What Happens to Social Media Accounts When Someone Dies?
Guidance from Pearson Funeral Service
In today’s connected world, many of us share our lives online. Social media, emails, cloud storage, and digital photo albums are now part of our everyday routines. But what happens to these digital spaces when someone dies?
This question is becoming increasingly common, especially as online platforms often outlive the person behind the profile. When a loved one passes away, managing their digital presence can be a challenging and emotional task—but it’s also a deeply personal one.
Why Social Media Matters After Death
Social media accounts often hold cherished memories: photographs of holidays, kind messages, life updates, and connections with others. For grieving families and friends, these accounts can offer a comforting space to revisit and reflect on the life of someone they’ve lost.
But for others, reminders such as birthday notifications or seeing posts from a deceased loved one can feel painful or intrusive. This is why deciding what to do with someone’s digital presence is not only practical—it’s part of the grieving journey.
You might choose to preserve an account as a tribute, deactivate it to protect privacy, or remove it entirely. The right decision will depend on your relationship with the person, their own wishes (if known), and what brings you peace.
Options Available on Popular Platforms
Thankfully, most major online platforms now have policies in place for handling the accounts of people who have died. These include options to memorialise, remove, or in some cases, manage an account through a designated contact.
- Memorialise an account: This adds the word “Remembering” above the person’s name, locks the profile, and preserves their photos and posts. Friends and family can continue to share memories.
- Delete the account: You can request that the account be permanently removed.
- Legacy Contact: Facebook users can assign a trusted person to manage parts of their account after they die.
- Memorialisation: Keeps the profile visible but prevents any changes.
- Removal: A family member can request that the account be taken down.
Note: Instagram does not allow access to login details, even after death.
🔹 Twitter/X
- Twitter does not support memorialisation.
- A verified family member or authorised person can request that the account be deactivated.
- Documentation is required, and Twitter will not grant access to the account content.
- LinkedIn provides a form to request profile removal.
- You’ll need the person’s name, date of death, a link to their profile, and proof of death.
🔹 Google (Gmail, YouTube, Photos)
- Inactive Account Manager: Users can decide in advance what should happen after a period of inactivity.
- Family can request data or deletion by submitting a death certificate and proof of legal authority.
🔹 Apple ID & iCloud
- Legacy Contact: Someone designated in advance can access a deceased person’s iCloud data.
- Without a Legacy Contact, Apple does not typically grant access.
What Documentation Is Required?
Each platform has its own process, but most require the following:
- A copy of the death certificate
- Your proof of identity
- Documentation proving your relationship to the deceased (e.g. birth or marriage certificate)
- A formal request through an online form or support channel
If no prior instructions were given, access to the content may not be possible, but deactivation or memorialisation can usually still be requested.
Planning Ahead: Creating a Digital Will
Just as we plan for wills, property, or funeral wishes, it’s increasingly common to make plans for our digital legacy. This can include:
- Keeping a list of accounts and passwords (securely stored)
- Specifying whether you’d like your accounts deleted or memorialised
- Naming someone to handle your digital affairs where platforms allow
Discussing these choices with loved ones can help prevent uncertainty later on and ensure your wishes are respected.
Supporting You Through Every Step
At Pearson Funeral Service, we understand that dealing with social media and online accounts can feel overwhelming, especially in the early days of grief. Whether you want to preserve a loved one’s memory or bring their digital life to a close, we’re here to help.
We can provide practical guidance, signpost relevant resources, or simply listen. Every family is different, and every decision—whether to preserve or let go—is valid.
If you need advice or would like to talk to someone in confidence, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
📞 Marsden: 01484 844 289 | 📞 Meltham: 01484 688 575 | 📞 Saddleworth: 01457 243 103
🌐 www.pearson-funerals.co.uk
