This letter is a gift for your family during a very hard time. It explains what to do, in plain words. This how-to is part of our guide to crypto inheritance and recovery. It works alongside a general digital legacy plan.
What to include
1. A plain summary
Write as you would to someone who knows nothing about crypto. Tell them not to rush, and not to tell anyone.
2. What exists
| Item | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bitcoin | Hardware wallet | Device in a known place |
| Ethereum | Software wallet | On a phone |
| Exchange account | Named company | Handled by executor |
3. Where things are
Describe locations in a way that your family can follow: "The device is in the home safe. The backup is with [person]." Keep each item's location separate, if your setup calls for that.
4. How the pieces fit together
- "You will need the words, and the device or a new device."
- If you use a passphrase, explain that one exists, and where it can be found.
- If you use Shamir or multisig, explain how many pieces are needed.
- If you stored only the first four letters of each word, say so.
5. Who can help
Name one or two trusted people, a lawyer and an accountant. Note what each one knows.
6. Safety rules
Copy these into your letter:
- Nobody genuine will ever ask you for the words.
- Do not type the words into any website.
- Do not trust people who contact you.
- Do not post about this online.
- Take your time. Nothing is urgent.
- Send a small test amount first.
7. Links to guides
Point them to our guides on inheriting crypto and restoring a wallet.
A short template
To my family. I hold some cryptocurrency. It is real money, and this letter explains how to reach it. There are no passwords here. Please take your time, and do not tell anyone or post about it. Nobody from any company will need the secret words, and anyone who asks for them is a thief.
What I hold: ...
Where the device is: ...
Where the backup is: ...
Who can help: ...
With love, ...
Where to keep it
Keep it with your will or other important papers, separate from your backup. Tell your executor that it exists, then update it once a year. See crypto in a will.