What Happens to Your Online Accounts When You Die?
When someone dies, their online accounts do not disappear. Each platform has its own policy — some let you designate a trusted contact in advance, others require a death certificate and legal documentation, and a few will simply lock your family out permanently. Knowing these policies now, while you can still configure settings and document access, saves your family weeks of frustration and potential permanent loss of data, money, and memories.
The average person has over 100 online accounts (NordPass, 2023). Only 5% have made any plan for what happens to those accounts after death (Oxford Internet Institute). And 73% of grieving families report difficulty accessing a loved one's digital accounts (Caring.com, 2024).
This guide covers the specific after-death policies for every major platform — what your family can access, what they cannot, and what you can set up right now to make things easier for them.
What happens to your Google account when you die?
Google offers the most comprehensive after-death planning tool of any major platform: Inactive Account Manager. If you configure it, Google can automatically notify up to 10 trusted contacts after a period of inactivity you choose (3 to 18 months), share specified account data with them, and optionally delete the account. If you do not configure it, your family must submit a formal request to Google, which may or may not be granted.
How to set it up now
Go to myaccount.google.com/inactive. The setup takes about five minutes:
Choose your inactivity timeout period (3, 6, 12, or 18 months).
Add a mobile number for verification — Google will text you before activating your plan to confirm you are actually inactive, not just on a long vacation.
Add up to 10 trusted contacts. For each contact, choose which data types to share (Gmail, Drive, Photos, YouTube, Calendar, and others).
Optionally, choose to auto-delete the account after your contacts have been notified and given time to download data.
When the inactivity period expires and you do not respond to verification, your contacts receive an email notification and a link to download the data you specified. They cannot log into your account — they get a data export.
What your family can access
If Inactive Account Manager is configured, your designated contacts can download any data types you authorized. If it is not configured, family members can submit a request through Google's support form, providing a death certificate and proof of relationship. Google reviews these on a case-by-case basis and may provide limited account data, deny the request, or close the account. There is no guarantee of access.
What to know
Google also enforces a 2-year inactivity deletion policy (announced May 2023). Personal Google accounts with no sign-in activity for 2 years may have their content deleted across Gmail, Drive, and Photos, with advance notice sent to the account email and recovery email. This applies even without Inactive Account Manager configured. Setting up Inactive Account Manager with a shorter timeout ensures your contacts are notified well before this point.
Set it up now: Google's Inactive Account Manager is the single most impactful thing you can configure today. It covers Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos, YouTube, and more — and takes five minutes.
What happens to your Apple account when you die?
Apple lets you designate up to 5 Legacy Contacts who can request access to your iCloud data after your death. Each contact receives a unique access key that they will need — along with a death certificate — to request access. Apple then provides a temporary Legacy Contact Apple ID valid for 3 years, through which your contact can download your data.
How to set it up now
On iPhone or iPad: Settings → [Your Name] → Sign-In & Security → Legacy Contact → Add Legacy Contact. On Mac: System Settings → Apple ID → Sign-In & Security → Legacy Contact. You can also manage this at digital-legacy.apple.com.
When you add a contact, Apple generates an access key. You can share it with your contact via Messages, print it, or save it as a PDF. Your contact will need this key to request access later.
What your family can access
Can access: iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive files, Notes, Mail, Messages (from iCloud backup), Contacts, Calendars, Reminders, Health data, Safari bookmarks, Voice Memos.
Cannot access: iCloud Keychain (saved passwords and passkeys), licensed media purchases (movies, music, TV shows, books, apps), in-app purchases, payment information, or subscriptions.
What if no Legacy Contact is set up
Without a Legacy Contact designated, your family must petition Apple with a court order specifically naming them as a person with legal authority to access the deceased's digital assets. Apple will review the court order and, if accepted, provide limited data access. This process can take weeks or months and is not guaranteed.
What happens to your Facebook account when you die?
Facebook offers two options you can configure in advance: designate a Legacy Contact to manage your memorialized profile, or request that Facebook delete your account after your death. If you do not configure either, Facebook will memorialize the account when someone reports your death — freezing the profile in its current state.
