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Dealing with a deceased person’s Facebook account is an emotionally difficult process. Facebook provides two options: memorialising the account or requesting its removal. This guide explains both processes for UK users, including the documentation required.
Your Options
When a Facebook user passes away, you can request either memorialisation (the account is preserved with “Remembering” added before the name) or removal (the account is permanently deleted). The choice depends on the family’s wishes and, ideally, any instructions left by the deceased.
Memorialising an Account
Visit Facebook’s memorialisation request form. You’ll need the deceased person’s name as it appears on their profile, the URL of their Facebook profile, and proof of death — typically an obituary, death certificate, or media article. Facebook will add “Remembering” before the name, prevent the account from appearing in public spaces like birthday reminders, and preserve all existing content. No one can log into a memorialised account.
Requesting Account Removal
If the family prefers to remove the account entirely, visit Facebook’s special request form for deceased users. You’ll need to provide proof of your relationship to the deceased (immediate family member), proof of death, and proof of your identity. This process typically takes 5–10 business days.
Legacy Contact
Facebook allows users to designate a Legacy Contact — a trusted person who can manage certain aspects of their account after they pass away. The legacy contact can write a pinned post, respond to friend requests, update the profile picture and cover photo, and request account removal. They cannot log in as the person, read private messages, or remove friends. Encourage your loved ones to set up a legacy contact in Settings → General → Memorialisation Settings.
Legal Considerations for UK Users
Under UK law, digital assets (including social media accounts) are not automatically transferred to the estate. The Terms of Service between the user and Facebook take precedence. However, under UK GDPR, executors can make data protection requests on behalf of the deceased. If you’re the executor of the estate and need access to account data, you may need to apply to the court for a specific order.