Facebook limits name changes to once every 60 days

Facebook allows you to change the name on your account, but not as often as you might want. The platform enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes. This means if you changed your name today, you cannot change it again for 60 days from that date. The timer resets each time you make a change, so the next change becomes available exactly 60 days later.

This limit applies to everyone, regardless of account age or how long you have been on Facebook. There is no way to bypass it or request an exception through Facebook support. The restriction exists to prevent misuse—it stops people from impersonating others, evading bans, or using the name field to spam or scam.

The 60-day rule covers your primary name field only. If you have set up a username (the custom URL for your profile), that follows different rules and can be changed more freely, though Facebook still limits how often you can change it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name once every 60 days, measured from the date of your last change.
  • The 60-day waiting period applies to all accounts and cannot be waived or shortened by Facebook support.
  • If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed, Facebook will show you an error message with the exact date you can change it again.
  • Your username (custom profile URL) is separate from your name and has its own change rules.
  • Facebook may reject a name change if it violates their naming policies, even if you are within the 60-day window.

What happens if you try to change your name too soon

If you attempt to change your name before 60 days have passed since your last change, Facebook will block the change and display a message telling you exactly when you will be able to change it again. The message shows the specific date and time, so you know precisely when the window opens.

You cannot work around this by using Facebook's mobile app, desktop site, or any other method—the restriction is tied to your account, not the device or browser you use. Some people mistakenly think clearing their browser cache or logging out and back in will reset the timer. It will not. The only way forward is to wait until the 60 days have elapsed.

Names Facebook will reject even if you can change

Even if you are within your 60-day window, Facebook may refuse your name change if the name violates their naming policies. Facebook requires names to be the name you go by in everyday life—the one your friends and family know you as. This means the name should contain only letters, numbers, periods, hyphens, and apostrophes in most cases.

Facebook will reject names that include symbols, emojis, excessive punctuation, or text that looks like a username or email address. They also reject names that appear to be fake, offensive, or designed to impersonate a public figure or organization. If your name change is rejected, Facebook usually explains why in an error message and lets you try again with a different name.

If you believe your name was rejected unfairly—for example, if your actual name contains characters Facebook's system does not recognize—you can appeal the decision through Facebook's help center. The appeal process asks you to provide documentation like a government ID or other proof that the name is genuine.

How to change your name on Facebook

To change your name, go to your profile, click the pencil icon next to your name at the top, and select "Edit Name." A window will open showing your current name broken into fields (first name, middle name, last name, or however Facebook displays it for your account). Type your new name into the appropriate fields, then click "Review Change" to see how it will appear to others.

Facebook shows you a preview of how your new name will look on your profile and in posts. If it looks correct, click "Save Changes." The name updates when ready. If you are within your 60-day window, you will see a message confirming the change. If you are not, you will see the error message with the date you can change it again.

On mobile, the process is similar: tap your profile picture, go to your profile, tap the pencil icon next to your name, and follow the same steps. The 60-day restriction applies equally on mobile and desktop.

Usernames are different from your name

Your username (also called a custom URL or vanity URL) is the web address for your profile—something like facebook.com/yourname. This is separate from your actual name and has its own change rules. You can change your username once every 60 days as well, but the timer for your username is independent from the timer for your name. You could change your name today and your username tomorrow if you wanted to.

Usernames must be at least 5 characters long and can contain letters, numbers, periods, and hyphens. They cannot contain spaces or special characters. If the username you want is already taken, you cannot use it. Unlike your name, your username does not have to match your real identity—it can be a nickname, a brand name, or anything else, as long as it does not violate Facebook's policies.

What to do if you need to change your name urgently

If you are within your 60-day waiting period and need to change your name for safety or legal reasons, Facebook support cannot override the restriction. The 60-day rule is automatic and applies to all accounts without exception. However, if you have a serious safety concern—such as escaping domestic violence or stalking—you may be able to get help through Facebook's safety resources.

In extreme cases, you can contact Facebook through their help center and explain your situation. While they cannot waive the 60-day rule, they may be able to information with other account security measures, such as changing your email, phone number, or privacy settings. If you need a legal name change reflected on your account and cannot wait, creating a new account with your new name is technically possible, though it means losing your profile history, friends list, and messages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Facebook name more than once every 60 days?

No. Facebook enforces a strict 60-day waiting period between name changes for all accounts. There is no way to bypass this, and Facebook support cannot make exceptions. You must wait the full 60 days before changing your name again.

Does the 60-day timer reset if I change my name back to my original name?

Yes. Changing your name back counts as a name change, and the 60-day timer resets. If you change your name and then want to change it back within 60 days, you will have to wait until the 60 days have passed.

What if Facebook rejects my name change—does that count against my 60-day limit?

No. If Facebook rejects your name change because it violates their naming policies, the rejection does not use up your change. You can try again when ready with a different name. The 60-day timer only starts after a name change is successfully saved.

Can I change my username more often than my name?

No. Your username also has a 60-day change limit, but the timer for your username is separate from the timer for your name. You could change your name today and your username tomorrow, but you could not change your username twice in 60 days.

What happens to my old name when I change it?

Your old name disappears from your profile and is replaced with your new name. Past posts and comments still show your new name, not the old one. People cannot search for you by your old name, though anyone who knew you by that name will see the change on your profile.