What Happens to Your WooCommerce Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Hosting
Must keep paying
Self-hosted
WordPress required
Domain
Must be renewed
Business asset
Store has value
Step-by-Step Guide
Identify and maintain hosting provider
Find out which hosting provider runs the WordPress/WooCommerce site (e.g., SiteGround, Bluehost, WP Engine). Ensure the hosting bill continues to be paid. Get login credentials.
Estimated time: Day 1
Secure the domain name
Identify the domain registrar (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare, etc.) and ensure the domain does not expire. Transfer it to an estate-controlled account if needed.
Estimated time: Day 1-3
Get WordPress admin access
Log into the WordPress admin at yoursite.com/wp-admin. Create a new admin user or update the existing admin password. Check WooCommerce → Settings for payment gateway details.
Estimated time: Day 1-3
Check payment gateway and orders
Go to WooCommerce → Orders to see pending/processing orders. Check WooCommerce → Settings → Payments to identify connected payment processors (Stripe, PayPal, etc.) — handle those separately.
Estimated time: Week 1
Create a complete backup
Use a backup plugin (UpdraftPlus, etc.) or ask the host to create a full site backup including the database. Export WooCommerce data: products, orders, customers via WooCommerce → Export.
Estimated time: Week 1
Document Now Checklist
- WordPress admin URL, username, and password
- Hosting provider name and login credentials
- Domain registrar and login credentials
- Domain expiration date
- Payment gateway used (Stripe, PayPal, etc.)
- Hosting plan renewal date and cost
Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with WooCommerce. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Related Guides
Domain Names (GoDaddy, Namecheap, Cloudflare)
Domains expire on a specific date. If not renewed, they become publicly available and can be registered by anyone.
Shopify
If you have an active Shopify store, orders may continue coming in. Your executor needs access immediately to fulfill or refund.
GitHub
Transfer important private repositories to a trusted collaborator or organisation. Go to Repo Settings → Transfer.
Protect your WooCommerce account — and all your others
Document your digital life in a zero-knowledge encrypted vault. 1,800+ platform guides. Dead Man's Switch. Everything your family needs.
Start your free trial →