Facebook offers two options for managing a deceased person’s account: memorializing the account or permanently deleting it. Memorializing the account allows friends and family to continue sharing memories while preserving the content. Deletion, on the other hand, completely removes the account and all associated data. Below, we’ll guide you through both processes and help you understand which option might be best for your situation.
Memorializing a Facebook Account
Memorializing a Facebook account preserves the profile as a place for friends and family to gather and share memories. However, it’s important to note that if the deceased didn’t assign a legacy contact, no one will be able to manage the account. In such cases, the account cannot be changed or updated once it’s memorialized.
Key Features of a Memorialized Profile:
- The word “Remembering” is added next to the person’s name.
- Friends can share memories on the timeline, depending on the profile’s privacy settings.
- Content shared by the deceased (photos, posts) remains visible to the original audience.
- Memorialized profiles do not appear in suggestions for “People You May Know,” ads, or birthday reminders.
- No one can log into a memorialized account.
- If no legacy contact is assigned, the profile’s settings cannot be changed.
Pages Administered by the Deceased:
Any Facebook Pages where the deceased was the sole admin will be removed if the account is memorialized and there is no legacy contact to manage it.
Click here to request memorialization of an account.
Legacy Contacts
A legacy contact is someone you designate to manage your profile if it’s memorialized. This person can accept friend requests, update the profile picture and cover photo, and post a final message on your behalf. Without a legacy contact, the memorialized account will remain frozen, with no one able to make any changes.
Choosing your legacy contact is only available for your main profile, not for additional Facebook profiles. We highly recommend setting a legacy contact so your account can be managed properly after your passing.
How to Set a Legacy Contact:
- Go to your Facebook settings.
- Select “Accounts Center” under Settings & Privacy.
- Click “Personal details,” then “Account ownership and control.”
- Choose “Memorialization” and follow the prompts to select a legacy contact.
Deleting a Facebook Account
If you prefer to completely remove your digital presence after death, you can choose to have your Facebook account permanently deleted. This will remove all messages, photos, posts, and personal information from Facebook.
Key Features of Deleting an Account:
- All content, including posts, messages, and photos, is permanently removed.
- Both your main profile and any additional profiles will be deleted.
Click here to request deletion of an account after death.
How to Request Deletion Upon Death:
- Go to Facebook settings and select “Accounts Center.”
- Click “Personal details,” then “Account ownership and control.”
- Select “Memorialization” and choose “Delete after death.”
- Confirm the deletion settings to ensure your account is removed upon your passing.
Important Considerations
If you don’t choose to delete your account, only your main profile will be memorialized after your death. Without a legacy contact, this memorialized account cannot be managed or changed. Setting up a legacy contact or making clear choices about your account preferences ensures that your profile is handled according to your wishes.
For friends and family who wish to create a space to remember a loved one, Facebook suggests creating a group where memories can be shared, separate from the person’s profile.
To learn more about requesting memorialization or account removal, or to manage these settings, visit Facebook’s memorialization resources or contact support.
Reasons to Delete:
- Prevents posthumous identity theft or misuse of the account.
- Completely removes the deceased’s data from Facebook.
Steps to Delete:
- Go to the Facebook Account Deletion Request page.
- Submit proof of death (death certificate or legal documentation).
- Facebook will permanently delete the account once verified.
Choosing Between Memorialization and Deletion
The decision comes down to preserving memories or fully closing the account. Consider the deceased’s wishes and whether privacy or long-term access to memories is more important for the family.
Setting a Legacy Contact
To prevent any complications, Facebook allows users to set a Legacy Contact who can manage the account after they pass. This person can decide to memorialize or delete the account.
How to Set a Legacy Contact:
- Go to Facebook settings.
- Select “Memorialization Settings” and choose a contact from your friend list.
- Notify the person chosen to manage your account after passing.
If you need help, feel free to get in touch with us at Fort Legacy.