The steps to change your Facebook name

Open Facebook on a computer or phone and go to your profile. Click or tap the pencil icon next to your name at the top of your profile, then select "Edit name." A box will appear with your current first and last name. Change either or both, then click "Review change" and confirm. The change takes effect immediately, though Facebook may show a small label saying your name was recently updated for a few days.

On mobile, the process is the same: tap your profile picture in the bottom menu, tap the pencil icon next to your name, edit the fields, and save. You do not need to log out or restart the app for the change to show up.

Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days. If you try to change it again before 60 days have passed, you will see a message telling you when you can change it next. This limit applies whether you change your first name, last name, or both at the same time.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your name through your profile settings on either a computer or phone, and the change shows up right away.
  • Facebook limits name changes to once every 60 days, counting from your last change regardless of which part of your name you altered.
  • Your old name will show in a small label under your profile for a few days so your friends know who changed their name.
  • You can use your real name, a nickname, a middle name, or any combination Facebook accepts — the platform does not require legal documentation.

What name format Facebook will accept

Facebook does not require you to use your legal name. You can use a nickname, a middle name, initials, or any combination of letters and numbers that makes sense as a name. The platform will reject entries that look like spam, such as strings of numbers with no letters, repeated characters (like "AAAA"), or text that appears to be a URL or email address.

Special characters like hyphens, apostrophes, and accents are allowed and often necessary for names from other languages or cultures. If Facebook rejects your name, it usually means the format triggered the spam filter. Try removing numbers, shortening it, or using a different spelling. If you still cannot use the name you want, you can contact Facebook's support team through the Help Center, though they rarely override the filter for names that do not match a legal document.

When the 60-day waiting period resets

The 60-day timer starts from the moment you confirm your last name change, not from when you first tried to change it. If you change your name on January 1st, you cannot change it again until March 1st or later. Changing only your first name counts as a name change; changing only your last name also counts. If you change both at once, that still counts as one change, and you still wait 60 days before the next one.

The timer does not pause or reset if you change other profile information like your profile picture, bio, or location. Only a name change triggers the 60-day limit. If you are unsure when your last change was, go to your profile, click the three dots next to your name, and select "View profile changes" — Facebook shows a timeline of when you changed your name.

Changing your name back or fixing a mistake

If you changed your name and want to change it back, you still have to wait 60 days from the date of your last change. There is no exception for corrections or reversals. If you made a typo or misspelled something, you will have to wait the full 60 days before you can fix it.

If the 60-day wait feels too long, your only option is to contact Facebook through the Help Center and explain the situation. Facebook rarely makes exceptions, but they may consider requests if you can show the change was accidental or if there is a safety reason (such as escaping harassment). Explain clearly what happened and what name you want instead. Response times vary, and there is no may provide they will override the timer.

How your name change appears to others

When you change your name, everyone on your friends list will see the change. Facebook shows a notification in their News Feed that says "[Your name] changed their name to [new name]" for a few days. After that, only your new name appears on your profile and in posts and comments you make.

Your old name does not disappear from past posts or comments — those stay as they were. Only your profile name and future activity show the new name. People who are not your friends can still see your name change if they visit your profile, though they will not get a notification about it.

Changing your name if your account is restricted or locked

If Facebook has locked your account or restricted certain features, you may not be able to change your name until the restriction is lifted. Restrictions usually last a few days to a few weeks depending on why Facebook applied them. You will see a message on your profile explaining the restriction and when it will end.

If you are locked out of your account entirely, you cannot change your name until you regain access. Use the "Forgot Password" or "Find Your Account" tool to recover your login. Once you are back in, wait for any active restrictions to expire before attempting a name change. If a restriction has been in place for longer than the stated time, contact Facebook's support team through the Help Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Facebook enforces a strict 60-day waiting period between name changes. The timer resets each time you make a change, regardless of whether you change your first name, last name, or both. There is no way to bypass this limit except by contacting Facebook support, which rarely grants exceptions.

Will my old name show up in search results after I change it?

Your old name will not appear in Facebook search results after you change it. Search results show only your current name. However, your old name may still appear in archived versions of web pages outside Facebook, and it will remain on any posts or comments you made before the change.

Do I need to use my real legal name on Facebook?

No. Facebook does not require legal documentation or proof of identity to set your name. You can use a nickname, stage name, middle name, or any other name as long as it does not look like spam or a URL. The platform's main rule is that your name should look like an actual name, not random characters or numbers.

What happens if Facebook rejects my name change?

Facebook rejects names that look like spam, such as strings of numbers, repeated characters, or text that appears to be a URL. If your name is rejected, try removing numbers, using fewer special characters, or choosing a different spelling. You can also contact Facebook support through the Help Center to request a manual review, though they rarely override the filter.

Can I change my name if I am under 18?

Yes. The name change feature works the same way for users under 18 as it does for adults. The 60-day waiting period applies to everyone. If your account is managed by a parent or guardian through Facebook's teen accounts feature, your parent may have restrictions on name changes — check your account settings to see what controls are in place.