How to change your name on Facebook

You can change the name that appears on your Facebook profile at any time through your settings. Facebook shows you the name you registered with, but you can update it to match a legal name change, a nickname you prefer, or any other name you want to use on the platform. The process takes about two minutes and doesn't require Facebook to verify your identity — though the platform does limit how often you can make changes.

The steps are the same whether you're using Facebook on a computer or phone, though the menu locations differ slightly. You'll need access to the email or phone number linked to your account, but you won't need to submit documents or wait for approval.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name through Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information — the name field is editable without verification.
  • Facebook allows name changes once every 60 days, so if you changed it recently, you'll see a message telling you when you can change it again.
  • Your new name appears immediately to your friends and the public; there's no waiting period or approval step.
  • If you're changing your name because of a legal name change, you don't need to upload documents — Facebook doesn't verify legal names.
  • Changing your Facebook name does not change your username (the handle in your profile URL), which you can modify separately if needed.

Steps to change your name on a computer

Open Facebook and click the downward arrow in the top right corner. Select Settings & Privacy, then click Settings. On the left side, click Personal Information. You'll see your current name listed under the "Name" field.

Click the pencil icon next to your name to edit it. Delete your current name and type the new one you want to use. Facebook will show you a preview of how it will appear. Click Review Change to confirm, then click Save Changes. Your new name is now live on your profile.

Steps to change your name on a phone or tablet

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings. Tap Personal Information, then tap Name. The name field will open for editing.

Delete your current name and type your new name. Tap Review Change to see how it will look, then tap Save. The change takes effect immediately, and your friends will see your new name the next time they view your profile or see you in their feed.

What happens if you've changed your name recently

Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes. If you changed your name within the last 60 days, you'll see a message on the name field telling you the exact date you can change it again. This limit applies to everyone and cannot be bypassed — you'll have to wait until the window opens.

The 60-day timer resets each time you make a change, so if you change your name and then try to change it again two weeks later, you'll have to wait another 60 days from that second change. This rule exists to prevent account takeovers and impersonation, not to verify your identity.

Changing your username separately from your name

Your Facebook name and your username are two different things. Your name is what appears on your profile and in comments; your username is the handle in your profile URL (facebook.com/yourname). Changing one does not change the other.

To change your username, go to Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information, then Username. You can change your username once every 60 days as well. Unlike your name, you cannot use spaces or special characters in your username, and Facebook will tell you if the one you want is already taken.

What name changes do and don't affect

Changing your name updates it everywhere on Facebook — your profile, your comments, your posts, and your messages. Friends will see your new name in their friend list and in their notifications. However, changing your name does not change your account ID, so your messages and friend connections stay the same.

If you use Facebook to log into other apps or websites, those apps will see your new name the next time you use them. Your email address and phone number linked to your account do not change when you update your name. If you've set up two-factor authentication, it continues to work the same way.

If you can't find the name field

Make sure you're looking in the right place: Settings & Privacy → Settings → Personal Information. The name field should be at the top of the Personal Information section. If you don't see it, try logging out and logging back in, or try accessing Facebook in a different browser or app.

If you're using a work or school account (Facebook Workplace), the name-change process may be different or disabled by your administrator. Contact your workplace administrator if you need to change your name on a Workplace account. For regular personal Facebook accounts, the name field should always be editable unless your account has been restricted or disabled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Facebook name to something that's not my real name?

Yes. Facebook does not verify that your name is legally registered or matches your ID. You can use a nickname, a stage name, initials, or any text you want. The only restrictions are that you can't use numbers alone, all symbols, or extremely long strings of characters.

Will my friends be notified when I change my name?

Facebook does not send a notification when you change your name. Your friends will see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see you in their feed, but they won't receive an alert about the change.

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

Yes, but you'll have to wait 60 days from your last name change. If you changed your name today and want to change it back tomorrow, you'll see a message saying you can't change it again until 60 days have passed.

Does changing my name on Facebook change my name on Instagram or other Meta apps?

No. Instagram, WhatsApp, and other Meta apps have separate name settings. Changing your name on Facebook does not affect those apps. You'll need to change your name in each app individually if you want them to match.

What if I think someone else changed my name without permission?

Check your login activity in Settings & Privacy → Settings → Security and Login to see if anyone else accessed your account recently. If you see unfamiliar logins, change your password immediately. If your account has been compromised, you can report it to Facebook through their Help Center.