How to set it up now
Go to Settings → Personal Details → Account Ownership and Control → Memorialization Settings. From here you can:
Choose a Legacy Contact — This must be an existing Facebook friend. They will be able to write a pinned memorial post, update your profile and cover photos, respond to new friend requests, and download a copy of what you shared on Facebook (if you authorize this during setup).
Request account deletion — Check "Request that your account be deleted after you pass away." If you choose this, no memorialization occurs.
What a Legacy Contact can do
A Legacy Contact can manage the memorialized profile but cannot log in as you, read your private messages, remove existing friends, or delete previous posts. If you authorize data download during setup, they can download a copy of your photos, posts, and profile information.
What memorialization looks like
A memorialized profile displays "Remembering" next to the person's name. The profile remains visible to friends (based on existing privacy settings). No one can log into the account. The profile does not appear in public spaces like People You May Know or birthday reminders.
Without advance setup
If nobody has been named as Legacy Contact, a verified immediate family member or executor can request memorialization or account deletion by submitting documentation (typically a death certificate) through Facebook's online form. Processing typically takes 3 to 7 business days for straightforward requests.
What happens to your Instagram account when you die?
Instagram, owned by Meta, offers memorialization or deletion upon request from a verified family member or executor. There is no advance Legacy Contact feature native to Instagram, though as of August 2025, Meta has begun piloting expanded legacy contact functionality for Instagram, starting with a rollout in Israel.
Memorialization
A verified immediate family member or legal representative can request memorialization by submitting a form through Instagram's Help Center. Instagram requires proof of death — typically an obituary link, news article, or death certificate. Memorialized accounts display "Remembering" next to the name, remain visible with existing privacy settings, and cannot be logged into, modified, or used to post new content. Memorialized accounts do not appear on the Explore page.
Deletion
A verified immediate family member or an executor with legal authority can request account removal. This requires a death certificate, plus documentation proving relationship or legal authority (such as a birth certificate or letters testamentary). Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days.
What your family cannot do
No one is granted login access to the account. Private messages cannot be read. Content cannot be downloaded unless the account holder previously used Instagram's data download tool. There is no way to transfer account ownership.
What happens to your X (Twitter) account when you die?
X does not offer any advance planning tools — no legacy contact, no inactive account manager, no memorialization option. The only option available to family members is requesting account deactivation after death. X will not grant anyone access to a deceased user's account under any circumstances.
How deactivation works
A verified immediate family member or estate representative submits a request through X's Help Center or the dedicated deactivation form at help.twitter.com. After the initial request, X emails the requester with instructions to provide:
Information about the deceased (name, username)
A copy of the requester's government-issued ID
A copy of the deceased's death certificate
A signed statement including the requester's relationship to the deceased
Once X verifies the documentation, the account is deactivated. Deactivated accounts are removed from public view, and the username may eventually become available for reuse. Processing typically takes 1 to 3 weeks.
What your family cannot do
X cannot provide account access, content downloads, or direct message archives to anyone — regardless of relationship or legal authority. If you want your family to be able to access or preserve your X content, the only option is to share your login credentials with them in advance or download your own data archive through Settings → Your Account → Download an archive of your data.
What happens to your LinkedIn account when you die?
LinkedIn offers both memorialization and deletion for deceased users' profiles. There is no advance planning tool — family members must contact LinkedIn after the death.
Memorialization
A verified family member can request that a profile be memorialized by providing an obituary link or death certificate. Memorialized profiles display "In remembrance" as a badge. The profile remains visible, and other users can engage with existing posts and articles, but no one can log in or modify the account.
Deletion
A verified family member or legal representative can request full account removal. LinkedIn requires documentation showing legal authority to act on behalf of the deceased's estate (executor letter, court order, or similar documentation). Once approved, data is removed within 30 days.
What to know
LinkedIn will not provide login credentials or account content access to family members. If the deceased had a LinkedIn Premium subscription, it continues to charge until cancelled — family members should contact LinkedIn or the associated credit card company to stop payments.
What happens to your Microsoft account when you die?
Microsoft has one of the most restrictive policies of any major platform. Even with a death certificate, Microsoft will generally not give family members access to account content (emails, OneDrive files, or other data). The company can close an account upon request, and it may provide limited data in specific circumstances — but full access typically requires a valid subpoena or court order.
