At a Glance
Memorialized profiles
Instagram memorializes accounts upon receipt of a verified death report, adding 'Remembering' before the username.
SupportedLegacy contacts
A Legacy Contact can update the profile picture and manage tags but cannot post or send messages.
SupportedAccount deletion option
You can choose 'Delete After Death' to have the profile permanently removed instead of memorialized.
SupportedLimited data access
You can grant your Legacy Contact permission to download a copy of the content you've shared.
NeutralOverview
Instagram lets you designate a legacy contact to look after your profile once it's memorialized after your death. The legacy contact can perform limited actions, like updating the profile picture and managing tags, but cannot post, send messages or view your messages. You can also grant them permission to download a copy of content you've shared or you can choose the "Delete After Death" option to have the profile permanently removed instead of being memorialized.
Memorialized Profiles
Instagram memorializes accounts upon receipt of a verified death report. The profile remains visible as a tribute with 'Remembering' added before the username.
Legacy Contacts
Once the profile is memorialized, the legacy contact can update the profile picture and see and manage tags. They cannot post, send messages or view your messages.
Optional Data Download
You can choose to let your legacy contact download a copy of all content you have shared on Instagram. This permission is granted when you set up the Legacy Contact.
Age Requirement
You must be at least 18 years old to select a legacy contact on Instagram.
User Reviews
Alex R.
April 2025
Helpful to understand what options are available before anything happens. Wish more platforms offered legacy contacts.
Jamie L.
March 2025
The policy exists but navigating the setup is not straightforward. Could be made much more accessible.
Morgan T.
February 2025
One of the better implementations compared to other platforms. Setting up took only a few minutes.