One of the hardest parts of digital admin after a death is simply knowing what belongs on the list. Social media accounts are usually the most visible, but they are rarely the only accounts that need attention.
Short version: start with social media, email, cloud storage, Apple or Google accounts, subscriptions, online shopping, and any services tied to two-factor authentication or billing.
The core categories to review
- Social media: Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Pinterest, Reddit
- Email and identity: Gmail, Outlook, iCloud, Yahoo
- Cloud and device accounts: Apple ID, Google Account, iCloud, OneDrive, Dropbox
- Messaging and communication: WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, Signal
- Shopping and subscriptions: Amazon, eBay, Spotify, Netflix, paid app subscriptions
- Professional and public profiles: LinkedIn, portfolio sites, creator accounts
What to prioritise first
- Accounts that are still publicly visible and likely to cause distress if they remain live.
- Accounts connected to email or identity access.
- Accounts with active paid subscriptions.
- Accounts that contain meaningful records, photos, or family material worth preserving before closure.
Why the checklist matters
Without a checklist, families often deal only with the most visible profile and discover later that email, cloud storage, or subscription services are still active. That creates repeat admin at a time when energy is already low.
You do not need every account before you begin
That is important. Families often delay action because they think they need a complete list before they can start. In practice, you can begin with what you know, then widen the case. The point is to get the process moving rather than wait for a perfect inventory.
When this becomes too much for one family to handle
If the list includes several social platforms plus email, Apple, Google, or subscriptions, it usually stops feeling like a single-platform task and becomes a wider digital aftercare case. That is often when structured support becomes worth paying for.
If you want help handling multiple platforms in one joined-up process, start a case here.