How do I close a social media account for a deceased person?

Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience. In the aftermath of their passing, you may be faced with the task of managing their digital legacy and online accounts, including social media profiles. Here are some steps to follow when closing a deceased person’s social media account.

Obtain the Required Documents

Most social media platforms require proof of death and proof of authority to close an account. To close the account, you’ll typically need:

A death certificate

Proof that you have the authority to act on behalf of the deceased, such as a will naming you as executor or a power of attorney
A copy of your government-issued ID

Review each platform’s policies carefully to ensure you have the proper documentation ready before beginning the process.

Contact the Social Media Company

Most major social networks have formulated a process for memorializing or deleting accounts of deceased users. Here are some ways to contact them:

Facebook: Visit the Facebook Help Center and search for the deceased person’s account. Follow the instructions to submit a special request regarding a deceased person’s account.
Twitter: Fill out Twitter’s privacy request form for a deceased user. Twitter only allows immediate family members or estate executors to submit these requests.

Instagram: Use Instagram’s contact form to request that an account be memorialized or removed. You’ll need to provide the required documentation.
LinkedIn: Fill out LinkedIn’s form to close the account of a deceased user. You’ll need to provide documentation as well as the email address associated with the account.

Each platform has its own nuances in the account deletion process. Carefully review and follow the specific instructions for the sites your loved one used.

Request Account Deletion or Memorialization

For most platforms, you’ll have a choice of whether to delete the account entirely or memorialize it. Here’s an overview of what each option means:

Deletion: The account and all its content are permanently removed from the platform.
Memorialization: The account is locked so no one can log in. Depending on the site, some profile content may remain visible to the public as a place for friends and family to post memories.

Consider the deceased person’s preferences and make the choice you feel is most appropriate. Keep in mind memorialized accounts can still be deleted later if desired.

Download Data from the Account

Before closing an account, you may want to download a copy of data from the profile. On Facebook and Instagram, you can request a download of the deceased user’s photos, posts, videos and more. Twitter allows you to request an archive of the deceased user’s tweets. This allows you to save memories and important information from the account.

Notify Friends and Family

Let close friends and family know that you will be closing the deceased person’s social media account on a certain date. This gives them a chance to download or save any data they may want to keep. You can post a notification on the person’s profile page and change the profile photo to one that indicates the account will be closing soon.

Remove Account from Login Lists

Go through the deceased’s computer and mobile devices and remove any saved passwords or login information for their social media accounts. This will prevent the accounts from being accessed inadvertently going forward.

Stay Vigilant for Fake Profiles

Unfortunately, fake profiles pretending to be deceased people sometimes crop up. Stay vigilant and report any imposter accounts you find to the social network. Most sites will remove profiles if they impersonate someone who has died.

Seek Emotional Support

Closing online accounts can reawaken feelings of grief and loss. Take time to care for your emotional needs during this difficult process. Connecting with grief counseling or support groups can provide comfort.

Consider an Online Memorial

If you want a dedicated online space to honor your loved one’s memory, consider creating an online memorial tribute. Sites like Legacy.com allow you to create memorial websites with obituaries, photos, videos, family tree info, and more.

Review Other Accounts

Don’t forget to close or memorialize accounts on other online platforms the deceased person used, such as:

Email accounts

Online banking and financial accounts
Online stores and shopping accounts
Cloud storage accounts

Blogs or websites
Music/video streaming subscriptions

Closing all accounts provides security and privacy. Review monthly bills and account statements to help identify what needs to be shut down or memorialized.

Preserve Sentimental Online Content

Even after accounts are closed, you may want to save meaningful online content related to your loved one, such as:

Photos and videos they shared on social media
Website articles/blog posts they wrote

Their posts in online forums or communities
digital creative work like drawings or stories

Archiving sentimental content can create an ongoing tribute to your loved one’s life and legacy.

Let the Platform Know When You’re Done

When you have downloaded any data from the account and are ready for closure, let the social media platform know your tasks are complete. They will then proceed with memorializing or deleting the account. This provides closure to the process.

Be Patient With Yourself

Tending to someone’s online presence after they die can be an emotionally heavy task. Give yourself plenty of time and grace as you work through this process at your own pace. There is no right or wrong way to grieve or honor someone’s memory online.

Find Closure in Remembering

Losing a cherished member of your social circle leaves a permanent void. While closing online accounts can be hard, take comfort in preserving and sharing the special memories and character that made your loved one meaningful to so many.

Losing a loved one is never easy, but memorializing their positive social media presence can provide some closure and consolation at a difficult time. With care and compassion, you can thoughtfully manage their transition from an active user to a fondly remembered member of your online communities.

Word count: 1077

Additional Information on Closing Accounts for Someone Who Passed Away

Closing social media accounts for someone who has passed away can feel like an overwhelming task, especially while grieving. Here are some additional tips that may help:

Seek Help from Family and Friends

You don’t have to manage this alone. Ask other family members or close friends to help provide information on accounts that need closing and moral support during the process.

