When a loved one dies, their digital presence often remains online. From social media to email, these accounts form part of their digital legacy. Managing these accounts ensures memories are preserved respectfully and prevents future complications for families.

What Is a Digital Legacy?

A digital legacy is the collection of online accounts, profiles, and content someone leaves behind after they pass away. This may include:

• Social media profiles (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X).
• Email accounts.
• Cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox).
• Online banking or shopping accounts.
• Digital photos, videos, and subscriptions.

These digital traces can be deeply meaningful, but they also need to be managed carefully.

Why It’s Important to Consider Digital Legacy

Leaving accounts open without management can cause problems, such as:

• Security risks (accounts being hacked or misused).
• Distressing reminders, like birthday notifications.
• Family disagreements over access and control.

Properly managing a digital legacy provides reassurance for loved ones and ensures accounts are handled with dignity.

How to Close a Facebook Account After Death

One of the most common questions is how to close someone's Facebook account after they have passed away. Facebook offers two options when someone dies: memorialising the account or permanently deleting it.

1. Memorialise the Account

Keeps the profile online with “Remembering” shown next to the name.

• Friends and family can share memories.
• Content remains visible, but no one can log in.

How to request:

• Go to Facebook’s Memorialisation Request page.
• Provide the person’s full name, date of death, and proof (like a death certificate or obituary).

Facebook’s guide on memorialising an account. 

2. Delete the Account

Permanently removes all content, photos, and posts. Can be requested by an immediate family member or someone with legal authority.

How to request:

• Visit Facebook’s “Special Request for Deceased Person’s Account” form.
• Provide proof of death (death certificate, obituary link).
• Submit your request for deletion.

Facebook’s guide on deleting an account. 

Managing Your Digital Legacy Before You Die

Planning for your digital legacy is just as important as planning for your funeral wishes. Social media accounts, emails, and online profiles remain long after we pass, and without clear instructions, they can cause distress or complications for loved ones. 

Beckfords’ free Expression of Wishes service allows you to set out what you’d like done with your digital presence, alongside your funeral preferences. You can specify whether accounts should be closed, memorialised, or passed on, and make sure personal data is handled as you would want.

By taking this step, you give your family clear guidance, reduce uncertainty, and ensure your online presence is treated with the same care and dignity as your other final wishes.

How Beckfords Can Help

At Beckfords, we understand that today’s funerals involve more than just traditional arrangements. Families now face the added challenge of managing digital legacies alongside personal goodbyes. Our team can provide guidance on closing accounts, supporting you through both the practical and emotional steps.

Planning ahead makes this process even easier. With our free Expression of Wishes service, you can outline both your funeral arrangements and digital instructions in one place. This way, your loved ones have clear direction and peace of mind when the time comes.