If someone named you
Someone made sure you could get in.
If you’re reading this, a person who cared about you used DeadSwitch so you would have access to information they wanted you to have. This page is the short version. There is a full guide if you want it.
What you received
An email with the name of the person who named you, a message they may have written, a unique access code, and steps. This email is real. It is not a scam. If you’re unsure, look for that person’s name.
What you’ll need
The USB drive, or the link in your email. If they used a Cloud Vault, the link is enough and you do not need a drive.
If they gave you a printed card: you need the card and the code in the email. Either one alone will not open it. That is on purpose.
If they did not give you a card: the code in the email is enough.
If you have the USB
- Plug it into a Windows, macOS, or Linux computer. Open the drive. Double-click the DeadSwitch app for that system. Nothing installs.
- Choose Unlock as Beneficiary. Do not try the person’s master password.
- Enter the access code from the email. If you have an emergency card, enter that secret too. Codes are case-sensitive. Copy-paste the email code if you can.
- You will see only what was assigned to you. Other people may have been given different items. That is by design. It is read-only. Video and audio play in the app; take your time. On the drive there is no rush and no expiry. You can come back.
If you have a link instead
- Open the link in the email. It works once and expires 30 days after it was sent. Save what you need when you open it.
- Enter the email code, and the card secret if you were given a card.
- Read-only. Assigned items only.
Five wrong codes lock access permanently. Copy-paste instead of guessing.
If something isn’t working
Can’t find the drive or the card? Check with family, a safe, a lawyer, important papers. Then write to us. We will walk you through it.
support@dead-switch.com — a person answers.
If you are the one setting this up, start with the USB Vault.