In today’s connected world, our lives continue online; through photos, messages, and memories shared on social media. But when someone passes away, what happens to that digital presence?
Understanding how to manage social media accounts after death can help protect your loved one’s digital legacy and preserve their story with care.
Your digital legacy includes everything you leave behind online. From social media profiles to photos and emails. These digital memories often bring comfort to families, helping them feel connected long after someone is gone.
But without planning, accessing or managing online accounts after death can become confusing. Taking a few steps now can make a world of difference later.
Just as we make plans for our personal belongings, managing our online lives is part of thoughtful legacy planning. Doing so can:
• Protect personal privacy and prevent misuse
• Preserve photos and memories for family
• Provide closure through memorialised profiles
• Honour your wishes online
Grief can manifest in countless ways—sadness, anger, confusion, numbness, even laughter in unexpected moments. Each emotion is valid. Some days may feel heavier than others, while some may bring brief glimpses of peace. These fluctuations are normal and do not reflect a lack of love or care.
Here’s how popular platforms handle digital legacies:
Facebook: You can choose to delete your account or memorialise it. Appoint a Legacy Contact to manage your memorialised page.
Instagram: Offers memorialisation to preserve photos and posts without new activity.
Google: Use Inactive Account Manager to decide what happens after inactivity.
Apple: Allows a Legacy Contact to access data after death.
Tip: Setting these preferences now saves loved ones the emotional stress of navigating these platforms later.
Creating a digital legacy plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Consider:
• Listing important online accounts
• Noting what should happen to each (memorialise, delete, etc.)
• Sharing this with a trusted person or including it in your will
These small steps help ensure your digital life is handled with the same care as your physical one.
At Jarman Funeral Services, we understand that memories, whether written, spoken, or shared online, are precious. Managing social media accounts after death helps families honour those memories thoughtfully.
If you’d like gentle guidance on planning your digital legacy, we’re always here to help.
With Warmth,
Jarman Funeral Services
Caring for families with dignity, compassion, and understanding.
We know how it feels to lose a loved one, to feel lost and confused.
That is why our dedicated team will treat you and your loved one with dignity and care.
Our compassionate team will gently lead you through all the steps necessary to honour your lost loved one and provide honest expert advice in your time of need.
