How to change your Facebook name

You can change the name on your Facebook profile from your settings menu. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way on a phone or computer. Facebook lets you change your name once every 60 days, and the change shows up immediately to your friends and followers.

The name you enter must follow Facebook's rules: it has to be your authentic name (the one you go by in everyday life), use only letters, numbers, periods, hyphens, and apostrophes, and cannot include symbols, emojis, or numbers that look like letters. If you use a stage name, nickname, or name from a different alphabet, Facebook may ask you to provide documents that prove you use that name regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name once every 60 days from the Settings & Privacy menu on any device.
  • Facebook requires you to use your authentic name, which means the name you actually go by in real life, not a username or brand name.
  • The name change takes effect immediately, but Facebook may flag unusual changes and ask for proof that the name is genuine.
  • If you change your name too many times in a short period, Facebook may temporarily lock your name-change feature.
  • You cannot change your username (the custom URL) through the same menu — that requires a separate process in your profile settings.

Steps to change your name on a phone or tablet

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) at the bottom right of your screen. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings. Look for Personal Information and tap it, then tap Name.

You will see your current name displayed. Tap the text field and clear it, then type your new name. Make sure the spelling and spacing are exactly what you want — this is what your friends will see. Tap Review Change at the bottom, check that everything looks correct, and tap Save Changes. The new name will appear on your profile right away.

Steps to change your name on a computer

Go to Facebook.com and log in. Click the downward arrow at the top right of the page (next to your profile picture), then click Settings & Privacy and select Settings. On the left side, click Personal Information, then click Name.

A box will open showing your current name. Click in the text field, delete the old name, and type your new one. Click Review Change, make sure the name is spelled correctly, and click Save Changes. Your new name will show on your profile immediately.

What happens if Facebook rejects your name change

If your name does not follow Facebook's rules, you will see an error message when you try to save. The most common reasons are using numbers, symbols, or characters that Facebook does not allow. Go back, remove the problem characters, and try again.

If Facebook thinks your name is not authentic, it may ask you to send documents that prove you use that name. This happens most often when you change to a stage name, a name from a different alphabet, or a name that looks unusual to Facebook's system. You can upload a government ID, a professional license, a marriage certificate, or another official document that shows the name you want to use. Facebook usually responds within a few days.

The 60-day waiting period between changes

Once you change your name, you cannot change it again for 60 days. This limit resets from the date you made the last change, not from a calendar date. If you made a typo or changed your mind, you have to wait the full 60 days before you can change it back.

If you change your name multiple times in a short period (even within the 60-day rule), Facebook may temporarily lock your name-change feature as a safety measure. If this happens, you will see a message telling you to try again later. Wait a few days and try again — the lock usually lifts within a week.

Changing your username is different from changing your name

Your Facebook name and your username are two separate things. Your name is what appears on your profile and in comments — the thing you just changed. Your username is the custom URL that people can use to find your profile, like facebook.com/yourname.

To change your username, go to your profile, click the three dots next to your cover photo, and select Edit Profile. Click the pencil icon next to your username, type a new one, and click Save. You can change your username once every 60 days, just like your name, but the two timers are separate — you can change your name and then change your username on the same day if you want.

What your friends and followers see when you change your name

When you change your name, everyone on your friends list and anyone who follows your profile will see the new name immediately. Your old posts, comments, and messages will all show your new name — Facebook does not keep a record of your previous names visible to other people.

If you have a public profile, anyone searching for you will find you under your new name. If someone had bookmarked your profile or saved your URL, they can still reach you, but your name will have changed. Your profile picture and all your other information stays the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes. If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed since your last change, you will see a message telling you when you can change it again. The timer starts from the date you made the change, not from the first of the month.

What if I want to use a name that is not in English?

You can use names in other alphabets and languages. Facebook accepts characters from most writing systems. If Facebook rejects your name, it may be because you included a symbol or character it does not recognize. Try removing any special marks or accents and see if that works. If it still does not work, you can upload a document that shows you use that name.

Will changing my name affect my Facebook account security?

No. Changing your name does not change your password, login email, or any security settings. Your account remains secure. If you are worried about account security, you can check your login activity and active sessions in Settings under Security and Login.

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

Yes, but you have to wait 60 days. If you changed your name and want to go back to your old name, you can do so after the 60-day period ends. Simply follow the same steps and enter your previous name. Facebook treats it like any other name change.

What if someone else is using my real name on Facebook?

Report the account to Facebook. Go to their profile, click the three dots, and select Report Profile. Choose the reason that best fits the situation. Facebook will review the account and take action if it violates their rules. You can still use your own name on your account regardless of what others do.