The fastest way to change your Facebook name

Open Facebook on a computer or phone, click or tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), then select Settings and privacy > Settings. Scroll to Personal information and click Name. Type your new name in the fields provided, then click Review change and confirm. The change takes effect when ready.

On a phone, the path is the same but the menu looks different. Tap the three lines at the bottom right, scroll down to Settings and privacy, tap Settings, then find Personal information and Name. The rest works the same way.

Facebook splits your name into first and last name fields. You can use any combination of letters, numbers, periods, hyphens, and apostrophes. You cannot use all numbers, all symbols, or characters from multiple languages in a single field.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name from Settings > Personal information > Name on either a computer or phone.
  • Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need multiple changes.
  • Your new name appears to your friends and the public when ready, but Facebook keeps a record of past names for safety.
  • If Facebook rejects your name as fake or against their rules, you can appeal the decision or try a different version.

What names Facebook will and will not accept

Facebook requires names to look like real names people actually use. This means no all-caps text, no excessive punctuation, and no strings of numbers or symbols. Names like "JOHN SMITH" or "J0HN" will be rejected. Names like "John Smith," "Mary-Jane," or "José García" will be accepted.

You cannot use HTML code, emojis, or special characters like @, #, or &. You also cannot use a name that is only numbers or only symbols. If you want to use a nickname, stage name, or name from a different alphabet, Facebook may reject it the first time but you can appeal the decision by clicking Appeal when the rejection appears.

Facebook does not allow you to impersonate someone else or use a name designed to confuse people about who you are. If your account is flagged for a fake name, Facebook will ask you to confirm your identity with a photo ID before you can change it again.

The 60-day waiting period between changes

Once you change your name, you must wait 60 days before you can change it again. This limit applies whether you change it once or try to change it back to your original name. Facebook enforces this to prevent spam and account takeovers.

If you made a typo or changed your mind when ready, you cannot undo the change within the settings. You have to wait the full 60 days. The only exception is if Facebook itself reverted your name because it violated their rules — in that case, the timer resets and you can try again right away.

How your old names stay visible to Facebook

When you change your name, Facebook keeps a list of all your previous names in your account history. Your friends and the public cannot see this list, but Facebook uses it to detect suspicious activity. If someone tries to use your old name to impersonate you, Facebook can trace it back to your account.

This history is also used if you report a problem with your account. When you contact Facebook support, they can see every name you have used and when you changed it. This helps them confirm you are the real account owner if someone else has tried to take over your account.

What happens to your name across Facebook products

Your Facebook name change applies to your profile, your posts, and your comments. It also syncs to Instagram if you have linked your accounts. Your name will appear as the new one on both platforms within a few minutes.

If you use Messenger, your name there updates automatically too. People in your chat history will see your new name when they open old conversations. Your name also changes on any Facebook Pages you manage or Groups you created, so your followers will see the new name there as well.

What to do if Facebook rejects your name

If you see the message "This name doesn't follow our naming standards," Facebook thinks your name looks fake or breaks their rules. Click Learn more to see which part of the name caused the problem. Usually it is because of all caps, too many numbers, or symbols in the wrong place.

Try removing the problem character or rewriting the name in a different format. If you are using a stage name, nickname, or name from a non-English alphabet, click Appeal instead. Facebook will ask you to upload a photo ID or other document that shows you actually use that name. This can take a few days to review.

If your appeal is denied, you can try again with a slightly different spelling or format. For example, if "Ñoño" was rejected, try "Nono" or "N. Oño." You have to wait 60 days between attempts, so choose your next name carefully.

Changing your name on a business or creator account

If you manage a Facebook Page (for a business, brand, or public figure), you change the Page name differently than your personal profile. Go to the Page, click Settings in the top menu, then Edit page info, and change the name there. This does not affect your personal profile name.

If you have a Creator Account (for artists, musicians, or public figures), your profile name still changes the same way as a regular account. Your Creator Account label stays the same regardless of what name you use. If you also manage a Page, change the Page name separately using the Page settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between all name changes, with no exceptions except if Facebook itself reverted your name due to a policy violation. If you need to change your name again before 60 days have passed, you will see a message telling you when you can change it next.

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

No. Your friends will not receive a notification, but they will see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see your posts. Your name change does not appear in their News Feed or activity log.

Can I use special characters like accents or symbols in my name?

Yes, you can use accents (like é, ñ, ü) and some punctuation (periods, hyphens, apostrophes). You cannot use @, #, &, or emojis. If Facebook rejects your name, try removing symbols or spacing them out differently.

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

Report their account by visiting their profile, clicking the three dots in the top right, and selecting Report profile. Choose It's pretending to be someone and follow the steps. Facebook will review the account and may remove it if it is impersonating you.

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

Yes, but you have to wait 60 days after your last change. You can change your name to anything you want, including a previous name, as long as it follows Facebook's naming rules and you have waited the required time.