Open Settings and Find the Name Change Option

To change your name on Facebook through the mobile app, open the app and tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) at the bottom right of your screen. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings.

Once you're in Settings, scroll down to find Personal Information and tap it. You'll see Name listed as the first option. Tap on it to open the name change screen.

Key Takeaways

  • The name change option is in Settings & Privacy > Settings > Personal Information > Name on the Facebook mobile app.
  • You can change your name once every 60 days, and Facebook will show your previous names to people who search for you.
  • Your name must follow Facebook's standards: it should be the name you go by in everyday life, not a nickname, business name, or string of numbers.
  • The change takes effect when ready, but Facebook may take time to update it across all your posts and messages.

Enter Your New Name and Confirm

When you tap on Name, you'll see two fields: one for your first name and one for your last name. Clear the existing text and type your new name exactly as you want it to appear on your profile.

After you've entered your new name, tap the Review Change button at the bottom of the screen. Facebook will show you a preview of how your new name will look. If it's correct, tap Save Changes.

Understand Facebook's Name Rules

Facebook requires that your name be the one you use in everyday life. This means you cannot use numbers, symbols, or unusual characters as a primary part of your name. Nicknames, stage names, and business names are not permitted as your main profile name.

If your name includes special characters that are actually part of your real name — such as an apostrophe, hyphen, or accent mark — Facebook usually accepts these. However, if your name change is rejected, it means Facebook's system flagged it as not meeting their standards. You can try again with a different version of your name.

Know the 60-Day Waiting Period

Facebook limits name changes to once every 60 days. If you've changed your name recently, you won't be able to change it again until 60 days have passed since your last change. The app will tell you when you're may be able to access to change it again if you try before the window opens.

This limit applies whether you change your name through the mobile app, the website, or any other method. The 60-day timer resets each time you make a change, so plan your name changes accordingly if you need to make multiple updates.

What Happens After You Change Your Name

Your new name appears on your profile when ready after you save the change. However, it may take some time for the name to update everywhere on Facebook — in comments you've made, posts you've shared, and messages you've sent. This delay is usually just a few minutes, but can occasionally take longer.

When you change your name, Facebook keeps a record of your previous names. People who search for you by your old name may still find your profile, and anyone who visits your profile can see your name history by clicking on your name at the top of your profile.

Troubleshoot If Your Name Change Won't Save

If you see an error message when you try to save your new name, the most common reason is that Facebook's system detected something that doesn't match their name standards. Numbers, excessive punctuation, or repeated characters are usually the cause. Try removing any numbers or symbols and use only letters, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes.

If you're still having trouble, make sure you're using the most current version of the Facebook app. Go to your device's app store, search for Facebook, and tap Update if an update is available. Close the app completely and reopen it, then try the name change again.

Change Your Name on Desktop If the App Doesn't Work

If the mobile app continues to reject your name change, you can try changing it on the Facebook website instead. Open facebook.com in a web browser, click the downward arrow at the top right, select Settings & Privacy, then Settings. Follow the same path to Personal Information > Name and make your change there.

Sometimes the desktop version processes name changes differently than the mobile app. If your name works on the website but not in the app, the issue is likely with the app itself. Uninstall and reinstall the Facebook app to fix any glitches, then try again.

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 need to change your name again before that window closes, you'll have to wait. The timer starts from the date of your most recent change, not from when you first created your account.

Will my old name still show up when people search for me?

Yes. Facebook keeps a record of your previous names and uses them in search results. People can find you by typing your old name into the search bar, and they can see your name history by visiting your profile. This is intentional — it helps people find accounts they're looking for even if the name has changed.

What if my name has numbers or special characters that are actually part of my real name?

Facebook allows some special characters like apostrophes, hyphens, and accents if they're genuinely part of your name. However, numbers are almost never permitted. If your name legitimately includes a number, Facebook's system may still reject it. Contact Facebook's support through the app if you believe your name should be allowed.

Does changing my name on the app change it everywhere on Facebook?

Yes, but it takes time. Your name changes across your profile, posts, comments, and messages, but the update may not happen when ready everywhere. Most updates appear within a few minutes, though some older posts or archived content may take longer to reflect the change.

What should I do if I see an error message saying my name isn't allowed?

Remove any numbers, excessive punctuation, or unusual characters from your name and try again. Use only letters, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes. If the error persists, try changing your name on the Facebook website instead of the app, or update the Facebook app to the latest version and try again.