The fastest way 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. A box will appear with your current name split into fields — usually First Name and Last Name. Type your new name into those fields, then click Save Changes. Facebook will update your name across your profile, posts, and comments within minutes.

If you are using the Facebook app on a phone, the steps are the same: tap your profile picture in the bottom right, tap the pencil icon next to your name, edit the fields, and tap Save. The change takes effect when ready, though it may take a few minutes to show up everywhere on the platform.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name directly from your profile using the pencil icon next to your name, and the change takes effect within minutes.
  • Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need to make multiple changes.
  • Your new name will appear on all your posts, comments, and messages going forward, but old posts will still show your previous name.
  • If you cannot find the name change option, check that you are logged into the correct account and using the most recent version of the app.

Where to find the name change option on different devices

On a desktop computer, log into Facebook and click your profile picture in the top right corner. Select "Settings and privacy," then "Settings." On the left side, click "Personal information." You will see your name listed there with an Edit button next to it. Click Edit, change your name in the fields that appear, and click Save Changes.

On an iPhone or Android phone using the Facebook app, tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap "Settings and privacy," then "Settings." Tap "Personal information" and then "Name." Edit your name and tap Save. The process is the same whether you use iOS or Android.

If you are using Facebook through a web browser on your phone instead of the app, follow the desktop steps above — the mobile website works the same way as the computer version.

Understanding Facebook's 60-day name change rule

Facebook limits how often you can change your name to once every 60 days. This rule applies whether you change your name once or multiple times — the clock resets each time you make a change. If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed since your last change, Facebook will show you a message saying you cannot change it yet and will tell you when you can try again.

The 60-day timer starts from the moment you click Save Changes, not from when you first opened the edit screen. If you make a mistake while editing, you can cancel and try again without using up your one change per 60 days — only a saved change counts.

What name format Facebook accepts

Facebook requires that your name follow certain rules. Your name must use only letters, numbers, periods, hyphens, and spaces. You cannot use symbols like asterisks, ampersands, or @ signs. Facebook also does not allow all-caps names or names that look like they are trying to advertise something.

Your name should be the name you go by in everyday life. Facebook may reject names that appear to be fake, offensive, or designed to confuse other users. If your name is rejected, Facebook will tell you why and you can try a different version. Hyphens and periods are allowed, so names like "Mary-Jane" or "J. Smith" will work.

How your old name appears after you change it

When you change your name on Facebook, your new name shows up on your profile, in your comments, and in messages you send going forward. However, posts you made before the change will still display your old name next to them. This is how Facebook works — it does not retroactively update the name on old content.

People who knew you under your old name can still find you by searching for your new name. Your old name does not disappear from Facebook's records, but it will not show publicly on your profile or recent activity. If you change your name again in the future, the same rule applies — only new content will show your latest name.

Troubleshooting when you cannot change your name

If you see an error message when you try to change your name, the most common reason is that you have already changed it within the last 60 days. Check the error message — Facebook will tell you the exact date you can change it again. If the message says something else, try logging out and logging back in, then try again.

If the name change option is not visible at all, make sure you are logged into the right account. Some accounts have restrictions if Facebook suspects unusual activity. If you still cannot find the option after logging out and back in, try using a different browser or the Facebook app instead of the website, or vice versa. If none of these steps work, you may need to contact Facebook through their Help Center to report the problem.

Changing your name if your account was hacked or compromised

If someone else changed your name without your permission, you can change it back the same way you would normally change it — using the pencil icon on your profile. The 60-day rule still applies, so if the hacker changed your name very recently, you may have to wait before you can change it again. However, if your account was compromised, you should also change your password and review your security settings.

Go to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Security and login. Look at "Where you are logged in" to see if there are any devices or locations you do not recognize. If you see anything suspicious, click "Log out of all sessions" to sign out everywhere, then log back in with your new password. This will lock out anyone who had access to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Facebook 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 that time has passed, you will see a message telling you when you can change it next. The only way around this is to wait for the 60 days to pass.

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

Facebook does not send a notification to your friends when you change your name. However, they may notice the change if they visit your profile or see your name in their feed. Your name change does not appear in the activity log that shows what your friends are doing.

Can I use special characters or emojis in my Facebook name?

No. Facebook only accepts letters, numbers, periods, hyphens, and spaces. Emojis, symbols, and special characters will be rejected. If you try to use them, Facebook will show an error message and ask you to use only allowed characters.

What happens to my old name after I change it?

Your old name is no longer visible on your profile or in new posts and comments. However, it remains attached to any posts you made before the change. People can still search for your new name and find you — your old name does not prevent them from locating your account.

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

Yes, but you have to wait 60 days from your last name change. If you changed your name and want to change it back, you can do so once the 60-day period has passed. straightforward follow the same steps and enter your previous name.