Losing a loved one is never easy. In the digital age, you may need to take some steps to memorialize or close their Facebook account. Here is a guide on how to report a deceased person on Facebook and what options are available.
Can I memorialize a deceased person’s Facebook account?
Yes, Facebook allows you to memorialize an account of someone who has passed away. This prevents anyone from logging into it in the future but still allows friends and family to view posts and share memories. Here’s how to memorialize a Facebook account:
- Go to the memorialized account’s profile page
- Click on the button next to Friends below the cover photo
- Select Memorialization Settings from the dropdown menu
- Click Memorialize Account and follow the instructions
Once memorialized, the word Remembering will appear before the deceased person’s name. Their profile and posts remain visible to the audience they shared with while alive unless privacy settings are altered.
Key things to know about memorialized accounts:
- No one can log into the account
- Existing posts remain visible
- Profile can still receive posts and memories
- Account won’t appear in ads or birthdays
- Memorialized by request of verified immediate family
How do I request the memorialization?
Only verified immediate family members can submit a request to memorialize an account. This includes:
- Spouse
- Parents
- Children
- Siblings
- Domestic partner
To get verified, you’ll need to provide documentation such as:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Death certificate
- Proof of authority over the account
Once verified, Facebook will memorialize the account within 24 hours. Others who were close to the deceased can submit a special request if immediate family is unable to.
Can I delete a deceased person’s account?
Deleting an account completely removes it and all its posts from Facebook. Only verified immediate family can request deletion. Consider memorializing instead if you want friends and family to still visit the profile.
To delete a Facebook account:
- Fill out the special request form for deleting an account
- Provide proof you are an immediate family member
- Confirm this is what the deceased would have wanted
Facebook will delete the account and posts within 14 days after verifying your documents. The process cannot be reversed.
How is memorialization different from deletion?
| Memorialization | Deletion |
|---|---|
| – Profile remains visible | – Profile is permanently removed |
| – Friends can still post memories | – All posts are deleted |
| – Account becomes inactive | – Account is completely gone |
| – Can be undone | – Cannot be undone |
In most cases, memorialization allows the account’s legacy to remain while protecting privacy. Deletion erases it entirely. Choose based on what you feel the deceased would have wanted.
What options are there for someone who passed without an account?
If someone died without a Facebook account, you have two options to remember them on the platform:
- Create a memorialized profile – Includes name, bio, photos. Shown as Remembering before their name. Can request once verified as immediate family.
- Create a memorialized group – Group name includes Remembering Their Name. Meant for friends and extended family to share memories. Anyone can create.
These provide ways for the deceased’s loved ones to connect on Facebook if they didn’t have their own profile. Follow the same memorialization steps once created.
How can I edit the memorialized profile?
Memorialized account settings can be updated if needed. Editing functions include:
- Changing profile, cover photos
- Updating relationship status, bio, dates
- Adding/removing profile frames
- Managing posts visible to audience
Immediate family members verified on the account can make edits. Follow these steps:
- Go to General Account Settings
- Click Memorialized Account
- Select account settings to edit
- Save any changes
This allows you to customize memorialized profiles with updated details over time if needed. Settings changes won’t override memorialization.
Can I still message a memorialized account?
You can still message someone whose account is memorialized on Facebook Messenger. Your messages will remain visible, though they can no longer reply.
If you message a memorialized account, you may see a response like this from Facebook:
[Name] passed away on [date]. This account has been memorialized so friends and family can still see their posts and remember their life.
Knowing the account is memorialized provides context. You can still send messages containing memories, thoughts,condolences, or updates you would have shared.
Keep in mind:
- Don’t expect any replies
- Messages are visible to the account’s audience
- Use it as a space to post memories
Can someone else manage my account if I pass away?
Yes, you can assign a legacy contact to manage your Facebook account in the event of your death. To do so:
- Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings
- Click Memorialization Settings
- Select a friend to be your legacy contact
Your legacy contact can then:
- Write a pinned post with an update
- Respond to new friend requests
- Update profile picture and cover photo
- Request account removal
Choose someone you trust. They won’t be able to see your messages or log in as you. Appointing a legacy contact makes your wishes known.
Conclusion
Losing a loved one is incredibly difficult. Memorializing or deleting their Facebook account can provide closure and fulfill their wishes. Consider memorializing to keep them in your social memories. Or delete entirely if that was their preference. Know it’s a process designed to honor someone when they pass away.
Facebook provides verified immediate family members with options. Make choices based on what feels right. Legacy contacts can help manage accounts of deceased users. It’s one way social media platforms like Facebook aim to adapt their policies with empathy in life’s hardest moments.