The Steps to Change Your Facebook Name

To change your name on Facebook, open the app or website, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, select Settings & Privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Personal Information, then click next to your name. Type your new name in the fields provided, click Review Change, and then Save Changes. Facebook will ask you to enter your password to confirm the change.

The name you enter should be the name you go by in everyday life. Facebook checks that you're using a real name — not a business name, character name, or string of numbers — but you can use a nickname, maiden name, or any variation of your actual name. The change takes effect when ready, though it may take a few minutes to show up across all your Facebook pages and in other people's feeds.

You can change your name once every 60 days. If you've recently changed it and try to change it again, Facebook will tell you when you're may be able to access to make another change. This limit exists to prevent spam and impersonation.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information to find the name field on Facebook.
  • Facebook requires you to use a real name that matches how you're known in everyday life, not a business or character name.
  • You can change your name once every 60 days, and the change shows up when ready across your account.
  • If Facebook rejects your name, it's usually because it contains numbers, symbols, or words that don't look like a real name.

What Counts as a Real Name on Facebook

Facebook's name policy requires that you use the name you go by in real life. This means a first name and last name (or however names work in your culture), not a username or handle. You can include a middle name, maiden name, or nickname — for example, "Sarah Jane Smith" or "Michael 'Mike' Johnson" both work.

Names that Facebook typically rejects include all numbers ("123456"), symbols and special characters ("Sarah@Smith"), business names ("Sarah's Bakery"), character or stage names ("Captain America"), or strings of words that don't look like a name ("Beautiful Sunset Lover"). If you use a name that doesn't fit these rules, Facebook will ask you to change it and may temporarily restrict your account until you do.

If Facebook Rejects Your Name Change

If you try to change your name and Facebook says it doesn't follow the name policy, the most common reason is that it contains numbers, symbols, or words that don't look like a real name. Check that you've entered only letters, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes where they naturally belong (like "Mary-Jane" or "O'Brien").

If your actual name genuinely contains numbers or symbols — which is rare but does happen — you can contact Facebook's support team. Go to the Help Center, search for "name policy," and look for the option to report a problem with your name. Explain your situation, and Facebook may make an exception. This process can take several days.

Changing Your Name on Mobile vs. Desktop

The process is nearly identical on mobile and desktop, but the menu locations differ slightly. On the Facebook app for iPhone or Android, tap the three horizontal lines (the menu) in the bottom right, scroll down to Settings & Privacy, tap Settings, then tap Personal Information. On a computer, use the downward arrow in the top right corner instead of the menu icon.

Mobile users sometimes find it easier to use the mobile web version (m.facebook.com) rather than the app if they're having trouble locating the setting. The steps are the same either way, and the change syncs across all devices within minutes.

What Happens to Your Old Name After You Change It

When you change your name, your old name disappears from your profile and from most places on Facebook. However, people who saw your old name before the change may still remember it — Facebook doesn't notify your friends that you've changed your name, and it doesn't show a history of your past names on your profile.

Your old posts, photos, and comments stay exactly where they are and keep your new name attached to them. If you've been tagged in photos or posts by others, those tags update to show your new name as well. There is no way to hide or show your old name after a change; it straightforward becomes your current name across your entire account history.

Why Facebook Might Restrict Your Account During a Name Change

If Facebook detects that you're using a name that violates its policy, it may temporarily lock your account and ask you to change your name back to one that follows the rules. This is not a permanent ban — it's a prompt to fix the name. You'll see a message at the top of your account explaining what happened.

To restore access, click the message, review Facebook's name policy, and change your name to one that fits the requirements. Once you save the change, your account should unlock within a few minutes. If it doesn't, you can contact Facebook support through the Help Center and explain your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but you still have to wait 60 days between changes. If you changed your name and want to change it back, you'll need to wait until the 60-day window has passed. After that, you can change it to any real name you want, including your previous one.

Will my friends be notified when I change my name?

No, Facebook does not send a notification to your friends when you change your name. They'll see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see you in their feed, but they won't receive an alert about the change.

Can I use a nickname or stage name instead of my legal name?

Yes, as long as it's a name you actually go by in real life. Facebook allows nicknames, maiden names, and variations of your real name. The rule is that it should be the name people know you by, not a made-up character or business name.

What if I have a hyphenated or non-English name?

Facebook accepts hyphenated names, accented letters, and names from any language. If your name is being rejected, it's likely because of numbers, symbols, or words that don't look like a name. Try entering it exactly as it appears in your everyday life, and if it's still rejected, contact Facebook support with an explanation.

How long does it take for my name change to show up everywhere?

Your name change takes effect when ready on your profile, but it may take a few minutes to show up in search results, on other people's pages where you're tagged, and in your friends' feeds. Usually this happens within 5 to 10 minutes, though it can occasionally take longer.