The fastest way to change your Facebook name

Open Facebook on a computer or phone, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), and scroll to Settings & Privacy, then Settings. Look for Personal Information and tap Name. Type your new name in the fields provided, then tap Review Change. Facebook will show you how your new name appears across the platform. Tap Save Changes when you're ready.

The whole process takes about two minutes. Your new name shows up when ready on your profile, posts, and comments. If you change your mind within 60 days, you can change it again without waiting.

On mobile, the path is the same but the layout differs slightly. If you use Facebook's app on iPhone or Android, tap the menu icon at the bottom right (or top right on iPhone), scroll down, and follow the same steps through Settings & Privacy.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name through Settings & Personal Information on any device, and the change takes effect when ready.
  • Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need to make multiple changes.
  • Your new name appears on your profile, all your posts, comments, and messages right away.
  • You can use your legal name, a nickname, a stage name, or any combination of letters and numbers that Facebook accepts.
  • If Facebook rejects your name, it usually means the name violates their naming rules — numbers at the start, symbols, or text that looks like a URL will be flagged.

What names Facebook will and won't accept

Facebook has rules about what counts as a valid name. You cannot start with a number, use only numbers, or use symbols like @ or &. Underscores, hyphens, and apostrophes are allowed. You can include spaces, accents, and characters from other languages.

Names that look like URLs, email addresses, or hashtags will be rejected. Facebook also blocks names that appear to be spam or that impersonate public figures, though you can use a public figure's name if it is also your real name. If your name contains a word Facebook's system flags as inappropriate, you may need to contact support to override the block.

The name you enter must be between two and 50 characters. If your legal name is longer, you can shorten it or use initials for the middle name.

How often you can change your name

Facebook limits name changes to once every 60 days. This rule applies whether you change your name through Settings or through your profile. The 60-day timer starts from the moment you save your most recent change, not from when you attempted it.

If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed, Facebook will tell you the exact date you can change it again. There is no way to speed this up or request an exception. If you made a typo or need to fix something urgently, you will have to wait until the 60 days are up.

Changing your name on mobile versus desktop

The steps are identical on phone and computer, but the menu layout is different. On a computer, go to the menu icon in the top right corner. On an iPhone, the menu is also in the top right. On Android, the menu is in the bottom right.

Some people find it easier to change their name on a computer because the Settings page is less crowded. If you run into trouble on mobile, try switching to a web browser and logging into Facebook.com directly instead of using the app.

What happens to your old name after you change it

Your old name disappears from your profile when ready. People who search for your old name will not find you — they will only find you if they search your new name or your username. Your old posts and comments will show your new name, not the name you used when you posted them.

If you had a custom username (the text that appears in your profile URL), that stays the same. Your username and your display name are separate things. Changing your display name does not change your username, and vice versa.

If Facebook blocks your name change

If you see an error message when you try to save your new name, Facebook's system has flagged it as violating their naming rules. The most common reasons are: the name starts with a number, contains symbols Facebook does not allow, looks like a URL or email address, or includes a word the system considers spam.

Try removing numbers from the start, replacing symbols with letters, or shortening the name. If you believe your name is legitimate and Facebook is blocking it by mistake, you can report the issue through the Settings menu. Tap Help & Support, then Report a Problem, and describe why your name should be allowed. Facebook's support team will review it, though responses can take several days.

If your name contains a character from another language and Facebook rejects it, try using the Latin alphabet version of your name instead. Some older Facebook accounts have trouble with certain character sets.

Changing your username versus your display name

Your display name is what appears on your profile and next to your posts — this is what you change through Settings & Personal Information. Your username is the text in your profile URL (facebook.com/yourname). They are separate.

To change your username, go to Settings & Personal Information and look for Username instead of Name. You can change your username once every 60 days as well. If you have never set a custom username, Facebook will have assigned you a number-based one automatically.

Most people only need to change their display name. Change your username only if you want to customize the link to your profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Once you change your name, you must wait 60 days before changing it again, even if you want to revert to your previous name. If you made a mistake, you will have to wait out the 60-day period.

Will my friends see a notification that I changed my name?

Facebook does not send a notification to your friends when you change your name. They will see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see one of your posts. Some people may not notice for weeks.

What if someone else is using my old name after I change mine?

Once you change your name, it becomes available for anyone else to use. If you are concerned about impersonation, you can report the account to Facebook through the report menu on their profile.

Can I have two names on Facebook at the same time?

No. Facebook only allows one display name per account. You cannot add a nickname or alternate name to your profile. If you need to be known by two different names, you would need a separate account.

Does changing my name affect my Facebook username or profile URL?

No. Your username and profile URL stay the same when you change your display name. Only the name that appears on your profile and next to your posts changes.