Memorializing a LinkedIn profile after someone passes away is an important step to honor their memory online. LinkedIn offers a process to memorialize profiles so they become a respectful place for family, friends, and colleagues to share memories, while also protecting the privacy of the deceased.
Why Memorialize a LinkedIn Profile?
There are a few key reasons to memorialize someone’s LinkedIn profile after they pass away:
- It allows loved ones to pay tribute – The profile can become a place where family and friends can share memories, photos, and stories to honor the individual.
- It prevents profile activity – Memorializing removes the profile from recommendations and notifications, stops birthday reminders, and prevents anyone from logging in so it remains inactive.
- It protects privacy – Privacy settings are locked so no one can make changes to the profile or connections without approval from LinkedIn.
Overall, memorializing the account helps maintain the profile while respecting the loss of the individual. It transforms the page into a remembering space without compromising privacy.
Who Can Request Memorialization?
LinkedIn outlines who can submit requests to memorialize a profile:
- Immediate family members – Spouse, parents, siblings, children.
- Other family members – Extended family such as cousins, aunts/uncles, in-laws.
- Executors of the estate.
- Close friends.
It’s recommended that immediate family members make the request when possible. However, LinkedIn will consider requests from other relations and close friends as well.
How to Memorialize a LinkedIn Profile
To memorialize a LinkedIn profile, follow these steps:
- Go to the profile page of the deceased individual.
- Click “Memorialize [Name]” below their profile photo.
- Fill out the form with your relationship, name, and email address.
- Write a short note about your request.
- Click “Submit Request.”
LinkedIn will review the request and follow up via email. The whole process usually takes about 5 business days but can vary depending on the circumstance.
What Happens When a Profile is Memorialized
Once memorialized, several changes take place on the LinkedIn profile:
- The profile becomes “In memory of [Name].”
- The photo changes to the default gray silhouette.
- Notifications and reminders about the account stop.
- The profile won’t appear in recommendations or ads.
- New connection requests are hidden.
The profile remains viewable to the connections the individual had before passing away. Loved ones can continue to share memories and photos on the profile memorial page.
Can a Memorialized Profile be Reactivated?
Generally no, a memorialized LinkedIn profile remains inactive to honor the individual’s passing. However, in exceptional circumstances, a profile can be reactivated through a formal request process. Reasons LinkedIn may consider reactivating a memorialized profile include:
- The account was memorialized by mistake or as a prank.
- New evidence confirms the original owner is still alive.
- Immediate family members request reactivating it.
To request reactivating a memorialized profile, contact LinkedIn’s Customer Service directly. They will evaluate the situation and make a determination if the profile can be returned to active status.
Adding Memorialization Details
To help memorialize the profile, consider adding the following details:
- Updated profile photo – Add a thoughtful photo of the deceased individual or a memorial image.
- Updated background photo – Use a landscape photo relevant to the person’s interests or memorial collage.
- Memorial text – Add “In loving memory of” or the dates of birth/death in the profile headline/summary.
- Shared memories – Have friends and family post memories and condolences on the profile.
These personalized touches make the memorialized profile a special tribute.
Sample Memorialized LinkedIn Profiles
Here are some examples of nicely memorialized LinkedIn profiles:
Name | Memorial Profile Elements |
---|---|
John Smith | – Soft grayscale photo – Memorial text in headline – Family memories in posts |
Sarah Johnson | – Photo with endearing quote – Background photo collage – Loving messages from friends |
Mark Williams | – Dates of life in summary – Shared pictures and stories – Kind words recognizing impact |
Studying how others have memorialized profiles can provide inspiration on thoughtful ways to honor your loved one.
Does a Memorialized Profile Still Show in Search?
Yes, memorialized LinkedIn profiles still appear in search results. Friends and family can still find and visit the profile to share memories and condolences. However, memorialized accounts are removed from LinkedIn’s recommendations and ads.
Can You Write on a Memorialized Profile?
Existing connections can write posts and share memories on a memorialized profile. They can add photos, stories, condolences or anything to honor the individual. However, with privacy settings locked, new connections cannot be made to a memorialized profile without LinkedIn’s approval.
How Long Does Memorialization Last?
A LinkedIn profile remains memorialized indefinitely in memory of the deceased member. The account stays locked in a memorialized state unless a formal request leads to reactivating it.
Can You Delete a Memorialized Profile?
Generally no, LinkedIn does not allow memorialized profiles to be deleted. This helps maintain the profile as a remembering space. However, in exceptional circumstances immediate family can make a formal request for profile deletion. Reasons may include:
- Concerns over harmful or inappropriate content.
- Mistaken memorialization of an active account.
- Family preferences to eliminate the profile.
LinkedIn will evaluate these unique cases individually to determine if profile removal is appropriate.
Conclusion
Memorializing a loved one’s LinkedIn account is a thoughtful gesture to honor their memory. It transforms their profile into a permanent place for friends, family, and colleagues to connect in remembrance while protecting privacy. Respectfully memorializing a profile helps maintain the individual’s professional legacy for years to come.