12 Step 12 of 18

Manage their social media and online accounts

When you are ready

Decide what to do with the person's social media profiles and online accounts. Most platforms have a process for memorialising or closing an account.

You do not need to do this straight away. When you are ready:

**Facebook:** Can be memorialised (with a 'Remembering' banner) or deleted. You will need proof of death and proof of your relationship.

**Instagram:** Can be memorialised or removed. Contact Instagram through their help centre.

**Google/Gmail:** Google's Inactive Account Manager may have been set up. Otherwise, you can request account closure with a death certificate.

**Email accounts:** Change passwords if you have access. Check for any subscriptions or accounts linked to the email.

**Other accounts:** Check browser bookmarks and password managers for other accounts that need to be closed.

What you will need

Access to the person's devices (if possible)
A death certificate
Proof of your relationship or authority to act

Varies — can be done over several weeks

Seeing the person's online presence can be emotional. There is no deadline for this — do it when you feel ready.

Previous step

11. Claim on any life insurance

Next step

13. Check what benefits you may be entitled to

Your checklist

You are on step 12 of 18.

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Contacting the funeral director is step one. But there are 4 other things you'll need to deal with — and most people don't know about them until it's too late.

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