How To Close Social Media Accounts After A Death
Digital Legacy
How To Close Social Media Accounts After A Death
In today's digital world, many people leave behind social media accounts when they die. Family members are often unsure what happens to these accounts or how they can be managed.
The process varies between platforms, but most major social media companies have procedures in place to help families following a bereavement.
Why Consider Social Media Accounts?
Social media accounts may continue to:
Display reminders and notifications
Receive messages
Appear in search results
Remain publicly visible
Some families choose to keep accounts as a memorial, while others prefer to close them.
There is no right or wrong decision.
Facebook allows accounts to be:
Memorialised
Permanently removed
A memorialised account remains visible and can become a place where friends and family share memories.
Alternatively, eligible family members may request permanent deletion.
Facebook will usually require supporting documentation before making changes.
Instagram offers similar options.
Accounts can generally be:
Memorialised
Removed upon request
The platform may ask for evidence of the death before processing a request.
LinkedIn allows family members or authorised representatives to request closure of an account belonging to someone who has died.
The platform will normally request information to verify the request.
X (formerly Twitter)
Family members can contact X regarding a deceased user's account.
Requests are reviewed individually and supporting documentation may be required.
Other Social Media Platforms
Many other platforms, including TikTok, Pinterest and Snapchat, have their own bereavement policies.
Requirements vary, but providers will often ask for:
Proof of death
Identification
Evidence of your authority to act
It is worth checking the support section of the relevant platform for the latest guidance.
What Information Should Be Recorded?
Before requesting changes, it can be helpful to make a note of:
Platform name
Username
Email address associated with the account
Status of any requests submitted
Keeping this information together can make administration easier.
Respecting Personal Wishes
Where possible, consider whether the deceased expressed any wishes regarding their online presence.
Some people may have preferred their accounts to remain available as a memorial, while others may have wanted them removed.
If no wishes are known, families should make the decision that feels most appropriate.
A Gentle Reminder
Managing digital accounts is often a lower priority than immediate practical matters such as registering the death and arranging the funeral.
There is usually no need to deal with every online account straight away. Focus on what feels manageable and return to digital administration when you are ready.
If you are keeping track of online accounts, important contacts and administrative tasks, The First 30 Days After Loss organiser provides dedicated sections to help you record information and stay organised during the weeks following a bereavement.
This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.