Emergency Access

Overview

Emergency Access allows you to designate trusted contacts who can request access to your vault in case of emergency. You set a waiting period, giving you time to decline the request if it’s not a real emergency.

How It Works

1. You invite a trusted contact as an emergency contact
2. They accept the invitation
3. If needed, they request emergency access
4. A waiting period begins (you set the duration)
5. If you don’t decline, they gain access after the waiting period

Setting Up Emergency Access

As the grantor (vault owner):

1. Go to Settings > Emergency Access
2. Click + Add Emergency Contact
3. Enter the contact’s email address
4. Choose access level:
   • View - Can see all vault items
   • Takeover - Can take full control of the vault
5. Set the waiting period (1-30 days)
6. Click Send Invitation

As the grantee (emergency contact):

1. You’ll receive an email invitation
2. Click the link to accept
3. You can now request access if ever needed

Access Levels

Recommendation: Use “View” access unless you need them to manage the account (e.g., closing accounts after death).

Waiting Period

The waiting period protects against misuse:

• 1 day - Quick access, less protection
• 7 days - Balanced approach
• 30 days - Maximum protection

During the waiting period:

• You receive email and in-app notifications
• You can decline the request at any time
• If you don’t respond, access is granted automatically

Managing Emergency Contacts

View your contacts:

• Go to Settings > Emergency Access

Remove a contact:

1. Find the contact in your list
2. Click Remove
3. Confirm - their access is revoked immediately

Change settings:

1. Remove the existing contact
2. Re-add them with new settings

As an Emergency Contact

Requesting access:

1. Go to Settings > Emergency Access
2. Find the person who granted you access
3. Click Request Access
4. Wait for the waiting period to expire (or for them to approve)

After access is granted:

• View access: You can see their vault items in a read-only view
• Takeover: You become the new vault owner

Use Cases

• Medical emergency - Family access to insurance info
• Death - Spouse access to close accounts
• Incapacitation - Business partner access to shared credentials
• Travel - Backup access while abroad with limited connectivity

Tips

• Choose people you trust completely
• Discuss your wishes with emergency contacts in advance
• Review emergency contacts annually
• Use longer waiting periods for “Takeover” access
• Keep your email updated so you receive notifications