Losing someone is hard, and in today’s world, their social media profiles often become a place where friends and family gather to share memories. If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you memorialize a Facebook account, this guide will walk you through it with clarity and compassion.
What Does “Memorializing” a Facebook Account Mean?
When someone passes away, Facebook allows their profile to be memorialized — turning it into a protected space where loved ones can remember and honor their life. Memorialization locks the account so no one can log in, but keeps their photos, posts, and memories visible to the people they shared them with.
Facebook adds the word “Remembering” before the person’s name, helping friends and family know it’s a memorialized profile.
What Changes After an Account Is Memorialized
When an account is switched to memorial status:
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No one can log in or post as the deceased.
The profile remains secure and can’t be accessed or changed. -
The word “Remembering” appears above the name.
This signals to visitors that the person has passed. -
Posts and photos stay visible.
Friends can continue to see and share memories depending on privacy settings. -
Friends can still write on the timeline.
Many use this space to share condolences, stories, and tributes. -
Tagged content remains.
If they were tagged in photos or posts, those stay visible. -
Birthday reminders stop.
Facebook won’t send out new friend suggestions or birthday alerts.
The Legacy Contact: Who Manages the Page
Before someone passes, they can choose a Legacy Contact — a trusted friend or family member who can:
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Write a pinned post on the profile (for announcements or memorial service details).
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Respond to new friend requests.
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Update the profile picture and cover photo.
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Request the account to be removed if desired.
They cannot log in as the deceased, read private messages, or remove old content.
If no legacy contact was chosen, Facebook simply locks the account but doesn’t allow anyone to manage or update it.
Memorialization vs. Deletion
You can also request full deletion of the account instead of memorializing it.
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Memorializing keeps memories alive and allows friends to visit the profile.
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Deleting removes the account completely, as if it never existed.
How to Request Memorialization
If you’re an immediate family member or close friend:
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Provide the deceased person’s name, profile link, and proof of death (obituary or death certificate).
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Submit your request. Facebook will notify you once the account is memorialized.
Comfort Beyond Social Media
A Facebook memorial page is a beautiful way to share memories, but some families want something tangible that lasts beyond the digital space. Personalized memorial signs and wind chimes offer a way to remember and honor someone offline — a gift you can see, touch, and hear every day.
👉 Create a personalized memorial sign →
👉 Design a custom memorial wind chime →
Closing Thoughts
Memorializing a Facebook account creates a safe space where friends and family can continue to celebrate a loved one’s life. It protects their privacy, prevents misuse, and lets memories live on.
But sometimes, we need more than a digital reminder. Physical memorial gifts — like custom signs and wind chimes — can bring comfort long after social media posts have faded.
FAQs
What happens to private messages when a Facebook account is memorialized?
They remain private. No one, not even the legacy contact, can read them.
Can I add photos or change posts on a memorialized account?
Only the chosen legacy contact can change the profile/cover photo or add a pinned post. Regular friends can still comment or post memories.
Can I un-memorialize a Facebook account later?
No. Once memorialized, the account stays that way unless it’s deleted entirely.
