With approximately 67 million people passing away each year, the fate of their online accounts becomes a pressing concern.

Estimates suggest that deceased Facebook users may outnumber the living in the next 50 years. Left untouched, these accounts pose risks to financial security and privacy. The same goes for email accounts associated with sensitive apps, Instagram, X, Reddit, and other online platforms.

This guide explores step-by-step how to delete online accounts of a deceased person on various platforms and deal with their digital assets and data.

For closing a deceased person’s accounts, gather:

• The death certificate
• Legal documentation proving the relationship with the deceased

Access to email, passwords, and relevant legal documents is essential. It also helps to have a list of all accounts.

Identifying and Documenting Online Accounts

Discovering and managing online accounts of a departed loved one can be daunting, but a systematic approach helps.

• Identify all potential accounts including email, social media, and financial platforms.
• Check browser history or password managers for clues.
• Create a comprehensive list and organize login information systematically.

Accounts can be closed even without passwords; a death certificate is often sufficient for platforms like Facebook.

Steps to Delete Online Accounts

Gather essential documents like a death certificate and valid ID. Then initiate closure of the deceased's accounts to safeguard sensitive information.

How to Delete Google and YouTube Accounts

Deleting a Google account automatically deletes its YouTube data. Prepare the deceased's documents before starting.

1. Visit the Google account’s recovery page.
2. Select “Close the account of a deceased user” and fill out the application form.
3. Submit the required details for review.

Consider downloading data via Google Takeout before deletion. Appointing an Inactive Account Manager can help if the deceased set one up.

How to Delete Deceased Facebook Account (and Meta)

1. Go to the account deletion page.
2. Submit a request with death certificate and proof of relationship.
3. Facebook reviews and permanently deletes the account.

Same steps apply for Instagram and WhatsApp.

How to Delete a TikTok Account

Documents needed:

• Death certificate
• ID proving relationship (birth certificate or marriage certificate)
• Written request for account closure

Process:

1. Visit the TikTok help center.
2. Submit documents and follow instructions.

Accounts can also be deactivated temporarily for 30 days.

How to Delete a Reddit Account

Reddit requires verification documents. Steps:

1. Visit Reddit support page.
2. Submit documents and request deletion.

If full deletion is not possible, memorialize the account and remove PII.

How to Delete a Twitter Account

1. Visit Twitter's official page.
2. Select “The owner of the account is deceased”.
3. Fill in required information and submit.

How to Delete a Pinterest Account

1. Email care@pinterest.com with deceased account information.
2. Follow Pinterest Help Center instructions: Help Center.

How to Delete a LinkedIn Account

1. Visit LinkedIn Help Center.
2. Request memorialization or permanent closure.
3. Attach death certificate and legal authorization.

Digital Inheritance: Dealing with Digital Assets and Data

Managing the digital assets and data of a deceased loved one is crucial. Steps include:

• Compile an inventory of digital assets (email, social media, subscriptions, files).
• Secure access to devices and accounts using legal authorization.
• Review legal documents like wills to determine wishes.
• Contact service providers to close or transfer accounts.

Memorializing Online Accounts After Death

Memorialization preserves online profiles respectfully. Family members can submit proof of death to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Protecting Your Own Digital Legacy

• Create a digital inventory — list all online accounts, emails, and subscriptions.
• Designate a digital executor — a trusted person to manage your digital assets.
• Document your wishes — provide instructions in a digital estate plan.
• Secure important information — passwords, usernames, and security questions.
• Provide access instructions — guide your executor for posthumous account management.

Summary

Navigating the deletion of online accounts of a deceased loved one requires diligence and sensitivity. Addressing digital legacy is as crucial as traditional estate planning and ensures personal information is protected.

Proactively managing digital accounts helps honor the memory of loved ones and safeguard their online presence.