Change your name directly in the Facebook app settings

Open the Facebook app on your phone and tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) at the bottom right. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then Settings. Look for Personal Information and tap it. Select Name, then tap Edit. Type your new name in the fields provided — Facebook separates first name, middle name, and last name — then tap Review Change. Facebook will show you how your new name appears on your profile. Tap Save Changes to confirm.

The change takes effect when ready on your profile. Your friends will see the new name right away, and it will appear on all your posts, comments, and messages going forward. If you change your mind within 60 days, you can change it again using the same steps.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name through the app by going to Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information, then Name.
  • Facebook lets you change your name once every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need to make multiple changes.
  • Your new name appears on your profile when ready and shows up on all your past and future activity.
  • If you use a name that does not match Facebook's real-name policy, your change may be rejected or your account may be flagged for review.
  • The web version of Facebook has the same name-change feature if you prefer to use a computer instead of the app.

What names Facebook will and will not accept

Facebook has a real-name policy, which means your name should be the name you go by in everyday life. The system rejects names that are mostly numbers, names with excessive symbols or punctuation, and names that look like a business or brand. Nicknames are usually accepted as long as they are recognizable as a person's name — for example, "Bob" instead of "Robert" is fine, but "XxDarkKnightxX" is not.

If your change is rejected, Facebook will send you a message explaining why. You can try again with a different version of your name. If your account is flagged for review, Facebook may ask you to send a government ID or other document to confirm your identity. This process can take a few days.

The 60-day waiting period between changes

Once you change your name, you cannot change it again for 60 days. This rule applies whether your first change was accepted or rejected. If you made a typo or changed your mind, you will have to wait the full 60 days before you can try again. Plan your name change carefully to avoid being locked out.

The 60-day timer starts from the moment you tap Save Changes, not from when Facebook processes the change. If you are unsure about a new name, take time to think it through before you confirm. Keep in mind that this waiting period is strict — there are no exceptions or ways to speed it up.

Changing your name on the web version instead

If you prefer to use a computer, you can change your name on Facebook's website. Go to facebook.com, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, and select Settings & Privacy, then Settings. Click Personal Information on the left side, then click Name. Click Edit, type your new name, and click Review Change. The process is the same as on the app, and the change syncs across all your devices.

Some people find the web version easier to use because the screen is larger and the buttons are easier to tap. The name change takes the same amount of time to process on the web as it does on the app — it happens when ready. If you run into problems on the app, switching to the web version often solves the issue.

What happens to your old name after you change it

Your old name disappears from your profile and from new posts and comments. However, Facebook keeps a record of your name history for security and moderation purposes. Your friends cannot see your old name unless they look at very old posts or messages from before the change. If someone searches for your old name, they will not find your profile — only your new name will show up in search results.

If you change your name back to a previous name within 60 days of the original change, Facebook treats it as a new change and you will still have to wait another 60 days before changing again. This means you cannot use the 60-day waiting period to switch back and forth between two names.

Troubleshooting if your name change does not save

If you tap Save Changes and nothing happens, close the Facebook app completely and open it again. Make sure you are connected to a stable internet connection — a weak Wi-Fi or mobile signal can prevent the change from going through. If the problem continues, try changing your name on the web version instead, as the app sometimes has temporary glitches.

If you see an error message saying your name violates Facebook's policies, the name you entered does not meet their real-name standards. Try removing numbers, symbols, or unusual punctuation. If you believe your name is legitimate and Facebook is wrong, you can appeal the decision by tapping the error message and following the instructions to submit a review request.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes. This applies even if your first change was rejected. You will have to wait the full 60 days before you can change your name again, so choose carefully.

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

Facebook does not send a notification to your friends when you change your name. However, they will see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see your posts. Some friends may notice the change if they interact with you regularly.

What if Facebook rejects my name change?

Facebook will send you a message explaining why your name was rejected. Common reasons include too many numbers, symbols, or a name that looks like a business. Try again with a simpler version of your name. If you believe your name is legitimate, you can request a manual review by submitting a photo ID or other identity document.

Can I use a nickname or stage name on Facebook?

Yes, as long as it is recognizable as a person's name. Nicknames like "Bob" or "Alex" are accepted. However, names that are mostly numbers, symbols, or look like a brand or business will be rejected. If you use a stage name professionally, you may be able to use it if it is your actual name or widely known as your name.

Does changing my name on the app change it on Facebook Messenger too?

Yes. Your name is linked across all Facebook products, including Messenger, Instagram (if your accounts are connected), and any other apps that use your Facebook profile. When you change your name on the app, it updates everywhere automatically.