How Do I Close A Facebook Account After Someone Dies?

If you are responsible for managing the social media accounts of a loved one who has passed away, you may be wondering how to close their Facebook account. This can be a difficult and emotional process. Still, it is essential to take care of these matters promptly. This guide will walk you through the steps for closing a Facebook account when someone dies. Please note that Facebook's policies and procedures may change over time: it is always a good idea to double-check their website for the most up-to-date information.

How do I close my personal Facebook account?

If you want to close your Facebook account, the social networking site offers two options: deactivation or deletion. Deactivation essentially pauses your account, making it inaccessible to others but retains your information should you wish to reactive later. Deletion will permanently remove the profile. Follow this step-by-step guide if this is what you would like to do:

• Log-in to Facebook
• Visit ‘Settings & Privacy’
• Go to ‘Your Facebook Information’
• Go to ‘Deactivation and Deletion’
• Choose between the two options

How do I close a Facebook account of someone who has passed away?

If a loved one dies, Facebook can either memorialise the profile or delete the account altogether. This article will show you how to do this.

This special request form will need to be completed with four options available:

• Please memorialise this account
• Please remove this account
• I have a special request
• I have a question

As per Facebook’s Guide, you will firstly need to provide documentation that you are an immediate family member or the executor for the profile holder.

The easiest way to close an account is through submitting a loved one’s death certificate. If this is not possible, Facebook will need two pieces of documentation: proof of authority and proof that the person has passed away.

Proof of authority

• Power of attorney
• Birth certificate
• Last will and testament
• Estate letter

Proof a Loved One Has Passed Away

• Obituary
• Memorial card