Prioritize Accounts

Start by closing accounts that contain sensitive information like financial or medical records. Leave memorialized social media accounts for last so others can access them in early grieving stages.

Cancel Subscriptions and Services

Don’t forget to cancel any monthly subscriptions or services the deceased may have had like software licenses, streaming services, book/music clubs, etc. This will stop payments from automatically deducting going forward.

Look for Online Accounts

Search the person’s email inbox for account registration confirmation emails that provide clues about other online accounts that may need closure. Gmail has an easy search function for this.

Update Your Contacts

Go through your contacts and update any entries with the person’s email or accounts, marking them as deceased so you don’t inadvertently try to contact them going forward.

Check Photo Storage Accounts

Look for online photo albums or storage accounts the person may have created to archive important family memories and download the contents before closure.

Seek Professional Help if Needed

If the individual had extensive or highly complex online assets, you may need to enlist professional probate or estate planning assistance for guidance.

Word count: 279

How to Write a Social Media Obituary

Writing a social media obituary is a great way to honor someone’s life online after they pass away. Here are some tips:

Open with a simple statement announcing their name, date of birth and date of death. You can say “With great sadness, we announce…”
In 1-2 sentences summarize who they were – their key identifying roles, passions or quirks.
Mention 1-2 of their major life accomplishments or what they will be remembered for.

Include any information about the funeral/memorial service and how others can pay respects.
Close by expressing how much they meant to their friends, family and community.
Invite people to share memories or photos of the deceased in the comments.

Keep the tone warm and reflective, focusing on celebration of life rather than grief.
A one-paragraph obituary is fine. It doesn’t need to be lengthy.

Post the social media obituary on the major platforms your loved used. Ask close family to share it from their accounts as well for maximum visibility. This provides a positive online space for community remembrance and connection in their honor.

Word count: 237

Sample Social Media Obituary

Here is an example social media obituary:

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Michael Scott, who died on March 15, 2023 at the age of 52. Mike was many things to many people – adoring husband, proud father, loyal friend, accomplished triathlete, passionate environmentalist, quirky humorist, beloved community member. He will be remembered for his big heart, adventurous spirit and ability to make strangers smile. A memorial will be held in Mike’s honor on March 25 at 2pm at Oak Grove Park. Please join us in sharing memories and celebrating Mike’s incredible life. He touched us all deeply and will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, Mike.

Word count: 128

Using Online Memorial Websites

Creating an online memorial can provide a special place to celebrate a loved one’s life and legacy after their passing. Here are some tips for using memorial websites:

Popular memorial sites include Legacy.com, Remembered.com, Tributes.com and Memorial Matters.

These platforms allow you to create custom memorial profiles with photos, videos, biographical info, family details, memorial service information, guestbook and more.
Memorial profiles allow visitors to post tribute comments sharing memories, condolences and photos.
You can include funeral service live streams, customized online memorial keepsakes and virtual candles.

Share the memorial page on social media and the deceased person’s online community groups.
Online memorials remain online indefinitely and serve as an ongoing tribute.

Online memorials provide a special gathering place for far-flung families, friends and communities. They create a permanent virtual space to honor your loved one.

Word count: 196

Handling a Loved One’s Email Account

Managing a deceased person’s email account takes sensitivity. Here are some recommendations:

Check the account inbox for any outstanding bills, subscriptions or communication that need follow up.

Download a copy of meaningful emails you want to keep for memories or records.
Import contact list to your own account if desired.
Set up an auto-response informing senders of the death and directing further correspondence.

Consider allowing close family temporary access to collect any personal information.
Delete the account when it is no longer needed or create an archival memorial account.

During this difficult process, avoid the temptation to overly scrutinize correspondence. Focus on practical matters, not gossip. Handle the account with care and discretion.

Word count: 168

Special Considerations for a Child’s Online Accounts

Losing a child is incredibly painful. When closing their online accounts, give yourself ample time and grace. Here are some special considerations:

Memorialize social media accounts to leave a place for others to share memories.

Print or save online photos, videos and creative work to treasure.
Consider an online memorial page families can visit for comfort.
Remove child’s accounts from family sharing plans or devices gently.

Save special emails or messages from their accounts to cherish.

Don’t rush the process. Move forward at your own pace, taking breaks as needed. Counseling resources can provide support during deep grief.

Word count: 132

How to Close Accounts When No One Has Access

Closing accounts without account access or passwords can pose challenges:

Provide the platform company with official documentation like a death certificate.
Explain you lack account access but need content removed.

For memorialized accounts, request adding a notice the person has passed.
Ask contacts to report account as impersonation if an imposter surfaces.
Continue reporting fake or harmful account activity to get it removed.

While imperfect without full access, following these steps can help minimize online presence. Focus on your memories of the real person.