What your family can do
If they have the password: They can sign in and close the account. After closure, Microsoft holds data for 60 days (during which the account can be reopened), then permanently deletes everything.
If they do not have the password: They can submit a Next of Kin request through the Microsoft support portal. Microsoft will request:
A copy of the death certificate
Proof of legal relationship or executor status
The deceased's full name and Microsoft email address
Microsoft reviews the request but typically only closes the account — it does not provide email content, OneDrive files, or other data without a court-issued subpoena.
What to know
Microsoft accounts (Outlook.com, Live.com, Hotmail) are frozen after 1 year of inactivity, and emails and OneDrive files may be deleted shortly after. The entire account is automatically closed after 2 years of inactivity. There is no legacy contact or inactive account manager feature. If you use Microsoft for important files or email, having a backup plan (sharing credentials via a password manager or encrypted vault) is essential.
What happens to your TikTok account when you die?
TikTok does not offer a memorialization option or any advance legacy planning tools. The only available action for family members is requesting account deletion. All videos, comments, likes, and profile information are permanently removed once the request is processed.
How deletion works
Family members can contact TikTok's support through the Help Center or by emailing the platform. TikTok requires the deceased's username or profile URL, a death certificate, proof of relationship, and a statement of authority to request deletion. Processing typically takes 7 to 14 business days.
What to know
Because TikTok only offers deletion (not memorialization), all content is permanently lost once the request is processed. If you want your family to preserve any videos, they will need login access to download content before requesting deletion. TikTok allows downloading individual videos from the app, and the full data archive can be requested through Settings → Privacy → Download Your Data — but both require account access.
What about other platforms?
Snapchat
Snapchat will delete a deceased user's account when provided with a death certificate. There is no memorialization option and no way to access account content. The Snapchat support team can be reached through the app's Help Center.
Family members can request account deactivation through the Pinterest Help Center. Additional documentation may be requested. Pinterest will not provide login credentials or account content to family members.
YouTube
YouTube accounts are tied to Google accounts, so Google's Inactive Account Manager covers YouTube. If not configured, family members go through Google's deceased user process. YouTube channels are typically closed when Google is notified of the account holder's death, unless Inactive Account Manager is set up to share the data.
Amazon
Digital content purchased on Amazon (Kindle books, Audible audiobooks, Prime Video purchases) is licensed, not owned — it cannot be transferred to another person. Physical order history and account information can be accessed by contacting Amazon customer service with a death certificate and proof of relationship. Amazon accounts should be closed once any pending orders or returns are resolved.
PayPal and Venmo
PayPal (which owns Venmo) has a specific bereavement process. An executor or estate administrator can contact PayPal's customer support to request account closure and transfer of remaining funds to the estate. Documentation required includes a death certificate, letters testamentary or letters of administration, and the executor's government-issued ID. Pending balances will be transferred to the estate once the account is closed.
Spotify, Netflix, and streaming services
Streaming subscriptions are licenses tied to the account holder and do not transfer. Family members should cancel these services to stop recurring charges. If there is no login access, contacting customer support with a death certificate typically allows cancellation.
Platform comparison at a glance
PlatformAdvance planning toolMemorializationFamily can request deletionContent access for familyTypical timelineGoogleInactive Account Manager (up to 10 contacts)NoYesYes, if IAM configured; limited otherwise5 min setup; IAM activates per your timelineAppleDigital Legacy (up to 5 contacts)NoYesYes, with access key + death certificate (excludes Keychain, purchases)3-year access window once approvedFacebookLegacy ContactYes ("Remembering")YesLimited (data download if pre-authorized)3–7 business daysInstagramNone (pilot expanding)Yes ("Remembering")YesNo5–10 business daysX (Twitter)NoneNoYes (deactivation only)No1–3 weeksLinkedInNoneYes ("In remembrance")YesNoVariesMicrosoftNoneNoYes (closure only)Requires court subpoena2–4 weeks; auto-close at 2 years inactivityTikTokNoneNoYes (deletion only)No7–14 business daysSnapchatNoneNoYes (deletion only)NoVaries
The pattern is clear: platforms that offer advance planning tools (Google, Apple, Facebook) give your family significantly more options and faster access. Platforms without them (X, Microsoft, TikTok, Snapchat) leave your family with limited options and no content access.
