What happens to your LinkedIn account when you die?

To manage a deceased person’s LinkedIn account, family members or authorized representatives need to submit a formal request to LinkedIn. This request can be for account memorialization or removal. Memorializing an account transforms it into a tribute page, displaying a memorial badge and preventing further activity. Deleting an account removes all data permanently from LinkedIn’s servers.

How to Request Memorialization or Deletion

1. Gather documentation proving your authority or relationship to the deceased. Common proof includes a death certificate or a link to an obituary.
2. Visit the LinkedIn Help Center and navigate to the section on Account Access after a user’s death.
3. Fill out the required form, providing details about the account and your relationship to the deceased. Attach the supporting documents as proof.
4. Submit your request and wait for a response. LinkedIn usually processes requests within a few weeks.

Once approved, LinkedIn will either memorialize the account or delete it, based on your request. Memorialized profiles display a badge indicating they are in remembrance, and no further activity such as endorsements or messages can take place.

Important Tips and Considerations

• Ensure all documents are clear and legible to avoid delays in processing.
• Remember that memorialized accounts are visible to connections but are marked as memorial pages to protect privacy.
• If you want to update or control the account, consider discussing it with other family members or legal advisors first.
• Check LinkedIn’s policies regularly, as they may change, to stay informed about the latest procedures and options.

Real-World Example

A family member of a LinkedIn user who recently passed away contacted LinkedIn with the user’s death certificate. They requested the account be memorialized to honor the person’s professional legacy. After submission, LinkedIn reviewed the documents and converted the profile into a memorial page, preserving the user’s connections and work history for friends and colleagues to see.

How to Manage Your LinkedIn Account When You Pass Away

Planning for the future of your LinkedIn account is crucial to ensure your online professional presence is handled according to your wishes. Whether you want your account memorialized or for loved ones to manage it after your passing, understanding the necessary steps can simplify the process. This guide outlines the key preparations needed to manage your LinkedIn account when you’re no longer around.

1. Understand LinkedIn’s Memorialization Policy. LinkedIn offers a memorialization feature allowing your profile to become a tribute to your life. When memorialized, it remains visible but with limited activity. To be eligible, your account must be marked inactive, and a family member or close contact can request memorialization. Review LinkedIn’s policies on their help page to understand the criteria and process.
2. Designate a Legacy Contact. You can choose someone you trust to manage parts of your account after your death. In your account settings under “Data Privacy & Settings,” find the “Manage your legacy contact” option and select a trusted person. They may be able to update your profile or memorialize it if you wish.
3. Prepare a Will or Digital Estate Plan. Include your LinkedIn details in your estate planning documents. Clearly specify if you want the account memorialized, maintained, or deleted. Provide instructions for your executor or trusted person on how to access your account, including login details stored securely elsewhere.
4. Notify Your Trusted Contact or Family. Discuss your plans with your trusted contacts. Share your intentions, such as appointing a legacy contact or requesting memorialization, and ensure they know how to access your account and what actions to take.
5. Review Privacy Settings and Content. Regularly update your privacy settings. Decide what information should remain visible after your death. Consider deleting sensitive content or making your profile more public if you want it preserved for professional purposes.
6. Stay Informed of Policy Changes. Social media policies evolve. Periodically check LinkedIn’s help resources to stay updated on options for managing accounts after death to keep your plans relevant.

Taking these steps ensures your LinkedIn account reflects your wishes after your passing. Proper planning helps prevent confusion or unwanted surprises for loved ones and preserves your professional legacy online.