The steps to change your Facebook name

To change your name on Facebook, open the app or website, tap or click the menu icon (three horizontal lines), scroll down to Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings. Look for Personal Information and select Name. Type your new name in the fields provided, then tap Review Change and confirm. Facebook will show your new name to your friends within minutes.

The process is the same whether you use Facebook on a phone, tablet, or computer. If you are using a web browser on a desktop, you can also click your profile picture in the top right corner, select Settings & Privacy, then Settings, and follow the same path to Personal Information and Name.

Facebook stores your old name in your activity log, but only you and people you have blocked can see that history. Your friends see only the new name going forward.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name by going to Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information, then Name.
  • Facebook allows you to change your name as often as you want, but you must wait 60 days between changes if you have already changed it recently.
  • Your new name appears to all your friends within minutes, and your old name is hidden from their view.
  • You can use your real name, a nickname, a middle name, or any combination — Facebook does not require legal documentation.

What name format Facebook accepts

Facebook lets you enter a first name and a last name in separate fields. You can use letters, numbers, periods, hyphens, and apostrophes. You cannot use symbols like @, #, or &, and you cannot use all capital letters or all numbers.

You do not need to use your legal name. You can use a nickname, a stage name, a middle name, or any other name you go by. Facebook does not ask for a birth certificate or government ID to verify your identity. The only rule is that the name must be something people actually call you — not a random string of characters or a business name (unless you run a business and use that name personally).

The 60-day waiting period between changes

If you have changed your name on Facebook within the last 60 days, you will not be able to change it again until that period ends. Facebook enforces this rule to prevent spam and account takeovers. The 60 days starts from the date of your most recent name change, not from today.

If you try to change your name and see a message saying you must wait, check the date of your last change. You can see this in your activity log under the Personal Information section. Once 60 days have passed, you can change your name again when ready.

Changing your name on mobile versus desktop

The steps are nearly identical on mobile and desktop, but the menu locations differ slightly. On mobile, the three-line menu icon appears at the bottom right of the Facebook app (on iPhone) or at the bottom center (on Android). On desktop, the menu icon is in the top right corner next to your profile picture.

Mobile users sometimes find it faster to tap their profile picture at the bottom of the screen, then tap the three dots next to their name, and select Edit Profile. From there, you can tap Edit next to your name to make changes. Both routes lead to the same name-change screen.

What happens to your old name after you change it

Your old name does not disappear entirely. Facebook keeps a record of all your past names in your activity log, which is visible only to you. If someone searches for your old name, they will not find your profile — only your current name shows up in search results.

Messages you sent before the change still show your old name as the sender, because Facebook does not retroactively update old messages. Your friends will see the new name on your profile and in new messages going forward. If you have a public profile or a large following, the name change may take a few minutes to show everywhere, but this is rare.

Changing your name if your account is restricted or locked

If Facebook has locked your account or restricted your access, you may not be able to change your name until the restriction is lifted. This usually happens if Facebook suspects unusual activity or a security breach. If you see a message saying you cannot make changes to your profile, check your notifications for details about the restriction.

To resolve a locked account, Facebook typically asks you to confirm your identity by entering a code sent to your email or phone number. Once you complete this step, you regain access to all profile settings, including your name. If you do not receive a code, use the Need Help? link on the lock screen to contact Facebook support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name back to my old one right away?

No, you must wait 60 days from your most recent change. If you changed your name yesterday and want to revert it, you will have to wait 59 more days. After 60 days have passed, you can change it back when ready.

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

No, Facebook does not send notifications about name changes. Your friends will see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see a post or message from you. Some may not notice the change for days or weeks.

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

No, Facebook does not allow emojis, symbols like @, #, or &, or all capital letters. You can use letters, numbers, periods, hyphens, and apostrophes only. If you try to save a name with forbidden characters, Facebook will reject it and ask you to edit.

What if Facebook says my name violates community standards?

Facebook may reject a name if it contains hate speech, slurs, or content that violates its policies. If this happens, try a different name. If you believe your name was rejected in error, use the Appeal option in the error message to contact Facebook support and explain why the name is legitimate.

Does changing my name affect my username or profile URL?

No, your username and profile URL remain the same. Your username is separate from your display name. If you want to change your username, go to Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information, then Username. Usernames have their own rules and waiting periods.