Dealing with a loved one’s online accounts after death
When someone we love dies, we naturally think about the practical things — arranging the funeral, letting friends and family know, sorting through paperwork. But one thing that often catches people off guard is their loved one’s digital presence.
From social media profiles to online bank accounts and photo storage, our lives are more digital than ever. So, what happens to all those accounts and memories when someone passes away? And how do you manage them with care?
At C V Gower Funeral Directors, we’re here to help make this part of the journey a little easier to understand. Below, you’ll find a gentle, step-by-step guide to dealing with a loved one’s online accounts, along with some tips on planning ahead for your own digital legacy.
Why This Matters More Than You Might Think
A person’s online accounts don’t simply disappear when they pass away. Emails still arrive, subscription fees might continue and social media profiles stay live unless something is done.
Sometimes, this can be comforting — especially if it becomes a space where people share memories. But for others, it might feel upsetting to see a birthday reminder or receive a message from a loved one’s account.
Managing these digital spaces isn’t just a practical task—it can also be a way of protecting someone’s memory, avoiding identity theft and bringing a sense of closure.
Social Media: Keep, Memorialise or Delete?
One of the most common questions families ask us is: “What should we do with their Facebook or Instagram?”
Most platforms now give you a few options, and each has its own way of handling things.
You can choose to memorialise an account, which turns it into a space for remembrance. It will show “Remembering” next to their name, and no one can log into it again. If your loved one nominated a legacy contact, that person can help manage tributes and messages.
Or, if you’d prefer, you can request that Facebook deletes the account altogether. They’ll usually need a copy of the death certificate and proof that you’re next of kin or the executor.
Instagram, X, LinkedIn and others
These platforms also allow you to either request deletion or, in some cases, memorialise the profile. Again, you’ll usually need to contact their support team with some basic documents.
It’s a good idea to take your time with these decisions. There’s no rush, and it’s okay to come back to them when you feel ready.
What About Bank Accounts and Subscriptions?
Alongside social media, there are often more practical accounts to think about — like online banking, PayPal, Amazon and streaming services.
If you’re the executor or have access to the necessary documents, you can usually contact the companies directly to close these accounts. Many will ask for a death certificate and proof that you’re managing the estate.
If you know the account passwords, you might be able to cancel subscriptions more quickly. But do be mindful—logging into someone’s account after they’ve died can sometimes breach a platform’s terms of service, so it’s best to tread carefully.
Looking through their bank statements can help you spot ongoing payments that need to be stopped, like gym memberships or app subscriptions.
What the Law Says About Digital Accounts in the UK
At the moment, the law around digital accounts in the UK is still developing. Generally speaking, online accounts aren’t considered “property” in the same way physical belongings are, so you don’t automatically inherit them.
This means you often need to prove your right to manage someone’s online life. Being named in their will, or acting as the executor, can help with this. If you’re unsure, it might be worth speaking to a solicitor – especially if your loved one had valuable digital assets, like cryptocurrency or intellectual property online.
Where to Start: A Step-by-Step Approach
Dealing with digital accounts can feel daunting, especially when you’re grieving. But it doesn’t all have to be done at once. Here’s a simple approach that many families find helpful:
- Gather information: Emails, phone records, or saved passwords might give clues about which accounts your loved one used.
- List the accounts: Start with the ones that feel most important—banking, email, social media, subscriptions.
- Contact the companies: Visit the Help or Support section of each website. Most have a form for reporting a death.
- Keep a record: Note who you’ve contacted and what they said—it’ll help you stay on top of things.
- Save special memories: Before you close photo storage accounts or social media profiles, you might want to download pictures, messages, or videos that hold meaning.
And remember—there’s no “right” order to do all this. It’s okay to take breaks, ask for help or set it aside for a while.
Thinking Ahead: Planning Your Own Digital Legacy
Many people find comfort in getting their affairs in order—including their digital ones. Just like writing a will or taking out a pre-paid funeral plan, setting out what you’d like to happen to your online accounts can ease the burden for your family.
Here are a few things you might consider:
- List your accounts and passwords in a secure place (or use a password manager with a legacy contact feature).
- Decide what you’d like to happen to your social media profiles—memorialise, delete or pass on?
- Let a trusted person know how to access your wishes, in writing if possible.
At C V Gower, we often hear from families who feel unsure where to begin with a loved one’s online world.
Managing a loved one’s digital accounts can feel like one more thing on a long list of responsibilities during a very emotional time. While these tasks can be challenging, they’re also an important part of protecting someone’s memory and gently tying up the loose ends of their life.
At C V Gower Funeral Directors, we understand that grief touches every part of life – including the practical decisions that follow a loss. We’re always here to provide guidance, listening support and reliable information to help you feel more confident about what comes next.
Whether you’re facing these questions now or planning ahead for the future, our caring team is here to walk alongside you — with kindness, clarity and compassion at every step.
If you’d like to speak to someone, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re here whenever you need us.