Where to Find the Name Change Setting

Open Facebook on your computer or phone and go to the menu in the top right corner. On a computer, click the downward arrow. On a phone, tap the three horizontal lines. Look for "Settings & privacy," then tap or click "Settings."

Once you're in Settings, find "Personal information" on the left side (computer) or scroll down to find it (phone). Click or tap "Personal information," then look for the line that says "Name." That's where you change it.

Key Takeaways

  • You reach the name change tool through Settings > Personal information > Name, not through your profile itself.
  • Facebook lets you change your name once every 60 days, and the change takes effect immediately.
  • Your new name must follow Facebook's naming rules: real names only, no numbers or symbols, and no all-caps text.
  • If you've been locked out of name changes because you changed it too recently, you have to wait the full 60 days before trying again.

What Name Format Facebook Accepts

Facebook requires you to use a real name — the kind you'd use on official documents or that people actually call you. You cannot use numbers, symbols, or special characters like @ or &. You also cannot write your entire name in capital letters.

You can include a middle name, a nickname in parentheses, or accented letters if they're part of your actual name. For example, "Maria (Mia) García" works. "JOHN SMITH" or "John_Smith" or "John123" do not.

If Facebook rejects your name, it's usually because it contains numbers, symbols, or looks like it's not a real name. Try removing anything that isn't a letter, space, or punctuation mark that would appear in a real name (like a hyphen or apostrophe).

The 60-Day Waiting Period Between Changes

Once you change your name, you cannot change it again for 60 days. This is a hard limit — Facebook does not make exceptions. If you made a mistake or want to change it back, you have to wait the full two months.

The 60-day timer starts the moment you confirm the change, not when you first tried to make it. If you change your name on January 15, you cannot change it again until March 16 (or later, depending on the month).

How the Change Appears to Others

Your new name shows up on your profile, in your posts, in comments, and in messages immediately after you confirm it. People who are already your friends will see the change right away. There is no delay.

Your old name does not stay visible anywhere. Facebook does not show a history of past names on your profile. However, people who knew you under your old name may still think of you that way — the change is technical, not social.

If Facebook Blocks Your Name Change

Facebook sometimes blocks a name change if it thinks the name violates its rules. The most common reasons are numbers in the name, all capital letters, or a name that looks fake. If this happens, you'll see an error message explaining why.

If you believe your name is real and follows the rules, you can request a review. Facebook will ask you to upload a photo of an ID or document that shows your name. This process can take several days. Do not try to change your name again while the review is pending — it will not speed things up.

Changing Your Name on Mobile vs. Computer

The steps are almost identical on phone and computer, but the menu layout is different. On a computer, Settings is in the top right corner. On a phone, it's in the three-line menu at the bottom right (iPhone) or top right (Android).

Once you're in Settings, the path is the same: Personal information > Name. The name field works the same way on both — type your new name and click or tap to confirm. If you get stuck, try the other device; sometimes one is clearer than the other.

What Happens to Your Old Name

Your old name is not stored anywhere visible. Facebook does not show a list of names you've used. However, your account history — posts, photos, comments — stays attached to your account under your new name.

If you're worried about privacy or want to distance yourself from your old name, changing your name on Facebook alone will not erase your history. Anyone who knew you before will still recognize your posts and photos. If you want to truly start fresh, you may need to delete old posts or adjust your privacy settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but you have to wait 60 days from your last change. You can change your name back to anything you want, including a previous name, as long as it follows Facebook's naming rules and the 60-day window has passed.

What if I don't see the Name option in Personal information?

Make sure you're in the right section. Go to Settings, then look for "Personal information" — not "Account" or "Privacy." If you still don't see it, try logging out and back in, or use a different device. Sometimes the menu takes a moment to load.

Does changing my name affect my Facebook username or URL?

No. Your username (the part in your profile URL) is separate from your display name. Changing your name does not change your username. If you want to change your username, that's a different setting in the same Personal information section.

Can I use a business name or stage name instead of my real name?

Facebook's rules say you must use a real name, but "real" can mean a name you actually go by. If you perform under a stage name and people know you by that name, you may be able to use it. However, Facebook may ask for ID that shows that name if you're reported.

What if my name has special characters or accents?

Accents and special characters that are part of real names — like é, ñ, or ü — are allowed. Symbols like @, #, or & are not. If your name includes a character you're not sure about, try typing it in. Facebook will tell you if it's not allowed.