Social Media and Email
What happens to a Facebook account when someone dies?
Short answer
Facebook allows the account to be memorialized — it becomes a place for people to share memories, with "Remembering" added before the name. A designated legacy contact (chosen before death) can manage the memorialized account. Alternatively, an immediate family member can request…
What this usually means
Facebook allows the account to be memorialized — it becomes a place for people to share memories, with "Remembering" added before the name. A designated legacy contact (chosen before death) can manage the memorialized account. Alternatively, an immediate family member can request removal. Both options require Facebook's online request process and proof of death.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.