How to close social media accounts after death

Social media often becomes part of a person’s legacy.

Photos, messages, videos and years of memories may still be stored online long after death.

Before closing an account, families should first decide whether they want to preserve the memories, memorialise the profile or permanently delete it.

1. Do not rush to delete everything

Before requesting deletion, consider whether the account contains:

• family photographs
• videos
• important messages
• contacts
• documents
• memorial posts
• information needed for estate matters

Permanent deletion can make this material impossible to recover later.

2. Facebook can memorialise an account

Facebook allows eligible profiles to be memorialised.

A memorialised profile displays “Remembering” beside the person’s name, keeps existing posts visible according to their original privacy settings and stops the profile appearing in areas such as birthday reminders and “People You May Know”. No one can log into a memorialised account. Facebook

A family may also request removal of a deceased person’s account.

3. Check whether a Legacy Contact was appointed

Facebook users can appoint a Legacy Contact before death.

Depending on the settings chosen, that person may be able to manage parts of the memorialised profile, update the profile or cover image, respond to new friend requests and request deletion. They cannot log into the deceased person’s account or read private messages. Facebook

4. Google accounts have a separate process

Google allows immediate family members or authorised representatives to request closure of a deceased person’s account.

In some circumstances, a request may also be made for certain account content, but Google does not provide passwords or login details. Google advises dealing with any content request before asking for permanent closure. Google Support

5. Apple may use Digital Legacy

Apple allows users to appoint a Legacy Contact who can request access to certain account data after death.

Where a Legacy Contact was appointed, Apple generally requires the access key and death certificate. Where there is no Legacy Contact, other legal documentation may be required depending on the country and circumstances. Apple Support

6. Gather the documents first

Different platforms have different requirements, but families may be asked for:

• death certificate
• identification of the person making the request
• proof of relationship or authority
• account username or email address
• legal documentation in some cases

Do not assume one platform’s requirements apply to another.

7. Think about business accounts separately

If the deceased managed a business page, email address or social account, determine whether other administrators already have access.

A personal account and a business page may need to be handled differently.

Before closing anything, make sure the business does not lose access to customer messages, advertising accounts, files or other essential records.

8. Never impersonate the deceased

Even if the family knows the password, it is better to use the platform’s official deceased-user process rather than continuing to operate the account as though the person were alive.

That protects privacy and reduces the risk of disputes later.

Remember

A social media account can contain years of someone’s life.

Before deleting it, ask:

Is there anything here the family may want to keep?

Preserve what matters first. Then decide whether memorialisation or permanent closure is the better choice.

Digital memories deserve the same care as photographs kept in a family album.

Need help with what comes after a death?

Executive Funeral Services can guide families through the practical steps surrounding a funeral and the days that follow.

📞 0798 994 015, available 24/7
🌐 executivefunerals.co.ke
💜 Dignity in death. Compassion in grief. Hope beyond the grave.