Digital Legacy: How To Manage Your Loved One’s Online Accounts After Death
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March 31, 2025
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When a loved one passes away, managing the future of their physical possessions is often a major task for the executor of the estate. The digital legacy left behind might not be as top of mind but requires decision making as well. Social media, email, gaming, streaming services and video hosting platforms are just a few online accounts you may need to manage. Privacy laws and service agreements can complicate the process, especially if no instructions for digital assets were given in estate planning documents. The following information can help you take inventory, gather proper documentation and help you decide whether to deactivate or memorialize accounts.
Make a List of Accounts
It might be hard to know all the accounts or activities your loved one was involved with, so you may need to reach out to friends, family and scour their email and mail for indicators of important accounts that will need to be managed. The following are some suggestions to help you get started:
- Amazon/Walmart+
- Grocery stores (especially if they received home deliveries)
- Streaming services
- Apple/Android/Google
- Paypal/Venmo
- Store credit card accounts
- Phone carrier accounts
- Online gambling/gaming
- Personal websites (Squarespace, Wix, Kajabi, etc.)
- Seller accounts (such as Etsy, Shopify, eBay, etc.)
- Discussion platforms (such as Reddit, Quora, etc.)
Gather Documents to Obtain Access
As the executor, you’ll need to work with an attorney to navigate privacy laws in your state so you can manage your loved one’s digital accounts. Documents you may need to gather when requesting access include:
- Death certificate
- Copy of executor order
- Obituary or memorial cards
- Last will and testament
- Birth certificate
Deactivate or Memorialize Accounts
Some social media platforms have service agreements that may prohibit access without proper documentation, and some may only grant a license to a user during their lifetime. Here are some common social media accounts and how to submit a request so you can determine next steps.
Facebook: To request removal of a deceased loved one’s account, you’ll need to submit one of the following documents to provide proof of authority: power of attorney, last will and testament, estate letter or birth certificate (if the deceased is a minor). You’ll also need to submit one of the following documents to provide proof that your loved one passed away: obituary or memorial card. Be sure to hide any personal information they don’t need such as a Social Security number. Once you have both documents, you can make a special request to remove or memorialize the account.
Instagram and Threads: Immediate family members can request the removal of a loved one’s account from Instagram. Proof of death documentation is required, such as their birth and death certificates as well as proof of authority that you can make this decision on behalf of the deceased. Complete the simple form to request removal of an account on Instagram and Threads. If you decide to memorialize an Instagram account, it’s important to note that no one can log in to it, the word, “Remembering” will be shown next to their name on the profile, and no changes can be made to existing posts, comments or privacy settings.
TikTok: TikTok does not offer a memorial option, but you can request the account be deactivated, meaning, the account would be hidden but could be reactivated, or removed, where the account would be permanently deleted. Get the process started by emailing feedback@tiktok.com with relevant documentation such as a death certificate.
X (Twitter): To deactivate an X account, complete the initial form and X will email you with next steps on providing information about your loved one, such as a copy of their death certificate and a copy of your ID to prove your relationship.
LinkedIn: You can request to close a LinkedIn account with the proper documentation that illustrates you are authorized to act on behalf of your loved one. You can also choose to have the account memorialized in which case the words, “In Remembrance,” will be shown underneath their name. It’s important to note that once a LinkedIn account is memorialized, access to the account is locked, mobile and desktop sessions expire and within 48 hours, all notifications sent to a deceased member will cease.
YouTube: You can submit a request to close a YouTube account, but Google cannot process requests for things such as content uploaded to their account after closure, so be sure to determine what you’d like to do first. If your loved one was a content creator and made income from their channel, you can submit a request for funds from their account before requesting account closure.
Pinterest: To delete a loved one’s Pinterest account, email care@pinterest.com with their name, username, proof of death or obituary and proof of your relationship.
Snapchat: While this app does not have a memorialization option, you can request the Snapchat account be deleted and will need to provide a copy of the death certificate.
Steps After Life can help you navigate important tasks after the loss of a loved one. Call (888) 557-2083 for support when you need it most.