Where to find the name change tool on Facebook

Facebook stores your name in your account settings, not in your profile alone. To change it, you go to the settings menu in the top right corner of Facebook (the downward arrow or hamburger icon), select Settings and privacy, then Settings. From there, click Personal information on the left side, then find the line that says Name. Click the pencil icon next to it to edit.

The name change form will open with two fields: your first name and your last name. Facebook separates these, so if you use a single name or a hyphenated last name, you may need to put the whole thing in one field. Type your new name exactly as you want it to appear on your profile and in messages.

After you type your new name, click Review Change. Facebook will show you a preview of how it will look. If it looks right, click Save Changes. The change takes effect immediately on your profile and in all your Facebook activity going forward.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your name through Settings and privacy > Settings > Personal information > Name, not through your profile itself.
  • Facebook lets you change your name once every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need to change it again soon.
  • Your old name does not disappear from past messages or posts — only your profile and future activity show the new name.
  • If Facebook blocks your name change and says it violates community standards, you can request a review, but the decision usually stands.

How often you can change your name

Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes. If you just changed your name, you cannot change it again for 60 days from the date of that change. This limit applies to everyone, regardless of account age or history.

If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed, Facebook will show you a message saying when you will be able to change it next. The date is calculated from your last successful change, not from when you attempted a change that failed.

What happens to your old name after you change it

Your old name disappears from your profile, your messages, and anywhere else your name appears going forward. However, it does not vanish from the past. Old posts, comments, and messages you sent before the change will still show your old name on them, because Facebook does not rewrite history.

People who knew you under your old name can still search for you by that name and find your profile, because Facebook indexes both names in its search system for a period of time. This means changing your name does not hide your account from people who knew you before.

When Facebook blocks a name change

Facebook has rules about what names are allowed. The most common reason for a blocked change is that Facebook thinks your new name violates its Community Standards on authentic identity. This usually means Facebook believes the name contains numbers, symbols, repeated letters, or words that look fake or are meant to impersonate someone else.

If your change is blocked, Facebook will tell you why and give you the option to Request Review. You can explain that the name is real and ask Facebook to reconsider. Facebook will look at your request, but it often upholds the original decision. There is no phone number to call or person to escalate to — the review process is automated.

If you have a name that genuinely contains numbers, symbols, or non-Latin characters, you may need to contact Facebook's support through the Help Center and provide documentation like a government ID. This process takes longer but sometimes results in an exception.

Changing your name on other Facebook products

If you use Instagram or Messenger, those apps pull your name from your Facebook account. When you change your name on Facebook, it changes on Instagram and Messenger automatically. You do not need to change it separately on each platform.

If you use Facebook Business Suite or manage a business page, your personal name and your business page name are separate. Changing your personal name does not change the name of your business page. To change a business page name, go to the page itself, click Settings, then Page info, and edit the page name there.

What to do if you cannot access the name change tool

If you do not see the name change option in your settings, the most common reason is that you have already changed your name within the last 60 days. Check the message Facebook shows you — it will tell you the exact date you can change it again.

If you have never changed your name and still cannot find the option, try logging out and logging back in, or try accessing Facebook on a different browser or device. Sometimes the settings page does not load completely on mobile or in older browsers.

If the problem persists, go to the Facebook Help Center, search for "change name," and click the option to contact support. Explain what you see (or do not see) and ask for help. Response times vary, but Facebook usually replies within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name to something that is not my real name?

Facebook allows it, but the name must pass its authenticity check. It cannot contain numbers, symbols, or repeated characters that look fake. If you want a nickname or stage name, try using it without numbers or special characters. If Facebook blocks it, you can request a review, though approval is not may provide.

Will my friends see a notification when I change my name?

No. Your friends will not receive a notification that you changed your name. They will see the new name the next time they visit your profile or see you in a conversation. Some people do not notice for weeks.

Can I change my name back to my old name right away?

No. The 60-day waiting period applies whether you are changing to a new name or reverting to an old one. If you change your mind, you have to wait 60 days before you can change it again.

What if I have a hyphenated last name or a name with an apostrophe?

Facebook accepts hyphens and apostrophes in names. Put your full last name in the last name field, including the hyphen or apostrophe. If Facebook rejects it, try putting the whole name in the first name field and leaving the last name blank, or contact support with a photo of your ID.

Does changing my name on Facebook change my email address or username?

No. Your email address and username (if you have one) stay the same. Only the display name changes. People can still message you and find you by your username or email, even after you change your name.