Top Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Digital Will

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Avoid common pitfalls when creating a digital will. Learn what to include, what to avoid, and how to protect your digital legacy effectively.

Ignoring the Existence of Digital Assets

Many people don’t even realize how many digital assets they own. These include everything from your Facebook profile to cloud-stored photos, Netflix accounts, crypto holdings, and even game inventories.

If it’s online and has personal or monetary value - it’s a digital asset. A good first step is listing everything.

Using Vague or Incomplete Instructions

Digital assets need clear handling instructions. Telling someone “my crypto is in Binance” is not enough. You need to include precise steps - account access details, 2FA backups, and transfer wishes.

Being too general can lead to delays, disputes, or permanent loss of access.

Not Naming the Right Beneficiaries

Naming a tech-savvy family member might make more sense than choosing someone unfamiliar with digital platforms. The right beneficiary should understand the importance and mechanics of digital inheritance.

Checklist for choosing a digital asset beneficiary:

Trustworthy

Technologically literate

Legally able to act on your behalf

Comfortable handling sensitive data

Failing to Update the Digital Will Regularly

Your digital footprint grows over time. That YouTube channel you started in 2020? It might be valuable now. A will written five years ago won’t reflect today’s online presence.

Regularly review and update your digital will every 6 to 12 months or after major life or asset changes.

Storing Access Details Insecurely

One of the biggest mistakes is writing down passwords or recovery codes in plain text. If they fall into the wrong hands, your digital life is compromised.

Use encrypted password managers or trusted digital will platforms like Cipherwill, which provide multi-layered encryption and access control.

Overlooking Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Recovery

Many accounts are locked behind 2FA, often linked to a mobile app or number. If your beneficiaries don’t have access to that second factor, even knowing your login won’t help.

Ensure you leave 2FA recovery options, backup codes, or instructions on how to regain access.

Forgetting Subscription-Based Assets

Think beyond just banking and crypto. Consider recurring payments - Netflix, Adobe, Spotify, premium domains. Without cancellation or reassignment, they can rack up costs posthumously.

Create a list of subscriptions and what should happen to each one.

Useful categories to list subscriptions under:

Entertainment

Business tools

Cloud storage

Domains & web hosting

Design/software licenses

Not Covering Intellectual Property Rights

If you’re a content creator, writer, designer, or developer, your digital IP - blog posts, apps, photos - needs handling. Digital copyright, royalties, and licensing rights should be clearly addressed.

Failing to do so can lead to confusion or disputes about ownership.

Writing a Will but Not Telling Anyone

Your will is useless if no one knows it exists or can’t access it. Too many digital wills are buried in email inboxes or stored locally on hard drives with no instructions.

Use platforms like Cipherwill that notify and hand over information automatically when certain conditions are met, such as inactivity or verified passing.

Assuming One Will Covers It All

A traditional will and a digital will serve different purposes. Legal wills often don’t include sufficient detail about digital accounts. Mixing them can lead to oversights.

Use a dedicated digital will for your online and technological legacy. It simplifies execution and reduces legal confusion.

Skipping Legal & Technical Advice

Sometimes a DIY approach can backfire. For complex digital portfolios - like monetized websites or international crypto holdings - it's wise to consult a legal or cybersecurity expert.

A professional can help you structure instructions that hold up legally and practically.

Believing You’re “Too Young” to Need One

This one’s common - and dangerous. Accidents don’t check your age. If you’re online, you have digital assets. From teenagers with gaming accounts to entrepreneurs running online stores, everyone needs a plan.

It’s about responsibility, not age.

Relatable Questions & Answers

1. What are digital assets in a will?

Digital assets include emails, social media, cloud storage, crypto, and online subscriptions.

2. Do I need legal help for a digital will?

Not always, but it helps if your assets are complex or spread across countries.

3. What if I don’t trust anyone with my passwords?

Use encrypted platforms like Cipherwill that release data only after you're gone.

4. Can I include YouTube or Instagram in a digital will?

Yes. Mention login details and what should happen to the content.

5. What happens if I forget to update my digital will?

Outdated wills can leave out new assets, making them hard to recover.

6. Should I include passwords in the will?

No - store them securely and point to where they’re kept.

7. Is a digital will legally valid?

In many countries, yes - especially if structured well and paired with traditional wills.

8. How can I store recovery codes securely?

Use password managers or services that support secure, encrypted storage.

9. Can I upload files and media in my digital will?

Yes, many platforms let you upload documents, videos, and more.

10. Can one person access all my digital assets?

Only if you authorize them and provide the correct access methods and instructions.

Final Tip:

A digital will isn't just for the tech elite. It’s a gift to your loved ones - saving them the stress of figuring out your online life when you’re not around. With platforms like Cipherwill, you can manage everything securely, in one place, with peace of mind.

References:

10 Common Mistakes People Make When Writing a Will

Top Mistakes To Avoid When Writing Your Will