When someone passes away, their digital life continues unless steps are taken to close or manage their online accounts. From email and social media to shopping sites and cloud storage, most people leave behind a wide range of digital footprints. This guide can help you understand what needs to be done and how to start.
Why It Matters
Closing digital accounts protects the estate, prevents identity theft, and provides closure. Some families want to preserve certain online memories while others prefer to remove everything. Either way, managing these accounts should be part of the executor’s responsibilities or handled by someone the family trusts.
Where to Start
Start by making a list of the person’s known accounts, such as:
- Email (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo)
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn)
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox)
- Shopping or payment sites (Amazon, PayPal, Venmo)
- Subscription services (Netflix, Spotify, news sites)
- Online banking or financial tools
- Crypto wallets, cold storage, and custodial accounts (Coinbase, Binance, Kraken, BitPay, Gemini, Ledger, Trezor, MetaMask)
Look through saved passwords, browser logins, emails, or a password manager if they used one. If the person left behind a digital will or instructions, that is the best starting point.
How to Close or Memorialize Common Accounts
Here are instructions for a few major services. Most require a death certificate and proof of your authority such as being the executor or next of kin.
Google (Gmail, YouTube, Google Photos) Google allows you to close or manage a deceased user’s account: Submit a request You can also use their Inactive Account Manager feature to plan ahead.
Apple (iCloud, Apple ID) Apple requires a court order unless the person had enabled a Legacy Contact. See how to request access
Facebook Facebook lets you request account deletion or memorialization: Request removal or memorialization
Instagram Instagram has a similar process for account removal or memorialization: Instagram account request
LinkedIn LinkedIn allows you to report a death and request account removal: Submit a request
Twitter (now X) X lets you request removal of a deceased user’s account: Submit a request to X
PayPal Contact PayPal’s customer service and provide required documents: PayPal deceased account help
Tips for a Smooth Process
- Keep certified copies of the death certificate ready
- Use official support links only ...avoid pop-ups or third-party "closure" services
- Document which accounts you have contacted and what was resolved
- For accounts with stored credit or automatic billing, cancel billing methods quickly
Consider a Digital Executor
Some people now name a digital executor in their will ...someone responsible for managing online assets and accounts. Even if there is no formal designation, having one person take the lead on digital accounts is a good idea.
Final Thoughts
Closing digital accounts may not feel urgent at first, but it can protect privacy, reduce emotional stress, and tie up important loose ends. Take it one step at a time. If you are unsure how to proceed with a specific platform, start with their Help or Support section.
You can also explore tools like MemoriaSky.com, which offers full-service funeral and memorial planning support online. We are not affiliated, but it is one of several helpful resources available to families.
