Change Your Facebook Name in Three Steps
You can change the name on your Facebook page through the Settings menu on your account. Open Facebook, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Personal information, then find the Name field. Click Edit, type your new name, and click Save changes.
Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days. If you just changed it recently, you will see a message telling you when you can change it again. The name you enter should be the name you go by in everyday life — Facebook's rules ask that you use your authentic name rather than a nickname, business name, or string of numbers and symbols.
The change takes effect when ready on your profile and in posts you make going forward. Old posts and comments will still show the name you used when you wrote them, so your history remains unchanged.
Key Takeaways
- Go to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Personal information to find the Name field where you can edit your name.
- Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes, so you cannot change it again until that time has passed.
- Your new name appears on your profile and future posts when ready, but does not change the name shown on older posts or comments.
- Facebook requires you to use a name you actually go by in real life, not a business name, nickname, or special characters.
What Happens If Facebook Rejects Your Name
Facebook sometimes blocks a name change if the name you entered breaks their naming rules. Common reasons include using only numbers, using special characters or symbols, or entering text that looks like a business name rather than a person's name. If you see an error message, read it carefully — it will tell you what part of the name caused the problem.
If you believe your name is legitimate and Facebook is wrong, you can request a review. Click the link in the error message to explain why the name you entered is your real name. Facebook staff will look at your request, though the review can take several days. In the meantime, you can still use your old name on your account.
Changing Your Page Name vs. Your Profile Name
If you run a Facebook Page (a business page, public figure page, or community page), changing the page name works differently than changing your personal profile name. To change a Page name, go to the Page, click Settings in the top menu, then click Edit page info on the left. Find the Page name field and click Edit.
Pages have different rules than personal profiles. You can change a Page name more often than you can change your personal name, and Facebook is less strict about what text you use. However, if your Page name is a business name or brand, Facebook may ask you to add a category or description to make clear what the Page is for.
Timing and Waiting Periods
The 60-day rule is firm: if you changed your name within the last 60 days, Facebook will not let you change it again until that period ends. You will see the exact date you can change it next when you try to edit the Name field. This rule applies to personal profiles only — Pages do not have the same restriction.
If you are locked out of a name change and need to change it urgently, you have no way to speed up the waiting period. Plan ahead if you know you will need a different name soon, and make the change before you need it rather than after.
Using a Nickname or Middle Name Instead
If you want to display a nickname or middle name on your profile without changing your legal name, you can add it to the Name field itself. For example, you could enter "Sarah Jane Smith" if your legal name is Sarah and you go by Jane. Facebook allows this as long as the full entry reads like a real person's name.
You can also set a Username separate from your name — this is the custom URL people use to find your profile (like facebook.com/yourname). Your username does not have to match your display name, so you can keep a professional username while using a nickname as your display name.
What to Do If You Cannot Find the Name Field
If you are using Facebook on a phone or tablet, the Settings menu looks slightly different. Open the app, tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner (on iPhone) or top right corner (on Android). Tap Settings and privacy, then Settings. Scroll down and tap Personal information, then tap Name.
If you are using an older version of the Facebook app, the menu structure may be different. Make sure your app is up to date by checking your phone's app store. If you still cannot find the Name field after updating, try using Facebook in a web browser instead — the browser version is usually more stable and easier to navigate.
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 on personal profiles. You cannot bypass this by using a different browser, device, or account. If you need to change your name again, you must wait until the 60 days have passed.
Will my friends see a notification when I change my name?
Your friends will not receive a notification about the name change itself. However, if they visit your profile or see your posts after the change, they will see your new name. Old posts and comments will still show your old name.
Can I change my name to a business name or brand?
Facebook's rules say personal profiles should use authentic names you go by in real life. If you run a business, create a Facebook Page instead — Pages are designed for businesses and brands and have different naming rules. You can link your Page to your personal profile.
What if I made a typo when I changed my name?
You will have to wait 60 days before you can change it again. If the typo is minor and you cannot wait, your only option is to contact Facebook through their Help Center and explain the situation. They may make an exception for obvious typos, though there is no may provide.
Does changing my name affect my Facebook login or password?
No. Your login email and password stay the same no matter what name you display on your profile. You log in with your email address, not your name, so changing your display name does not affect how you access your account.