint or password?
Your Recipient never needs your phone, PIN or password
LegacyApp is built so the people you choose can reach your notes without any of your device secrets. Here's how it works, step by step.
In short
Your Recipient (we call them "Beneficiary" in the app) never needs your phone, PIN or password. You choose their email and set an Encryption Key with a hint. If you stop responding to check-ins (and, if you use Trusted Friends, once one of them confirms), they get an email, install the app, log in with that email, enter the key using your hint, and can read - but not change - your notes.
How your Recipient gets access, step by step
1
You choose your Recipient
When you set up LegacyApp, you enter your chosen Recipient's email address. That's how we'll reach them when the time comes.
2
You back up and create an Encryption Key
During onboarding you back up your notes to your own Google or Apple cloud (do this regularly, especially after adding notes). You create an Encryption Key of at least 8 characters, including one capital letter and one special character.
3
You set a hint for the key
You can add a hint that will be shown to your Recipient (or to you, if you ever restore on a new device). Write it so your Recipient can work the key out - for example: "The jeweler where I bought your engagement ring + name of your first cat + @ (symbol). All capitalised, no spaces."
4
Access is triggered
If you stop responding to LegacyApp's "Are you OK?" notifications, we start the Secure Access Procedure. If you use Trusted Friends, it begins as soon as one Trusted Friend confirms that something has happened. Your Recipient then gets an email letting them know you'd stored notes for them.
5
Your Recipient logs in
The email guides them to download LegacyApp. They install it and log in with the same email address that received the notification. LegacyApp automatically recognises them and continues the secure process.
6
They enter the key and get access
Your Recipient sees the hint you set and enters the Encryption Key. LegacyApp locates your encrypted backup in your cloud, downloads it, and decrypts your notes in the app. They can view your notes - but not edit or delete them.
Important: It's your responsibility to make sure your Recipient can work out the Encryption Key from your hint. If they can't, your notes stay encrypted and can't be accessed - so write a hint only they would understand, and keep it solvable.