When someone dies, their Facebook account doesn't disappear. It stays active, continues appearing in "People You May Know" suggestions, and can receive birthday reminders that are painful for grieving friends and family. Taking action requires a specific process — but it's more accessible than most families realize.

Facebook gives families two options: memorialization or removal. Understanding the difference helps you make the right choice for your family.

Memorialization vs. Removal — Which Is Right?

Memorialization

  • Profile stays visible as a tribute
  • "Remembering" appears next to the name
  • Friends can still post memories
  • Nobody can log in or make changes
  • Profile removed from ads and suggestions
  • Can be managed by a Legacy Contact
  • Cannot be reversed to a regular account

Removal / Deletion

  • Profile permanently deleted
  • All photos, posts, and data removed
  • Cannot be undone
  • Requires proof of death and authority
  • Takes 30-90 days to complete
  • Better for families wanting full closure
  • Removes all public presence permanently
Most families choose memorialization initially and consider removal later. Memorialization preserves photos and memories that family members may want to keep. Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone — consider this carefully before requesting it.

What You Need Before Starting

Step-By-Step Process

1

Go to Facebook's Special Request Form

Search "Facebook memorialization request" or "Facebook special request deceased" — Facebook maintains a dedicated form at facebook.com/help/contact/234739086860192 for memorialization requests and a separate form for removal requests.

2

Choose Your Request Type

Select either "Memorialize Account" or "Remove Account." For memorialization, minimal documentation is required. For removal, you must verify your relationship to the deceased.

3

Provide the Profile Information

Enter the deceased's name and provide a link to their Facebook profile. You can find the profile URL by searching their name on Facebook while logged into your own account.

4

Upload Required Documentation

For memorialization: proof of death (obituary link or death certificate). For removal: death certificate plus proof of your authority as executor or immediate family member.

5

Submit and Wait

Memorialization typically happens within a few days to two weeks. Removal requests take 30-90 days and may require additional documentation. Facebook will contact you if they need more information.

What About Facebook Photos and Memories?

Before requesting removal, consider that Facebook photos may be the only digital copies of certain memories. Once the account is deleted, all photos, posts, and data are permanently removed. If the deceased used Facebook as a photo album, download everything before requesting deletion.

If you have the login credentials, you can download all account data through Facebook's "Download Your Information" feature before initiating any closure request. If you don't have the password, Facebook will not provide data access to family members — only memorialization or deletion is available through the official process.

Facebook Legacy Contact

If the deceased had designated a Legacy Contact before death, that person has limited ability to manage the memorialized account — writing a pinned post, responding to new friend requests, and updating the profile and cover photo. If you are the Legacy Contact, log into your own Facebook account to access these management tools after the account is memorialized.

What If the Account Is Being Used Fraudulently?

If someone has gained unauthorized access to the deceased's account and is using it, report it to Facebook immediately through their Help Center under "Report a compromised account." Facebook treats this as a security issue and responds more quickly than standard bereavement requests.

Instagram — Handled Separately

Instagram (owned by Meta) has a completely separate process from Facebook, even though they're the same company. If the deceased had both accounts, you need to submit separate requests for each. See our dedicated guide: How to Close an Instagram Account After Death.

Need help preparing your Facebook request?

Vera Legacy prepares the complete documentation package for Facebook and every other platform in your loved one's digital estate — delivered in 48 hours from $147.

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Timeline Summary

The most important thing: submit the request. Most families delay because they don't know the process exists. Now you do. The account will not change on its own — it requires action from an authorized family member.