What can you do right now?
The biggest difference between a smooth process and months of frustration is whether you configure settings before they are needed. Three actions, 15 minutes total:
Set up Google Inactive Account Manager. This covers Gmail, Drive, Photos, and YouTube — where much of your digital life lives. Go to myaccount.google.com/inactive.
Add Apple Digital Legacy Contacts. If you use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, this covers iCloud Photos, Mail, Messages, and files. Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Sign-In & Security → Legacy Contact.
Choose a Facebook Legacy Contact. Go to Settings → Personal Details → Account Ownership and Control → Memorialization Settings.
For everything else — the platforms that do not offer advance tools — document your accounts and access instructions in a secure, encrypted location your family knows about. Tools like Safe After Me organize all your digital accounts in one vault your family can access when they need it.
For the full step-by-step process, see Digital Estate Planning: The Complete Guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can my family log into my accounts after I die?
In most cases, no. Nearly every major platform prohibits account sharing, even after death. Google and Apple provide data downloads (not login access) through their legacy tools. Facebook's Legacy Contact can manage a memorialized profile but cannot log in. X, Microsoft, TikTok, and Snapchat do not provide any form of account access. If login access matters, share credentials through a password manager with emergency access or an encrypted vault.
What happens to digital purchases like Kindle books or iTunes music?
Digital media purchases are typically licenses, not transferable property. Amazon Kindle books, Apple iTunes purchases, Google Play content, and Steam games cannot be transferred to another person's account after death. The content remains accessible only through the original account. This is one of the most common surprises in digital estate planning — your family cannot inherit your digital library the way they inherit physical books.
How long before inactive accounts are automatically deleted?
Timelines vary by platform. Google may delete content after 2 years of inactivity. Microsoft freezes email and OneDrive after 1 year and closes accounts after 2 years. X retains deactivated accounts for 30 days before permanent deletion. Most social platforms keep accounts indefinitely unless someone reports the death or requests closure. Inactive Account Manager on Google lets you set a custom timeout as short as 3 months.
What happens to money in PayPal, Venmo, or other payment apps?
Funds in payment apps remain in the account until an executor or estate administrator contacts the provider. PayPal and Venmo require a death certificate and letters testamentary to close the account and transfer remaining funds to the estate. If nobody knows the account exists, the money may eventually be turned over to the state's unclaimed property fund — another reason to inventory all accounts.
Do I need a lawyer to access a deceased person's online accounts?
Not always, but sometimes. If the deceased configured Google's Inactive Account Manager or Apple's Digital Legacy, the designated contacts can access data without legal involvement. For platforms that require legal documentation (like Microsoft requiring a court subpoena for content access), an attorney may be necessary. In RUFADAA states (46 states), having explicit digital asset provisions in the deceased's estate documents gives the executor legal standing to request access.
What is the best way to prepare my online accounts for my family?
Three steps cover the majority of cases: configure platform legacy settings (Google, Apple, Facebook), create an inventory of all your online accounts with access instructions, and include digital asset authorization in your estate documents. Store the inventory in an encrypted vault or password manager with emergency access — not on a sticky note or unprotected spreadsheet. The goal is not to share every password; it is to ensure your family knows which accounts exist and how to reach them.
Can social media accounts be hacked after someone dies?
Yes. Unmanaged accounts are targets for impersonation, spam, and identity theft. If the deceased's email is compromised, attackers can use password reset flows to access linked accounts. Memorializing or closing social media accounts promptly reduces this risk. Platforms that offer memorialization (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) lock the account from logins, which provides a layer of protection.
What if I want my accounts deleted, not preserved?
Configure deletion preferences in advance where possible. Facebook lets you request account deletion upon death in Memorialization Settings. Google's Inactive Account Manager includes an auto-delete option. For platforms without advance settings, leave written instructions for your executor specifying which accounts to close. Including these instructions in your letter of intent or digital estate plan ensures your executor knows your wishes.
