Managing a Loved One's LinkedIn Account After Their Death
A Complete Guide
The death of a loved one often leaves behind a number of tasks to be completed, including managing their digital presence. LinkedIn, a major professional social network with nearly 800 million users, is one of the platforms you'll likely need to consider. In this article, we'll guide you on how to manage a deceased loved one's LinkedIn account.
Why should you manage a deceased loved one's LinkedIn account?
LinkedIn does not offer direct post-mortem instructions, meaning that the management of a deceased user's account falls to their loved ones. Therefore, it is essential to take steps to protect the deceased's identity, stop notifications and connection requests, and ensure their profile does not become a target for hackers.
Here is an example, on the right of the image, of a profile after being memorialized:
Who can manage a LinkedIn account after the owner's death?
Managing a deceased person's LinkedIn account is generally handled by an heir or estate representative. To do so, you will need the following information and documents:
- The deceased member's full name
- Their LinkedIn profile URL
- Their email address
- Their date of death
- A copy of the death certificate
- A document naming the applicant as the authorized representative of the deceased member's estate
This information will be required to complete the request form provided by LinkedIn, which you can find here: LinkedIn form
Regarding closing your LinkedIn account, the purpose is quite clear, but here's what will happen:
- Immediate account closure
- Your profile will no longer be visible on the platform
- Account data will be deleted within 21 days
- Search engine delisting will occur within a few weeks
Furthermore, it's important to note that you must be an heir (or have the consent of all heirs if there are multiple heirs) to request the conversion or closure. You must also have all the required documents and information.
However, if you are not one of the heirs, you can still report the death to LinkedIn. The deceased's account will then be hidden and will no longer appear in searches.
Managing a Deceased Loved One's LinkedIn Account: Available Options
There are two options for managing a deceased person's LinkedIn account: memorializing it and closing it.
1. Transformation into a commemoration account
Memorializing your account provides a way to secure your account while maintaining your LinkedIn profile. Once memorialized, access to the account is blocked, a badge indicates that it's a memorialized account, any current subscriptions are canceled (except those purchased with an Apple ID), the account is signed out on all devices it was signed in to, and all notifications and connection requests are stopped.
2. Closing the account
Account closure is a more permanent option that results in immediate account closure, deletion of account data within 21 days, and delisting from search engines within a few weeks.
Please note that the account closure process is irreversible, so it's crucial to think carefully before choosing this option.
Fill in the information in the appropriate fields until you reach the following question:
Call a professional
If you find the process of managing your deceased loved one's digital accounts complex or if you're short on time, Digital Rest can help. Our experts are here to assist you, whether it's for a LinkedIn account or any other aspect of a loved one's digital legacy. We locate the accounts they were registered on, help you make the right decisions, and contact each site to convey your wishes. You can track the progress directly from our tracking area.
In conclusion, managing a deceased loved one's LinkedIn account can be a complicated and emotionally charged process. But with the right information and assistance, you can do it efficiently while respecting your loved one's final wishes.
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