How to change your Facebook name

You can change the name on your Facebook profile through your settings menu. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way on a phone or computer. Facebook lets you change your name once every 60 days, so if you changed it recently, you may have to wait before making another change.

The name you enter is the one that appears on your profile, in comments, and when you send messages. Facebook does not require your legal name — you can use a nickname, a stage name, or any combination of letters and numbers you want, as long as it follows their basic rules about what names look like.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name once every 60 days through your settings menu.
  • Facebook accepts nicknames, stage names, and non-legal names as long as they do not contain numbers at the start or special characters like @ or &.
  • The change takes effect immediately across your profile, messages, and comments.
  • If you change your name and then want to change it back within 60 days, you will have to wait until the 60-day window passes.
  • If Facebook blocks your name change, it is usually because the name contains numbers, symbols, or repeated letters that look like spam.

Steps to change your name on a phone

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) at the bottom right of the screen. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings.

Tap Personal Information, then tap Name. You will see your current name in a text box. Delete it and type your new name. Tap Review Change to see how it will look, then tap Save Changes. The new name appears on your profile right away.

Steps to change your name on a computer

Go to Facebook.com and log in. Click the downward arrow at the top right of the page, then click Settings & Privacy and select Settings.

On the left side, click Personal Information. Find the Name field and click the pencil icon next to it. Type your new name in the box that appears. Click Review Change to preview it, then click Save Changes. Your new name will show on your profile immediately.

What names Facebook will and will not accept

Facebook has rules about what counts as a valid name. You cannot start your name with a number, use only numbers, or use symbols like @, #, !, or &. You also cannot use repeated characters that look like spam — for example, "Jjjjjjjohn" or "M@@@@ry" will be rejected.

You can use spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes. You can use letters from other languages and alphabets. You can use a nickname, a stage name, or initials. If Facebook rejects your name, the error message will tell you what rule it broke. Try removing numbers, symbols, or extra repeated letters and try again.

The 60-day waiting period explained

After you change your name, you cannot change it again for 60 days. This rule applies whether you are changing to a completely different name or changing back to your old one. If you made a mistake or changed your mind, you will have to wait the full 60 days before you can make another change.

The 60-day timer starts the moment you save your change. There is no way to speed this up or get an exception. If you are unsure about a new name, take time to think about it before you save the change.

What to do if Facebook blocks your name change

If you try to change your name and Facebook shows an error message, it means the name you entered does not follow their rules. Read the error message carefully — it will usually tell you what is wrong. Common reasons include starting with a number, using too many repeated letters, or including symbols that are not allowed.

Try removing the problem part and submit again. If you are still stuck, you can report the issue to Facebook through their Help Center. Go to Settings & Privacy > Help & Support > Report a Problem and describe what happened. Facebook will review it, though responses can take several days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name more than once every 60 days?

No. Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes. This applies even if you want to change back to a previous name. You must wait the full 60 days before making any name change.

Will my friends see a notification when I change my name?

Your friends will not receive a notification, but they will see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see you in their feed. The change is visible to everyone immediately.

Can I use numbers in my Facebook name?

You can use numbers in the middle or end of your name, but not at the start. For example, "John123" works, but "123John" does not. Avoid using only numbers or too many repeated numbers, as Facebook may reject it as spam.

What if I want to use a name that is not my legal name?

Facebook does not require your legal name. You can use a nickname, stage name, or any other name as long as it follows their format rules. The name just needs to look like a real name — no random symbols or spam-like patterns.

Does changing my name affect my Facebook account or messages?

No. Changing your name only changes how your name appears. Your account, messages, photos, and friends list all stay the same. Old messages will show your new name, not the old one.