Fond Farewell: frequently asked questions

What is Fond Farewell?

Fond Farewell is an iPhone and iPad app for leaving a written note and an optional video for each person you love. Nothing is sent while you're alive. When someone you trust reports your death, you get 48 hours to cancel; after that, each person receives their note by email with a private link to their video.

How does Fond Farewell know I've died?

It doesn't guess. You choose up to three trusted contacts, such as a partner, sibling or close friend. Each one accepts an invitation and gets a private email address and a private link. Only they can report your death, by emailing that address or opening that link. There is no inactivity timer, so being offline or on holiday never sends anything.

What if someone reports my death by mistake?

The moment a report comes in, you get a notification and an email. You have 48 hours to cancel, and you're reminded at 12, 24, 36 and 44 hours. One tap on "I'm alive" in the app, on the lock screen or in the email stops everything, and nothing is sent.

Do the people I leave messages for need the app?

No. Each person gets an email with your note and a private link to watch your video in a web browser. They don't need the app, an account or a password.

How much does Fond Farewell cost?

Downloading, setting up, recording and sending tests are free. Turning on real delivery is a one-time in-app purchase called Lifetime ($29.99 in the US App Store; the price in your country is shown in the app). There is no subscription.

Can I see exactly what my family will receive?

Yes. Tap Send a test. About two minutes later every message arrives in your own inbox, labelled TEST, exactly as each person would see it, including the link to the video. Tests are free and nobody else is emailed.

How many people can I leave messages for, and how long can a video be?

Up to 10 people. Each gets their own note (up to 5,000 characters, roughly two typed pages) and, if you like, a video of up to 5 minutes, recorded in the app or picked from your photo library.

Can I change my messages later?

Yes. You can edit notes, re-record videos, add or remove people and change trusted contacts at any time. Once a year we email you to ask whether your recipients' email addresses are still right.

Is it private? Who can see my videos?

You sign in with Apple, so there's no password to leak. The app has no ads, no analytics and no tracking. Videos are stored privately and are shown only through the link sent to the person each one is for. Your trusted contacts never see your messages.

What happens if I delete my account?

Settings › Delete account removes your account, notes, videos, recipients and trusted contacts immediately, cancels any pending report and tells your trusted contacts their role has ended.

Is Fond Farewell a will or a legal document?

No. It delivers personal messages. It doesn't replace a will, an advance directive or a funeral plan, and it doesn't store passwords or documents. Use it alongside those, for the things only you can say.

Is Fond Farewell on Android, Mac or Windows?

Today it's on iPhone and iPad (iOS and iPadOS 17 or later). Mac, Android and Windows versions are in development. Recipients can open their messages on any device with email and a web browser.

What does a trusted contact have to do?

Accept the invitation, and, when the time comes, let Fond Farewell know by emailing their private address or opening their private link. They can't read your messages. After delivery they get a short report of who was reached, so they can help if an email address has changed.

Who makes Fond Farewell?

Fond Farewell was started by Heather after her father's death, when she wished he could have reached his longtime friends in his own words. You can read her story. The app is built and run by Atelier (elier.ai). Questions go to support@elier.ai.

Still have a question? Email support@elier.ai.