The basic steps to change your Facebook name

To change your name on Facebook, open the app or website, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, and select Settings & Privacy, then Settings. On the left menu, click Personal Information, then find the Name field. Click Edit next to your current name, type your new name in the boxes provided, and click Review Change. Facebook will show you how your new name will appear, and you can confirm or cancel from there.

The entire process takes less than a minute. Your new name becomes visible to your friends and the public (depending on your privacy settings) immediately after you confirm the change. Facebook stores a record of your name changes, but only you and Facebook can see this history unless you choose to share it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name through Settings & Privacy > Settings > Personal Information > Name, then click Edit and confirm your new name.
  • Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need multiple changes.
  • Your new name appears to friends and the public based on your privacy settings, and the change takes effect immediately.
  • If Facebook blocks your name change, it may be because the name violates their policies or you changed it too recently; you can request a manual review.

Facebook's rules about what names you can use

Facebook requires that your name be the name you go by in everyday life. This means you cannot use symbols, numbers, unusual characters, or multiple spaces in a row. You also cannot use all capital letters, fake titles (like "Dr." or "King"), or words that are clearly not names. Facebook's system automatically flags names that look fake and may reject them without explanation.

If your real name includes a hyphen, apostrophe, or accent mark, Facebook usually accepts it. If your name is genuinely unusual or includes characters that Facebook's system rejects, you can request a manual review by clicking the link that appears when your change is denied. Facebook staff will look at your request and may approve it if your name is legitimate.

The 60-day waiting period between name changes

Facebook limits you to one name change every 60 days. This rule exists to prevent harassment and account takeovers. If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed since your last change, Facebook will show you an error message telling you when you can change it again.

The 60-day timer starts from the date you confirmed your most recent name change, not from when you started the process. If you made a mistake in your last change, you have to wait the full 60 days before you can fix it. There is no way to speed this up or request an exception.

What happens if Facebook rejects your name change

If Facebook rejects your name change, the most common reason is that the name violates their naming policies. This usually means the name contains numbers, symbols, unusual spacing, or words that do not look like a real name. The rejection message will tell you which part of the name caused the problem.

If you believe your name is legitimate and Facebook rejected it by mistake, look for a link in the rejection message that says Request Review or Appeal. Click this link and explain why your name is real. Facebook staff will look at your request within a few days. If they approve it, your name change will go through. If they deny it again, you will have to wait 60 days before you can try a different name.

Changing your name on mobile versus desktop

The steps are nearly identical on mobile and desktop, but the menu locations are slightly different. On mobile, tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner of the Facebook app, scroll down to Settings & Privacy, tap Settings, then tap Personal Information and Name. On desktop, click the downward arrow in the top right corner instead of the menu icon, but the rest of the path is the same.

Both versions show you a preview of your new name before you confirm it. Both also apply the same 60-day waiting period and naming rules. If you start the process on one device, you can finish it on another device without any problem.

How your name change affects your privacy and tags

When you change your name, it updates everywhere on your profile and in your friends' friend lists. Old posts you wrote will show your new name, not your old one. If someone tagged you in a photo before you changed your name, the tag will now show your new name.

Your name change does not affect your privacy settings. If your profile was set to private before the change, it stays private. If your posts were visible only to friends, they stay that way. The name change is purely cosmetic and does not alter who can see your content or contact you.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Facebook enforces a strict 60-day waiting period between name changes. If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed, the system will block you and show you the exact date when you can change it again. There is no way to bypass this rule or request an exception.

What if I want to use a nickname or stage name instead of my legal name?

Facebook's policy requires that your name be the name you go by in everyday life. If you genuinely use a nickname or stage name as your primary name, you can use it. However, Facebook may reject it if the system thinks it is fake. If this happens, request a manual review and explain that you use this name in daily life.

Does changing my name affect my Facebook username or URL?

No. Your Facebook username (the part of your profile URL) is separate from your display name and does not change automatically. You can change your username separately through Settings > Personal Information > Username, but this is a different process with its own rules and waiting periods.

Can I see a history of all the names I have used on Facebook?

Yes, but only you can see it. Go to Settings > Personal Information > Name, and you will see a list of the names you have used in the past. This history is private and visible only to you, not to your friends or the public.

What should I do if someone else is using my name on Facebook?

Report the account to Facebook. Click the three dots on their profile, select Report, and choose the reason that best fits the situation (usually "Pretending to be someone" or "Impersonation"). Facebook will investigate and may remove the account or ask the person to change their name. You can also report the account through Facebook's Help Center if you need more detailed options.