Change Your Name in Facebook Settings

To change the name on your Facebook account, open Facebook on any device, go to the menu in the top right corner, select Settings and privacy, then Settings. Look for Personal information in the left sidebar and click it. You will see a field labeled Name with your current name displayed. Click the edit icon (pencil) next to your name to open the editing box.

Type your new name into the field. Facebook lets you use up to five separate name parts — first name, middle name, last name, and two optional additional names. You can include spaces, hyphens, periods, and apostrophes, but not numbers or special characters like @ or &. Once you have entered the new name, click Review change at the bottom of the box.

Facebook will show you a preview of how your new name will appear across the site. If it looks correct, click Save changes. Your name will update when ready on your profile, in comments, in messages, and everywhere else on the platform.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name by going to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Personal information, and clicking the edit icon next to your name.
  • Facebook allows letters, spaces, hyphens, periods, and apostrophes in names, but not numbers or special characters.
  • You can change your name as often as you want, but Facebook may flag very frequent changes as suspicious activity.
  • The name change takes effect when ready across your entire account and is visible to everyone who can see your profile.
  • If you cannot find the name field or the edit option is grayed out, your account may have restrictions due to recent changes or security concerns.

What Happens When You Change Your Name

When you save a new name, it replaces your old name everywhere on Facebook. Your profile header updates, your comments show the new name, and messages you sent in the past will display your new name when people open the conversation. People who have you saved in their contacts will see the updated name the next time they refresh their browser or app.

Facebook does not send a notification to your friends telling them you changed your name. However, if you change your name very frequently — more than once every 60 days — Facebook may temporarily lock the name field and ask you to wait before making another change. This is a security measure to prevent account takeovers.

Using Your Real Name Versus a Nickname or Stage Name

Facebook's official policy requires you to use the name you go by in everyday life. This means your legal name, a commonly used nickname, or a stage name you are known by professionally — but not a random string of letters or a name designed to confuse people about who you are. Facebook reviews names that look fake and may ask you to change them back.

If you use a stage name, pen name, or professional name that is genuinely how people know you, you can use that on Facebook. Keep in mind that Facebook may ask you to prove it is your real name if someone reports your account. You can provide a government ID, professional license, or other official document showing that name.

If You Cannot Edit Your Name

If the edit icon next to your name is grayed out or missing, Facebook has temporarily restricted your account from making changes. This usually happens after you have changed your name very recently, after you changed other account details like your email or password, or if Facebook flagged your account for suspicious activity.

Wait at least 60 days before trying again. If you changed your email address or password recently, wait a few days and try again. If you believe your account was hacked or compromised, go to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Security and login, and review your recent login activity. If you see logins you do not recognize, change your password when ready and remove those sessions.

Changing Your Name on Mobile Devices

The process on the Facebook mobile app is nearly identical to the website. Open the app, tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right corner, scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings. Tap Personal information, then tap the field next to Name. Edit your name and tap Review change, then Save changes.

On iPhone, the menu icon may appear in the bottom right or top right depending on your iOS version. On Android, it is always in the bottom right. If you are using Facebook through a web browser on your phone rather than the app, follow the same steps as the desktop version.

What You Cannot Change About Your Name

You cannot change the email address or phone number associated with your account through the name field — those are separate settings. You also cannot change your username (the custom URL that appears in your profile link) through the name settings. To change your username, go to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Personal information, and look for Username below the name field.

If you want to change your name to something that includes numbers or special characters, Facebook will not allow it. You will need to use letters, spaces, hyphens, periods, and apostrophes only. If you have a name with a special character in your actual name, contact Facebook support and explain the situation — they may be able to make an exception.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Facebook name back to what it was before?

Yes. You can change your name as many times as you want, as long as you do not change it more than once every 60 days. straightforward go back to the name field, enter your old name, and save the change. Facebook does not prevent you from using a previous name again.

Will my friends get notified 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 you in a comment or message thread. Some may not notice for a while if they do not interact with your account frequently.

What if Facebook says my name is fake?

If Facebook asks you to change your name, you can appeal the decision. Click the link in the notification, then select I think my name is real. You can upload a government ID, passport, professional license, or other official document showing the name you are using. Facebook will review it and either restore your name or ask you to choose a different one.

Can I use a different name on Facebook than my legal name?

Yes, if it is a name you genuinely go by. This includes nicknames, stage names, pen names, and professional names that people actually know you by. Facebook's rule is that you must use a real name — meaning a name that is actually yours — not that it must be your legal name specifically.

How long does it take for my new name to show up everywhere on Facebook?

Your name updates when ready on your profile and in new activity. Old comments and messages will show your new name right away as well. However, if someone has your old name saved in their phone contacts, their phone will not update automatically — they would need to manually change it in their contacts app.