Closing a memorialized Facebook account can be a sensitive process, especially if you are managing the account of a deceased loved one. Facebook memorializes accounts so friends and family can visit and share memories, while also protecting the privacy of the deceased. However, there may come a time when you feel it is appropriate to permanently close the account. Here is some guidance on how to go about this process.
Can a Memorialized Account Be Deleted?
Yes, a memorialized Facebook account can be permanently deleted. However, you will need to contact Facebook directly to request this. There is no option within the interface to delete a memorialized account.
Who Can Request to Delete a Memorialized Account?
Only an authorized immediate family member or estate executor can request permanent deletion of a memorialized account. You will need to provide documentation proving your relationship or authorization. Examples include:
- Birth certificate showing you as an immediate family member
- Marriage certificate if you are/were the spouse
- Death certificate naming you as the deceased’s next of kin
- Will or court order naming you as estate executor
How to Contact Facebook to Delete a Memorialized Account
To request deletion of a memorialized account, you will need to contact Facebook directly via their special form for deceased users. Here are the steps:
- Go to the Facebook Help Center and search for the topic “How do I report a deceased person or an account that needs to be memorialized?” This will bring you to Facebook’s special contact form.
- Click “Let us know” to open the form.
- Enter the name of the deceased person whose account you wish to delete.
- Enter the email address or phone number associated with the memorialized account.
- Select “Someone else (family member or executor)” for your relationship to the deceased.
- Check the box for “I would like the account permanently deleted.”
- Type a brief explanation requesting account deletion. For example: “As the deceased’s spouse, I am requesting that their account now be permanently deleted.”
- Attach a scan or photo of your documentation proving your relationship/authorization.
- Click “Send.”
Once submitted, you should receive an auto-reply confirming receipt of your request. Facebook will then review your request and documentation. If approved, the account will be scheduled for deletion.
What Happens When a Memorialized Account is Deleted
Once Facebook approves and implements deletion of a memorialized account, here is what happens:
- The profile, photos, posts, comments, and all other account content is permanently removed.
- The account is no longer visible or searchable on Facebook.
- Friends and family will no longer be able to access any memories or interact with any account content.
- No data from the account can be recovered.
Essentially, all existence of the account will be wiped from Facebook as if it never existed. Be certain before requesting deletion.
Considerations Before Deleting a Memorialized Account
While you have the right to request deletion of a memorialized account, consider these factors first:
- Is the account serving its purpose to memorialize your loved one and allow connections to share memories? If so, deletion may deprive others of this opportunity.
- Are there certain account contents you wish to save before deletion? For example, photos or special posts?
- Has enough time passed since the passing that friends and family are no longer actively engaging with the memorialized profile?
- Might some loved ones be upset over the loss of this connection?
Discuss the idea of deleting the account with close family and friends first. You may even be able to download an archive of meaningful account content to share before requesting deletion.
Alternative to Deleting a Memorialized Account
If you decide deleting the account entirely may be overly hasty, an alternative is to remove the profile and timeline while preserving the ability for friends to interact in remembrance. To do this:
- Adjust memorialized account privacy settings to limit visibility of content.
- Remove the profile photo and header image.
- Delete timeline posts and photos.
- Remove relationship status, work and education history, and other profile details.
This will eliminate the deceased’s visible personal information while retaining the account as a place for loved ones to connect in remembrance, until you feel more time has passed.
Coping With the Loss of a Loved One
The death of someone close is incredibly difficult. As you navigate your own grieving process, be patient with yourself and allow time for reflection before making major decisions like deleting their Facebook account. Consider talking with friends, family, or a grief counselor for support.
Honoring a Loved One’s Online Memory
While a memorialized Facebook account can serve as one form of online remembrance, there are other meaningful ways to honor someone’s memory online after their passing:
- Create a tribute page or website with photos, videos, memories, funeral details, and the ability for others to share reflections.
- Establish a memorial scholarship or donation fund in their name.
- Share favorite photos and stories on your own social media accounts or blogs.
- Light a virtual candle or make a memorial donation to a cause they cared about.
Losing someone important leaves a profound void. Yet even when their physical presence is gone, the memories and impact they made in life continue on. With time and care, you can find meaningful ways to honor their legacy and keep it alive.
Conclusion
Memorialized Facebook accounts allow loved ones to connect in remembrance after a death. However, at some point you may decide it is appropriate to delete the account entirely. As an authorized immediate family member or executor, you can request permanent account deletion via Facebook’s special form. Be sure to provide documentation, carefully consider who may be impacted, and explore alternative options like limiting account visibility or downloading important account content. While this can be an emotional decision, ultimately you must do what feels right to you in honoring the memory and legacy of your deceased loved one.