Open Settings and Find the Name Option

To change your name in the Facebook app, start by opening the app on your phone and tapping the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down until you see Settings & Privacy, then tap it. A submenu will appear — tap Settings.

Once you're in Settings, scroll down to find Personal Information and tap it. You'll see several options including your name, email, phone number, and other account details. Tap on Name to begin editing.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name through the app by going to Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information, then Name.
  • Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need to make multiple changes.
  • Your new name will appear on your profile and in comments, messages, and posts within a few minutes of saving.
  • If you see an error message saying your name violates Facebook's standards, remove numbers, symbols, or unusual spacing and try again.

Enter Your New Name and Save

When you tap Name, you'll see two text fields: one for your first name and one for your last name. Clear the existing text and type your new name exactly as you want it to appear on your profile. Facebook accepts letters, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes — for example, "Mary-Jane" or "O'Connor" will work fine.

After you've entered your new name, scroll down and tap the Review Change button. Facebook will show you a preview of how your name will look. If it's correct, tap Save Changes. If you need to fix something, tap the back arrow to edit again.

Wait for the Change to Take Effect

Once you save, your new name usually appears on your profile within a few minutes. However, it may take longer to show up in all places — comments you've left on other people's posts, old messages, and tagged photos might still display your old name for a few hours or even a day.

During this time, you cannot change your name again. Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes on the same account. If you made a mistake, you'll need to wait two months before you can change it a second time, so double-check your spelling before you save.

What to Do If You Get an Error Message

If Facebook rejects your name change and shows an error like "This name doesn't follow our naming standards," it usually means your entry contains numbers, symbols (except hyphens and apostrophes), or excessive spacing. Remove any numbers or special characters and try again.

Names that are all capital letters, contain repeated characters (like "Jooooohn"), or look like they're trying to impersonate a public figure may also be rejected. If you believe your name is legitimate and Facebook is blocking it by mistake, you can tap Learn More in the error message to see Facebook's full naming rules, or you can try a slightly different spelling or spacing.

Changing Your Name on a Computer Instead

If you prefer to use a computer, you can change your name through the Facebook website as well. Log in, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, select Settings & Privacy, then Settings. Click Personal Information on the left side, then click Name. The process is identical to the app version.

Whether you use the app or the website, the change applies to your entire Facebook account — you don't need to make it twice. Your new name will sync across all devices within a few minutes.

Understanding the 60-Day Waiting Period

Facebook's 60-day rule exists to prevent account takeovers and fraud. Once you change your name, you cannot change it again for two months, even if you made a typo or changed your mind. This means you should be very careful with your spelling and formatting before you tap Save Changes.

If you're changing your name because of a legal name change (marriage, divorce, or court order), you may be able to request an exception to the 60-day rule by contacting Facebook support, though this process can take several days. For most everyday name changes, the 60-day wait is final.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a nickname or stage name instead of my legal name?

Facebook's policy requires you to use the name you go by in everyday life, which can include nicknames and stage names. However, it must be a real name you actually use — not a random string of words or numbers. If your stage name is what people actually call you, it should be accepted.

Will my old name still show up in my message history?

No. Once your name changes, it will update in your entire message history. People you've messaged with will see your new name when they open old conversations. The same applies to comments and posts you made before the change.

What if someone else has the name I want to use?

Multiple people can have the same name on Facebook — there's no limit to how many accounts can share a name. Your name change will go through even if someone else already uses it. Your unique profile URL and user ID keep your account separate from theirs.

Can I change my name more than once if I wait 60 days?

Yes. After 60 days have passed since your last name change, you can change it again. You can change your name as many times as you want, as long as you wait the full 60 days between each change and follow Facebook's naming standards.

Does changing my name affect my username or profile URL?

No. Your username (the part that appears in your profile link, like facebook.com/yourname) is separate from your display name. Changing your display name does not change your username. If you want to change your username, you'll need to do that in a different section of Settings.