Instagram accounts don't close automatically after death. The profile stays public, photos remain visible, and followers may not know the person has passed. For many families, taking action on Instagram is an important part of honoring their loved one's digital legacy.

Although Instagram is owned by Meta — the same company as Facebook — the process for handling a deceased person's Instagram account is completely separate and requires its own request.

Your Two Options — Memorialize or Remove

Instagram offers the same two options as Facebook: memorialization and removal. Memorialization keeps the account visible as a tribute with a "Remembering" notice, while removal permanently deletes the account and all its content.

Important: Instagram photos are often the most carefully curated visual record of a person's life. Before requesting removal, consider whether family members want access to those photos. Once deleted, they cannot be recovered by anyone — including Instagram.

What You Need Before Starting

Step-By-Step Process

1

Find the Instagram Request Form

Go to Instagram's Help Center and search "deceased person" or "memorialization." Instagram maintains a dedicated form for both memorialization and removal requests. You can also access it through Instagram's app — go to the profile → three dots → Report → report as deceased.

2

Select Memorialization or Removal

Choose based on your family's wishes. Memorialization requires less documentation and processes faster. Removal requires more documentation but provides complete closure.

3

Submit the Deceased's Information

Provide their full legal name, Instagram username, and the email address associated with the account if known. The more information you provide, the faster Instagram can locate the account.

4

Upload Documentation

For memorialization: proof of death. For removal: death certificate and documentation proving your relationship or authority — Letters Testamentary for executors, or a birth certificate and government ID for immediate family members.

5

Submit and Follow Up

After submitting, Instagram reviews your request. If approved, you'll receive a confirmation email. If additional documentation is needed, Instagram will contact you. Requests are not always acknowledged immediately — allow 2-4 weeks before following up.

Can Family Members Download the Photos?

This is one of the most common questions families ask — and the honest answer is complicated. Instagram does not provide family members with the ability to download a deceased person's photos through their bereavement process. The only way to access Instagram data is through the account itself, which requires the login credentials.

If the deceased's phone is accessible and Instagram is logged in, you can manually save photos to the device camera roll or use Instagram's built-in "Download Data" feature from within the account settings. Do this before submitting any closure request.

What About Instagram Business or Creator Accounts?

If the deceased had an Instagram business or creator account with followers, sponsored content, or brand partnerships, there may be contractual obligations to address before closing the account. Review any brand partnership agreements and notify the relevant companies before proceeding with account closure.

Timeline

Need the Instagram request prepared for you?

Vera Legacy prepares complete documentation and executor letters for Instagram and every other platform — delivered to your inbox in 48 hours.

See Packages From $147 →

Related Guides