How to guide
Why this matters
Memorialized accounts preserve memories and prevent the eerie experience of birthday reminders and friend suggestions. They also prevent hacking of accounts that go inactive without supervision.
Step by step
- Decide for each account whether to memorialize, delete, or download. Memorialize preserves the page with "Remembering" status. Delete removes it entirely. Download saves a copy of all posts and photos.
- Facebook: Submit a request at facebook.com/help/contact/234739086860192. Provide the deceased's profile link, full name, date of death, and a copy of the death certificate or obituary.
- Instagram: Submit a request at help.instagram.com/contact/452224988254813. Provide proof of death.
- Twitter/X: Submit a request through their privacy form. They can deactivate the account but cannot transfer access.
- LinkedIn: Submit a request through linkedin.com/help/linkedin/ask/ts-mfp. They will remove the profile.
- Google (Gmail, YouTube, Drive): Inactive Account Manager (if the user set one up) or submit a request through google.com/contact/account_recovery_form.
- TikTok, Snapchat, etc.: Each platform has its own deceased user request form, usually in the help center.
Forms you will need
- Platform specific online forms
- Death certificate or obituary
State by state notes
These are federal/national service requests, not state specific. Some states have laws giving executors the right to access digital assets (RUFADAA), but in practice the platforms' own processes are what control.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Logging in as the deceased. This violates terms of service and can result in account suspension.
- Sharing the deceased's passwords with family members. This is not legally authorized and creates security risk.
- Not downloading data first if you want to preserve photos or posts.
What to do if you get stuck
If a platform is unresponsive, follow up monthly. Some platforms take 30 to 90 days to process a memorialization or deletion request.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to memorialize the account?
No. You can choose to memorialize, delete, or leave it active (not recommended due to security risk).
Can I post on the memorialized account?
On Facebook, if a legacy contact was named, they can pin a final post but cannot otherwise act as the deceased. Friends can still post on the timeline.
How long do these requests take?
Typically 30 to 90 days from submission, depending on the platform and the documentation provided.
Can I download photos before deleting?
Yes. Most platforms let you request a download of all the user's content. Do this first if you want to preserve memories.
What if I do not know all their accounts?
Check their email inbox for service notifications, search their name on major platforms, ask family and friends. A "digital legacy" is hard to fully inventory.