Overview
When someone passes away, their Facebook account often becomes a place for loved ones to gather and remember them. However, deciding what to do with the deceased’s Facebook profile can be a difficult and emotional process. Here are some quick answers to common questions about dealing with a deceased person’s Facebook account:
What happens to a Facebook account when someone dies?
Facebook will memorialize the account once they receive proof of death. This means the profile becomes frozen – no one can log in, make changes, or remove any content. Friends can still post on the memorialized Timeline.
How do I report a death to Facebook?
Go to the deceased person’s profile, click the button next to Friends below the cover photo and select “Find Support or Report Profile.” Follow the instructions to submit proof of death and request account memorialization.
Who can request memorialization?
Immediate family members or executors of the estate can request an account be memorialized. You’ll need to provide documentation like an obituary or death certificate.
Can I delete a deceased person’s Facebook account?
No, Facebook does not allow accounts to be deleted after death unless requested by the user before passing away. You can only request memorialization.
What happens to photos and other information?
All existing photos, posts, videos and information stay visible on a memorialized profile. Friends can still post memories on the memorialized Timeline.
Can I access a deceased person’s messages?
No, you cannot access private messages or download them from a memorialized account. Facebook considers messages private communication.
Notifying Facebook of the Death
The first step in handling a deceased person’s Facebook account is formally notifying Facebook of the death. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Go to the deceased’s Facebook profile page.
- Click on the Friends button directly under the cover photo.
- Select “Find Support or Report Profile.”
- Click “Report a Deceased Person” and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Enter the person’s name and date of birth exactly as listed on their Facebook profile.
- Select your relationship to the deceased.
- Enter the email address where you want Facebook’s response sent.
- Check the box confirming you have authority to report the death.
- Click Report Person.
You will then need to provide documentation to verify the death, such as:
- Obituary
- Death certificate
- Memo from a mortuary
Facebook reviews these requests and will memorialize verified accounts. This process may take a few days. Do not delete the deceased’s account before memorialization.
Deciding What to Do With the Account
Once Facebook has memorialized the account, you have some decisions to make about what to do next. Here are some options to consider:
Keep It As-Is
You may decide to keep your loved one’s memorialized account as-is. This allows friends and family to visit the profile andTimeline to post memories or condolences. Keeping it unchanged also protects the deceased’s digital legacy.
Adjust Privacy Settings
You can request that Facebook adjust the memorialized account’s privacy settings. For example, you may want to restrict who can see the Timeline or search for the profile. Submit these requests once the account is memorialized.
Remove Certain Content
If there is any content the deceased would not have wanted public, you can request to have specific posts, photos or videos removed from a memorialized profile. Facebook will evaluate these requests on a case-by-case basis.
Add a Legacy Contact
Facebook allows members to assign a legacy contact to manage their account if they pass away. As a legacy contact, you can write a pinned post for the memorialized profile, respond to new friend requests and update the profile picture and cover photo. Ask if your loved one designated a legacy contact before their death.
Delete the Account
In some cases, the deceased may have specifically stated that they wanted their Facebook account deleted after death. While Facebook does not allow accounts to be erased, you can request permanent removal if you have documentation of this wish. Expect this process to take several weeks.
Downloading Data
While you cannot access private messages on a deceased user’s profile, you can download a copy of the data from their Facebook account. This includes photos, posts, videos and other content they shared.
To download a deceased user’s data:
- Click the down arrow at the top right of Facebook and select “Settings.”
- Click “Your Facebook Information” in the left sidebar.
- Click “Download Your Information.”
- Enter the deceased’s email address and password. Click “Send Download Link.”
- Check the email account for the download link and download the archive.
This process will provide you with a download of almost everything the person posted on their Facebook account.
Creating a Memorialized Account
If the deceased did not have a Facebook profile, you can create one specifically to memorialize them. Here is how:
- Fill out the usual Facebook sign up information but use “Remembering” instead of a last name.
- Under gender, select “Made For Memorializing.”
- Upload a profile picture and header image.
- On the timeline, share memorial posts, photos, videos and memories.
- Let loved ones know about the memorialized account so they can connect and share memories there.
Facebook will memorialize these accounts so no one can log into them later. Use this option to create a dedicated online memorial space.
Things to Keep in Mind
When managing a deceased loved one’s Facebook presence, keep these tips in mind:
- Act with thoughtful consideration – avoid hasty decisions.
- Review their privacy settings and posts as if they could.
- Consult their known wishes about social media accounts.
- Consider designating a legacy contact for your own account.
- The timeline remains searchable even after memorialization.
- Deleted Facebook accounts cannot be reactivated later.
Conclusion
Losing someone close to you is incredibly hard. Taking care of their social media presence adds more difficulty during the grieving process. With Facebook’s memorialization policies, you can decide how best to honor your loved one’s life online while letting their memory live on in a meaningful place for friends and family. Act with care as you navigate this sensitive situation.