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 lets you change your name once every 60 days. The name you enter should match the name you use in everyday life — Facebook's real-name policy means you cannot use nicknames, business names, numbers, or symbols as your primary name, though you can add a username or alternate name separately.
The process takes about two minutes and does not require you to create a new account or lose any of your posts, photos, or friends. Your old name disappears from your profile immediately, though people who knew you by that name may need a moment to recognize your updated profile.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Facebook name once every 60 days through your settings menu.
- Your new name must follow Facebook's real-name policy and cannot contain numbers, symbols, or business names.
- The name change takes effect right away and does not affect your account history, photos, or friendships.
- If you change your name too often or use a name that violates Facebook's rules, your account may be temporarily locked.
- You can add a username or alternate name separately if you want people to find you by a different version of your name.
Steps to change your name on Facebook
Open Facebook and click the downward arrow in the top right corner of your screen. 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 field that appears. You can change your first name, middle name, last name, or any combination of these. Once you have entered your new name, click Review change. Facebook will show you how your name will appear on your profile. If it looks correct, click Save changes. Your new name is now live on your profile.
If you do not see an Edit button next to your name, you may have changed your name within the last 60 days. Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes to prevent misuse. You can check when you will be able to change your name again by looking at the same Personal information section — it will tell you the date you can make your next change.
What names Facebook will and will not accept
Facebook requires names to reflect what you go by in everyday life. This means your name should contain only letters, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes. You cannot use numbers, emojis, symbols, or punctuation marks other than hyphens and apostrophes. Names like "John123," "Sarah_Smith," or "Dr. Mike" will be rejected.
You also cannot use all capital letters, all lowercase letters, or excessive spacing. Business names, stage names, and nicknames are not allowed as your primary name on Facebook. If your legal name includes a title like "Dr." or "Jr.," Facebook may accept it, but the platform discourages titles in the name field itself.
If you have a name that does not fit these rules — such as a single name, a name with special characters from another language, or a name that is very short — you may still be able to use it. Contact Facebook's support team through your settings to request an exception. Facebook sometimes makes allowances for cultural naming practices, but there is no may provide your request will be approved.
Using a username or alternate name instead
If you want people to find you by a different name without changing your official profile name, you can create a username. A username is a custom web address for your profile (like facebook.com/yourname) and can be different from your real name. You can change your username once, so choose carefully.
You can also add an alternate name to your profile. This appears on your profile alongside your main name and can be a nickname, maiden name, or any other version of your name. To add an alternate name, go to Personal information in your settings, click Edit next to your name, and look for the option to add an alternate name. Alternate names do not count toward your 60-day change limit and can be updated more often.
What happens if Facebook locks your account for name violations
If you change your name repeatedly, use a name that violates Facebook's rules, or appear to be impersonating someone else, Facebook may temporarily lock your account. When this happens, you will see a message telling you that your account has been restricted. You will still be able to see your profile and messages, but you cannot post, comment, or send friend requests until the issue is resolved.
To unlock your account, Facebook will ask you to confirm your identity. This usually means uploading a photo of yourself or a government ID that matches the name on your account. The review process can take a few days to a week. Once Facebook confirms your identity, your account will be unlocked and you can use it normally again.
If your account is locked multiple times for the same reason, Facebook may permanently disable it. To avoid this, use a name that matches your everyday identity and avoid changing it more than necessary.
Changing your name on mobile devices
The process on mobile is nearly identical to the desktop version. Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner (on Android) or top right corner (on iPhone). Tap Settings and privacy, then Settings. Scroll down and tap Personal information. Tap Name, then tap Edit. Enter your new name and tap Review change. Once you confirm, tap Save changes.
Mobile users sometimes experience delays in seeing the updated name across all devices. If your name does not appear changed on your phone but shows correctly on a computer, wait a few hours for Facebook to sync the change across all platforms.
If you cannot change your name because of the 60-day limit
Facebook's 60-day rule applies to everyone, with no exceptions. If you have already changed your name and want to change it again, you must wait until the 60-day period has passed. The exact date you can make your next change appears in your Personal information settings.
If you made a typo or spelling error in your most recent name change, you can contact Facebook's support team to request an exception. Go to your settings, find the Help section, and select Report a problem. Explain that you made a spelling mistake and ask if they can reset your 60-day timer. Facebook does not always grant these requests, but it is worth asking if the error significantly affects how people find you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name back to what it was before?
Yes, but you still have to wait 60 days between changes. If you changed your name and want to revert to your old name, you can do so once the 60-day period has passed. There is no special process for reverting — you simply change your name again to whatever you want it to be.
Will my friends see that I changed my name?
Your friends will see the change, but Facebook does not send a notification about it. Your new name will appear on your profile and in their friend lists. Some friends may notice right away; others may not see it until they visit your profile or see you in a conversation.
Can I use a nickname as my name on Facebook?
Not as your primary name. Facebook's real-name policy does not allow nicknames in the main name field. However, you can add a nickname as an alternate name, which will appear on your profile alongside your real name. This way people can see both your legal name and the nickname you go by.
What if my name has special characters or accents?
Facebook generally accepts accents and special characters that are part of your actual name, such as accented letters in Spanish, French, or other languages. However, decorative symbols, numbers, and punctuation marks other than hyphens and apostrophes are not allowed. If your name is rejected, contact Facebook's support team to request an exception for cultural or linguistic reasons.
Do I need to change my name on other platforms when I change it on Facebook?
No. Your Facebook name change only affects your Facebook profile. Your accounts on Instagram, WhatsApp, email, or other services remain unchanged. You would need to update those separately if you want your name to match across all platforms.