How Often You Can Change Your Name on Facebook

Facebook's name change rules: once every 60 days

You can change your Facebook name once every 60 days. After you make a change, Facebook locks your name for the next two months before you can alter it again. This limit applies whether you're correcting a typo, updating to a married name, or switching to something completely different.

The 60-day window resets from the date you last changed your name, not from a calendar month. If you change your name on March 15, you cannot change it again until May 14. Facebook enforces this limit automatically — the name change option straightforward won't appear in your settings until the period expires.

There is no way around this limit. Facebook support cannot override it, and contacting them to request an exception will not work. The restriction exists to prevent account takeovers and reduce spam, since rapid name changes were historically used by people trying to hide fraudulent activity.

Key Takeaways

You can change your Facebook name once every 60 days, measured from your last change date rather than the calendar month.
The name change option disappears from your settings during the 60-day lockout period and reappears automatically when the time expires.
Facebook support cannot remove or shorten the 60-day waiting period under any circumstances.
Your profile name and your login email are separate — changing your name does not affect how you sign in to your account.
Name changes explore across all Facebook services you use, including Instagram and Messenger, if those accounts are linked.

Where to find the name change option

The name change tool is in your Facebook settings under the Personal Information section. On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right, select Settings and Privacy, then Settings. On the left menu, choose Personal Information, then click on your name. A window will open showing your current name and a field to enter a new one.

On a mobile phone, tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) at the bottom right, scroll down to Settings and Privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll to find Personal Information, tap your name, and enter the new one. The process is the same on iPhone and Android.

If the name change option does not appear, you are still within your 60-day waiting period. Facebook will show you the date when you can change it again if you hover over or tap the name field.

What counts as a name change

Any change to your first name, last name, or both counts as one name change and triggers the 60-day lockout. Changing only your first name uses your one change. Changing only your last name uses your one change. Changing both at the same time also uses your one change — you do not get separate allowances for each part of your name.

Capitalization, spacing, and punctuation changes also count. If you change "Mary" to "MARY" or "O'Brien" to "Obrien," Facebook treats it as a name change and starts the 60-day timer. For this reason, it is worth taking a moment to verify spelling and formatting before you submit.

Changing your profile picture, cover photo, or bio does not affect your name change timer. Only modifications to your actual first and last name trigger the restriction.

Why Facebook enforces the 60-day limit

The 60-day rule exists primarily to prevent account hijacking. When someone gains unauthorized access to an account, one of the first things they do is change the name to hide the theft from the real owner. By limiting how often names can change, Facebook makes it harder for hackers to cover their tracks before the legitimate owner notices.

The rule also reduces spam and fraud. Bad actors used rapid name changes to evade detection when running scams, impersonating others, or spreading malicious content. The slowdown forces them to abandon accounts more often rather than straightforward rebranding and continuing.

This protection comes at a cost to legitimate users who make mistakes or need to update their names for personal reasons. Facebook has chosen to prioritize security over convenience, which is why exceptions are not granted.

If you need to change your name before 60 days are up

If you made a typo or entered the wrong name and need to fix it when ready, you have limited options. Facebook support will not override the 60-day restriction. Contacting them, filing a report, or appealing will not result in an exception.

Your only practical choice is to wait. If the error is severe — for example, you entered an offensive word by accident — you can report your own account to Facebook and explain the situation, but this rarely results in the timer being reset. Most users straightforward wait out the 60 days.

If your account was compromised and someone else changed your name, that is a different situation. Report the account as hacked through Facebook's account recovery process, and the company may investigate and restore your previous name without counting it against your 60-day limit. This requires proof that you are the account owner.

Name changes across Facebook-owned platforms

If you have linked your Facebook account to Instagram or use Messenger, a name change on Facebook will update your name on those platforms as well. You do not need to change your name separately on each service. The 60-day restriction applies to all of them together — changing your name on Instagram counts as your one change for the full 60-day period.

If your Instagram account is not linked to Facebook, you can change your Instagram username and display name on a separate schedule. Instagram has its own rules about how often you can change your username (typically once every 14 days), which do not interact with Facebook's 60-day name change limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name more than once if I wait 60 days between each change?

Yes. Once the 60-day period expires, you regain the ability to change your name again. You can make as many changes as you want, as long as you wait 60 days between each one. There is no limit on the total number of changes you can make over time, only on how frequently you can make them.

Does changing my name affect my Facebook login or password?

No. Your login email address and password remain the same regardless of what name appears on your profile. Changing your name is purely cosmetic — it does not alter how you sign into Facebook or any security settings tied to your account.

What if I share a name with someone else and Facebook thinks I'm impersonating them?

Facebook may ask you to verify your identity if your name matches a public figure or if someone reports your account as impersonation. You can usually resolve this by providing a government ID or other proof that the name is genuinely yours. This is separate from the 60-day name change limit and does not affect it.

Can I use a fake name or nickname on Facebook?

Facebook's official policy requires you to use the name you go by in everyday life, which can include nicknames, maiden names, or names in different languages. However, Facebook does monitor for obvious fake names and may disable accounts that appear to violate this policy. The 60-day rule still applies regardless of what name you choose.

What happens if I try to change my name before 60 days are up?

The name change option will not be available in your settings. If you navigate to the Personal Information section where the name field normally appears, it will be grayed out or locked, and Facebook will display the date when you can change it again. You cannot force or bypass this restriction.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.