What happens to your crypto when you die? Millions of Bitcoin are lost forever – some of it belonging to people who died

Millions of bitcoin are estimated to be permanently inaccessible, partly because owners died without leaving heirs access to private keys or clear inheritance instructions. Unlike traditional bank assets, crypto generally has no central authority that can restore access, making estate planning and secure key succession essential. The loss of coins reduces Bitcoin’s effectively circulating supply, potentially increasing scarcity while underscoring the risks of self-custody.