How to set your Facebook account to delete itself after you die

It’s not the most jovial thought, but you may find yourself wondering what happens to your Facebook account after you die.
However, there are several other options that you can arrange now, including turning your profile into a memorial page or making your account delete itself after you die.

Here’s everything you need to know, including what your options are, and how to arrange them now.

How to delete your account when you pass away:

One option is having your account permanently deleted after you pass away. To do this:

1. Go to Facebook’s website, and click on the down arrow in the upper-right corner of Facebook and then click on Settings.
   
2. Click the ‘Edit’ button next to ‘Memorialization Settings’.
   
3. Scroll down, and click ‘Request that your account be deleted after you pass away’
   
4. Once you’ve clicked this, a message will appear that reads: “Please confirm that you want your account deleted after your death. Once someone lets us know that you passed away, all of your info, photos and posts will be permanently removed from Facebook and no one will be able to see your profile again.”
5. If you still want to go ahead, click ‘Delete After Death’

How to turn your profile into a memorial page:

Alternatively, you can arrange to have your profile turned into a memorial page after you die.
To do this, you’ll need to set up a ‘legacy contact’ - someone you trust to look after your account after you pass away.

1. Go to Facebook’s website, and click on the down arrow in the upper-right corner of Facebook and then click on Settings.
   
2. Click the ‘Edit’ button next to ‘Memorialization Settings’.
   
3. Type your chosen contact’s name in the ‘Choose a friend’ search box and click ‘Add’
   
4. Your contact will then be sent an email explaining what this means. They won’t be notified again until your account is memorialised.