All questions

Memories & digital keepsakes

How to keep photos, messages and files safe, what memorialisation means, and how families keep a shared archive.

It’s best to act before closing any accounts. Most platforms let you download or transfer data such as photos, videos, and messages once you provide proof of death. If an account has already been deleted, recovery is difficult but sometimes possible - some providers temporarily keep backups or archived copies. Contact them as soon as possible to check what can be restored.

Memorialisation turns a social media profile into a digital remembrance space. Posts and photos remain visible, but the account can’t be logged into or changed. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow family to request this option with proof of death.

Yes. Services such as Apple Legacy Contact, Google Inactive Account Manager, and Meta’s Memorialisation Settings let you decide whether accounts are deleted or handed to a trusted person. Setting these preferences early makes things far easier later.

Unmanaged digital content can remain online indefinitely - leading to identity theft, data leaks, or emotional distress for family members. In some cases, ongoing subscriptions and payments may continue unnoticed, adding financial strain to the estate. Without clear instructions, valuable photos, messages, and funds can also be permanently lost.

Many families create a private memorial archive — a shared online folder, external drive, or cloud album containing selected photos, videos, and messages. Choose one secure location, add key memories, and share access with trusted people only. This helps preserve a person’s story without leaving data scattered across multiple platforms.