The fastest way to change your Facebook name

Open Facebook on a computer or phone, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, and select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Personal information. Next to your name, click Edit. Type your new name in the fields provided, then click Review change and confirm. Your new name appears on your profile and in comments within minutes.

On a phone, the steps are the same but the menu looks slightly different. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) at the bottom right, scroll down to Settings and privacy, tap Settings, then tap Personal information. The rest follows the same path.

Facebook lets you change your name once every 60 days. If you changed it recently and want to change it again, you will see a message telling you when you can make the next change.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name through Settings and privacy > Settings > Personal information > Edit, and the change takes effect within minutes.
  • Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes, so you cannot change it again until that window passes.
  • Your new name appears on your profile, in comments, and in messages, but old posts and photos keep their original timestamps.
  • If Facebook blocks your name change and says it violates community standards, you can appeal the decision or try a different name format.
  • Changing your name on Facebook does not change your login email or password — those stay the same.

What name format Facebook will accept

Facebook requires names to use real characters — letters, numbers, spaces, hyphens, and periods. You cannot use symbols like @, &, or !, and you cannot use all numbers or all special characters. The name must be between 1 and 50 characters long.

Facebook also blocks names that look like they are trying to impersonate someone else, advertise a business, or include offensive language. If you try to use a name like "Nike Shoes" or "Buy Crypto Here," the system will reject it. Nicknames and shortened versions of your real name usually work fine — "Alex" instead of "Alexander," or "Sam J." instead of your full legal name.

If Facebook rejects your name change and tells you it violates community standards, you can click Learn more to see why, or try a different version. Some people have success removing middle initials, using a nickname, or adding a space in an unusual place. If you believe the rejection was a mistake, you can appeal by clicking the appeal option in the same message.

How to change your name if you cannot access your account

If you are locked out of your Facebook account, you cannot change your name through Settings. Instead, go to facebook.com/login/identify on a computer and follow the steps to confirm your identity. Facebook will ask you to verify your account using a phone number, email address, or trusted contacts. Once you regain access, you can change your name normally through Settings.

If you do not remember your password, click Forgot password? on the login page. Facebook will send a reset link to the email or phone number associated with your account. Click the link, create a new password, and log back in.

What happens to your old name after you change it

Your old name disappears from your profile, comments, and messages. Anyone who looks at your profile will see only your new name. However, old posts and photos you made under your previous name keep their original timestamps — they do not get updated to show your new name.

People who were messaging you before the change will see your new name in the conversation thread going forward, but the old messages still show the name you had when you sent them. This is normal and expected behavior.

If you change your name back to something you used before, Facebook treats it as a new name change and resets the 60-day timer. You cannot use the 60-day rule to cycle through multiple names quickly.

Why Facebook might block your name change

Facebook blocks name changes for a few reasons. The most common is that your proposed name violates community standards — it includes offensive language, looks like an advertisement, or appears designed to impersonate someone. Another reason is that you have already changed your name within the last 60 days and the waiting period has not passed.

Less commonly, Facebook blocks a name if the account is new or if the account has been flagged for suspicious activity. If your account was recently hacked or compromised, Facebook may temporarily prevent name changes as a security measure. In this case, you can contact Facebook through the Help Center to explain your situation and ask for an exception.

Changing your name on other platforms tied to Facebook

If you use your Facebook account to log into other apps or websites, changing your Facebook name does not automatically change your name on those platforms. Each app or website stores your profile information separately. You may need to update your name in each one individually by going to that app's settings.

For example, if you use Facebook Login to sign into Instagram, Spotify, or a game, your name on those platforms will not change when you update Facebook. Log into each app, find the profile or account settings, and update your name there if you want it to match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Facebook name more than once?

Yes, but only once every 60 days. After you change your name, Facebook locks the option for 60 days. If you try to change it again before that period ends, you will see a message telling you the exact date you can make the next change.

Does changing my name affect my login email or password?

No. Your login email and password stay the same no matter how many times you change your display name. You log in with your email address and password, not with your name, so changing your name has no effect on how you access your account.

What if I want to use a name that is not my legal name?

Facebook allows nicknames, shortened names, and names that are not your legal name, as long as they follow the format rules and do not violate community standards. You can use "Alex" instead of "Alexander," or "Sam J." instead of your full legal name. Facebook does not require you to prove your name is legal.

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

Yes, but it counts as a new name change and resets the 60-day timer. If you changed your name from "Sarah" to "Sara" and want to change it back to "Sarah," you can do so, but you will have to wait 60 days before making another change after that.

What should I do if Facebook says my name violates community standards?

Click Learn more in the rejection message to see the specific reason. Try a different version of your name — remove special characters, use a nickname, or add a space. If you believe the rejection was wrong, click the appeal option and explain why your name should be allowed.