Series: digital legacy - how to manage facebook and instagram
When a loved one dies, their social media accounts can become both a source of comfort and, sometimes, a source of pain. Photos, memories, and messages are often stored there but, without preparation, families may find themselves locked out or unsure of what to do.
The good news is that Facebook and Instagram offer tools to help you plan ahead. You can decide what happens to your accounts when you die, or, if you’re supporting a loved one’s affairs, you can request changes to their profiles.
Here’s how to take control.
Facebook: Memorialise or Delete?
Memorialised Accounts
When someone dies, their Facebook account can be turned into a memorialised account. This keeps the profile online but makes it clear the person has passed away. Friends and family can continue to share memories, but the account is protected from hacking or misuse.
Features of a memorialised account:
The word “Remembering” is shown next to the person’s name.
Friends can share memories on the timeline.
Content the person shared (photos, posts) remains visible according to their privacy settings.
The account will not appear in birthday reminders or “People You May Know.”
Legacy Contacts
You can plan ahead by choosing a legacy contact—a trusted person who can manage your memorialised account. They can:
Write a pinned post (e.g., details of a memorial service).
Accept friend requests.
Change your profile and cover photo.
Request the removal of your account.
Importantly, legacy contacts cannot log in as you or read private messages.
You can set this up now by going to:
Settings & Privacy → Settings → Memorialization Settings
Account Deletion
If you’d rather your account disappear after death, you can choose to have your account permanently deleted when Facebook is notified.
Instagram: Memorialize or Remove?
Not surprisingly Instagram, which is owned by Meta (like Facebook), has very similar options.
Memorialised Accounts
When memorialised, an Instagram account:
Shows “Remembering” next to the person’s name.
Preserves posts and photos without allowing new logins.
Prevents changes to followers, posts, or account settings.
Unlike Facebook, Instagram does not allow for a legacy contact.
Requesting Account Removal
If you’re handling the account of someone who has died, you can request permanent removal. Instagram will usually ask for proof of death, such as a death certificate, obituary, or proof of authority (if you’re next of kin or executor).
Why Planning Ahead Matters
Losing someone you love is hard enough without facing the extra stress of digital admin. By setting up your Facebook legacy contact or leaving clear instructions for Instagram, you spare your family confusion and ensure your wishes are respected.
And if you’re managing the account of someone who has already passed away, knowing the right steps to take can make the process much smoother.
Bringing It All Together
Facebook and Instagram are just two parts of our digital lives—but they hold enormous emotional weight for families. Taking time now to set your preferences can make all the difference later.
That’s exactly what the NOTA:BENE System was designed for: a complete, practical way to organize your affairs, both offline and online, so nothing important is left unresolved.
This blog is part of our series on digital legacy management. Next, we’ll be covering how to plan for other platforms and services, helping you put a full plan in place for your digital life.