How to change your name on Facebook

You can change the name that appears on your Facebook profile through your settings at any time. Facebook calls this your "name" — the text that shows up on your profile, in comments, and when you tag yourself in photos. The process takes about two minutes and you can do it from a computer or phone.

Go to the top right of Facebook and click the downward arrow (on desktop) or the three horizontal lines (on mobile). Select "Settings and privacy," then "Settings." On the left side, click "Personal information." Next to your name, click "Edit." Type your new name in the box and click "Review change." Facebook will show you how your new name will look. Click "Save changes" to finish.

Facebook limits how often you can change your name. If you changed it recently, you may see a message saying you have to wait before changing it again. The waiting period is usually 60 days from your last change, though Facebook does not always enforce this strictly.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your name through Settings > Personal information > Edit next to your name, and the change takes effect immediately.
  • Facebook allows you to use a name that is not your legal name, but it must follow their name policies — no numbers, symbols, or repeated characters.
  • You can change your name once every 60 days, though Facebook may allow exceptions if you contact them.
  • The name you set on Facebook does not change your legal name anywhere else and does not affect government records, email, or other accounts.

What name can you use on Facebook

Facebook requires that your name follow certain rules. You cannot use numbers, symbols, unusual punctuation, or repeated characters. You also cannot use all capital letters or a name that looks like a URL or email address. Facebook checks these rules when you try to save, and if your name breaks them, you will see an error message telling you what is wrong.

Your Facebook name does not have to be your legal name. You can use a nickname, a middle name, a stage name, or any variation you prefer. Many people use names different from their legal documents on Facebook. The only requirement is that the name you choose follows Facebook's formatting rules and is not impersonating someone else.

If Facebook removes your account or disables it for a name violation, you can request a review. Go to the Help Center, search for "name," and look for the option to request a name review. Facebook will ask you to upload a photo of an ID that matches the name you want to use. This process can take several days.

Changing your name on mobile versus desktop

The steps are slightly different depending on whether you use Facebook on a phone or computer, but the result is the same. On a computer, click the downward arrow at the top right, then "Settings and privacy" > "Settings" > "Personal information" > "Edit" next to your name. On an iPhone or Android phone, tap the three horizontal lines at the bottom right, scroll down to "Settings and privacy," then tap "Settings" > "Personal information" > "Edit" next to your name.

Both routes show you a preview of your new name before you save it. This preview shows how your name will appear to other people on your profile and in comments. If you do not like how it looks, you can go back and change it before clicking "Save changes."

What happens after you change your name

Your new name appears on your profile immediately. It shows up in comments you post, on your profile page, and when you tag yourself in photos. People who are already your friends will see the change right away. People who search for you by your old name may not find you as easily, though Facebook's search can still match old names in some cases.

Changing your Facebook name does not change your username (the text in your Facebook URL). Your username stays the same unless you change it separately. It also does not change your email address, your password, or anything outside of Facebook. Your legal name, government records, email accounts, and other services are not affected.

If you change your name and then want to change it back, you can do so after 60 days have passed since your last change. There is no limit to how many times you can change your name over time — only to how often you can change it in a short period.

If Facebook won't let you change your name

The most common reason Facebook blocks a name change is that you changed it too recently. If you see a message saying you have to wait, you will have to come back after 60 days have passed. Count 60 days from the date you last changed your name, not from today.

If your name breaks Facebook's formatting rules, you will see a specific error message. Common problems are numbers in your name, symbols like periods or hyphens in unusual places, or repeated characters. Remove those and try again. If you are not sure what the problem is, try a simpler version of your name with only letters and spaces.

If Facebook disabled your account for a name violation and you believe the name is legitimate, you can request a review through the Help Center. Upload a photo of your ID that shows the name you want to use. Facebook reviews these requests manually, and the process usually takes three to five business days. You will receive an email with the result.

Changing your username separately from your name

Your Facebook username is different from your name. Your username is the text in your profile URL — for example, facebook.com/yourname. You can change your username separately from your display name, and you can only do this once per account.

To change your username, go to "Settings and privacy" > "Settings" > "Personal information" > "Username." Click "Edit" and type a new username. Facebook will tell you if the username is already taken. Usernames can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but they cannot have spaces. Once you change your username, you cannot change it again, so choose carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my name on Facebook change my name anywhere else?

No. Changing your name on Facebook only changes how your name appears on Facebook. Your legal name, email address, government records, and any other accounts remain unchanged. Facebook is separate from all other services.

Can I use a fake name or nickname on Facebook?

Yes, as long as it follows Facebook's formatting rules. You can use a nickname, stage name, middle name, or any other name you prefer. Facebook does not require you to use your legal name, only a name that does not impersonate someone else and follows their character rules.

How long do I have to wait before changing my name again?

Facebook typically requires 60 days between name changes. If you changed your name recently and see a message saying you have to wait, count 60 days from your last change. After that period passes, you can change your name again.

What if someone else is using my name on Facebook?

Report the account to Facebook. Go to their profile, click the three dots at the top right, and select "Report." Choose "It's pretending to be someone" and follow the prompts. Facebook reviews impersonation reports and may remove or disable the account if it violates their policies.

Can I change my name back to what it was before?

Yes, after 60 days have passed since your last change. You can change your name to any previous name or to something new. There is no limit to how many times you can change your name over time, only to how often you can change it within a 60-day window.