What to do with online accounts after a death

Every platform handles it differently: some memorialize, some delete, banks want a certificate. These guides walk you through it, with the official links.

Facebook

Facebook can memorialize a profile (it stays visible with 'Remembering' above the name) or delete it permanently. A pre-designated legacy contact can manage a memorialized profile.

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Instagram

Instagram can memorialize an account ('Remembering' badge, content stays visible but nobody can log in) or remove it entirely for verified immediate family.

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Google

Google's Inactive Account Manager (set up in advance) shares data with chosen contacts after inactivity. Without it, survivors can submit a request to close the account or obtain data through a formal process.

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Apple

Apple's Digital Legacy program gives pre-designated Legacy Contacts access to iCloud data with an access key. Without a Legacy Contact, a court order is generally required.

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LinkedIn

LinkedIn can memorialize a profile or close the account of a deceased member; both go through a report form, with a faster route for authorized representatives.

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X (Twitter)

X deactivates the account of a deceased user on request of a verified family member or estate representative. There is no memorialization option; data access is not provided.

Read the guide

Prepare this in advance

With Emberalis you record per account what should happen (memorialize, delete, transfer or keep) and your emergency contacts see exactly that list, next to these guides, when it matters.

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