6 Surprising Tips to Level Up Your Digital Privacy During Divorce
Once you’ve made the decision to divorce, the next crucial step is digitally disentangling yourself from your spouse. In today’s connected world, privacy isn’t just important — it’s often a make-or-break factor in divorce. From the start, it’s essential to know that your online safety, personal information, and peace of mind are fully protected.
Digital privacy is about more than changing your passwords — though this is still an important place to start! From shared photo albums to smart home devices, hidden privacy risks can show up in surprising places. Use these tips to tighten your digital security and take back full control of your online life.
[Free Download: Get our Digital Privacy in Divorce Checklist!]
1. Audit Shared Accounts You Forgot About
From streaming services to Amazon Prime to shared note-taking apps, many couples unknowingly stay connected through “harmless” platforms. These accounts can still store personal info, track purchases, or reveal your location. Go through your password manager or email history to identify and sever ties to any shared accounts.
2. Check All the Places You’re Still Logged In
Most major platforms (like Google, Apple, and Facebook) keep a list of devices where your account is logged in. Go to your account settings and review active sessions. Log out of anything that looks unfamiliar—or anything you don’t want your ex to access.
3. Review Account Recovery Settings
Even if you’ve changed your passwords, your ex may still be listed as a backup contact for password resets. Go to every major account (email, banking, social media, etc.) and check your recovery email and phone number. Replace them with private, secure ones you control.
4. Reclaim Your Smart Devices
Smart speakers, thermostats, doorbells, even Wi-Fi routers can retain shared access or logging history. Change admin passwords, reset devices to factory settings if needed, and unlink any connected accounts your ex may still control.
5. Lock Down Cloud Syncing
If you ever shared cloud storage or backup systems (like Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud), check who has access to folders or shared libraries. Disable auto-uploads from devices like phones or laptops until you’re sure what’s syncing—and where it’s going.
6. Create New Digital Boundaries
It can help with peace of mind to start a new email address and obtain a new phone number just for legal and financial matters. It’s possible in today’s work of e-Sim to run two separate phone numbers from the same phone, providing a low-cost method for digital phone privacy.
Digital privacy is one of the most overlooked—but most important—parts of protecting yourself during a divorce. By identifying and closing digital loopholes, you protect not only your personal information, but also your emotional well-being.
Read More:
Are Digital Mistakes About To Turn Your Divorce Into A Disaster?
[Free Download: Digital Privacy in Divorce Checklist]
