DeadSwitch

Guide for Beneficiaries

If You’re Reading This

Someone who cared about you used DeadSwitch to make sure you’d have access to their important information. This guide walks you through what happens next.

What to Expect

If the person who set up DeadSwitch has passed away or become incapacitated, you will receive an email from the DeadSwitch system. This email contains:

  • The name of the person who designated you
  • A personal message they may have written for you
  • A unique decryption key (a long string of characters)
  • Step-by-step instructions

The email is real. It is not spam or a phishing attempt. The person who set this up chose to include you specifically.

What You’ll Need

  1. The USB drive — This is a physical USB device the person should have given you or told you about. It may also be in a location mentioned in the email or on your emergency card.

  2. Your emergency card — A printed card with your name and a secret code. The person who set up DeadSwitch should have given this to you (or told you where to find it).

  3. The email you received — Contains your decryption key.

How to Access the Vault

Step 1: Insert the USB Drive

Plug the DeadSwitch USB into any computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux). The app should open automatically. If it doesn’t, navigate to the USB drive in your file explorer and double-click the DeadSwitch application.

Step 2: Select Beneficiary Mode

The app will show an option to unlock as a beneficiary. Select this option.

Step 3: Enter Your Codes

You will be prompted to enter:

  • The access code from the email you received
  • The secret code from your emergency card

Enter both codes carefully. They are case-sensitive.

Step 4: View Your Items

Once unlocked, you will see only the items that were specifically assigned to you. This might include:

  • Passwords and login credentials
  • Financial account information
  • Cryptocurrency wallet details
  • Important documents
  • Insurance policy information
  • Medical records
  • Legal documents
  • Personal messages, including video or audio recordings

Important Notes

  • You can only see items assigned to you. Other beneficiaries may have access to different items.
  • The vault is read-only. You cannot modify, add, or delete any items.
  • Video and audio messages can be played directly in the app. These are personal recordings the person made for you.
  • Take your time. There is no rush and no expiration. The USB drive will work whenever you’re ready.

If Something Doesn’t Work

  • Make sure you’re entering the codes exactly as they appear (including capitalization)
  • Try a different computer — the USB works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • If the USB drive appears to be damaged, contact us at support@deadswitch.com

About DeadSwitch

DeadSwitch is a digital estate planning tool that helps people ensure their important information reaches the right people at the right time. All data is encrypted and stored on the physical USB drive — not in the cloud.

If you have questions about how DeadSwitch works, visit our How It Works page.