Yes. Check-ins and the waiting period are dead man's switch mechanics. HeirVault builds that around docs, passwords, document copies, and files beneficiaries claim after release rules are met. Your live vault is protected by end-to-end, zero-knowledge encryption. That means HeirVault stores ciphertext and cannot decrypt it. See Alternatives for other dead man's switch tools, or the high-risk contingency handoffs page if that framing fits your situation.
HeirVault does not detect death or contact authorities. It detects missed check-ins: absence on the schedule you set. You choose how often to check in. If you miss one, a waiting period starts with email notices so you can stop release with a single check-in. Only after that waiting period ends without a check-in can beneficiaries begin to claim what you designated. Longer walkthrough: /blog/dead-mans-switch-explained.
That is what the waiting period is for. Beneficiaries are not contacted during the waiting period. One check-in cancels pending release and resets your timer. For planned travel or silence, use Away until to pause the check-in clock for a bounded window.
You set a custom schedule. Many people keep the default of every 30 days. Signing in and unlocking your vault counts as a check-in. You can also check in from the dashboard or an email link so release stays paused for beneficiaries.
Yes. Update your check-in interval from the dashboard. Shorter intervals mean more frequent confirmation that you are fine. Longer intervals mean fewer check-ins, with the same waiting-period buffer if you miss one.
If something happens and you miss check-ins past the waiting period (14 days on Free; 7 to 14 on Pro; 1 to 14 on Shield), they can claim what you set aside. Until then, designated content stays protected by end-to-end encryption.
Missed check-ins start a waiting period with overdue notices (14 days on Free; 7 to 14 days on Pro; 1 to 14 days on Shield). Check in during the waiting period and release stops. For planned travel, use Away until to pause the waiting period from starting for a bounded window (up to 30 days on Free, 90 on Pro and Shield).
Checking in during the waiting period stops pending release. Your check-in timer resets and beneficiaries do not receive claim access from that missed cycle.
Every plan sends three warnings by default: 7, 3, and 1 days before your check-in deadline, and the same pattern before the waiting period ends. Pro and Shield can customize those timings. When you miss a check-in, an overdue notice still sends as the waiting period starts. Keep your account email current so those messages reach you.
Set your schedule, use the waiting period when you miss a check-in, and keep release paused.