Change your Facebook name from Settings in under a minute

Open Facebook on any device, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, and select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Personal information. Next to your name, click Edit. Type your new name in the fields provided, click Review change, and then Save changes. Facebook will ask you to enter your password to confirm. The change takes effect when ready.

You can change your name as often as you want, but Facebook enforces a waiting period between changes. If you just changed your name, you will need to wait a certain number of days before changing it again — the exact wait time varies depending on your account history. If you try to change it too soon, Facebook will tell you when you can make the next change.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Facebook name change happens when ready after you confirm your password, and the new name appears across your profile, messages, and comments right away.
  • Facebook limits how often you can change your name; if you just changed it, you will see a message telling you when the next change is allowed.
  • Your username (the part of your profile URL) does not change when you change your display name, so your old links still work.
  • You can use your real name, a nickname, a stage name, or any combination — Facebook does not require legal documentation for most name changes.

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 by that name anymore. However, your username — the unique handle in your profile URL — stays the same unless you change it separately. This means anyone with a direct link to your profile will still reach you, even if they knew you by your old name.

Your message history and past comments keep your new name attached to them. If you posted something under your old name, it will now show your new name when someone views that post. This applies to comments, photos, and any other content you created.

Changing your name on mobile versus desktop

The steps are nearly identical on iPhone, Android, and desktop. On mobile, tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner instead of the arrow in the top right. Then navigate to Settings and privacy > Settings > Personal information > Edit next to your name. The rest of the process is the same: type your new name, review it, and save.

Desktop is slightly faster because the Settings menu is easier to navigate on a larger screen, but mobile works just as well. Either way, you need your password to confirm the change.

Understanding Facebook's name change rules

Facebook does not require you to use your legal name. You can use a nickname, a stage name, initials, or any name you go by regularly. The platform does have rules against certain characters and symbols — you cannot use numbers as your first name, for example, and special characters like @ or # will not work. If you try to use a name that breaks these rules, Facebook will reject it and explain why.

Names that appear to be fake or designed to evade detection may trigger a review. If Facebook suspects your name violates its policies, it may ask you to provide identification. This is rare for straightforward name changes, but it can happen if your new name looks like spam or a fake account.

What to do if Facebook blocks your name change

If you see an error message when you try to save your new name, the most common reason is that you are trying to change it too soon. Facebook enforces a waiting period — usually several days — between name changes. The error message will tell you the exact date when you can change it again. Wait until that date and try again.

If the message says your name does not follow Facebook's naming rules, check for numbers in your first name, special characters, or unusual spacing. Remove those and try again. If you still cannot change your name and the error does not explain why, you can report the problem to Facebook through the Help Center, though responses can take several days.

Changing your username separately from your display name

Your Facebook username is different from your display name. Your display name is what people see on your profile and in comments. Your username is the handle in your profile URL — for example, facebook.com/yourname. You can change your username once every 60 days, and the process is separate from changing your display name.

To change your username, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Personal information and look for the Username field. Click Edit and type a new username. Usernames can include letters, numbers, and periods, but they must be at least five characters long. After you change your username, your old one becomes available for someone else to claim after a short period.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. You can change your name back to any previous name you have used, as long as you wait for the required time between changes. Facebook does not prevent you from reusing old names. If you changed your name and want to switch back, follow the same steps and enter your old name.

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 may notice the change if they visit your profile or see you in their friends list. The change is visible to anyone who can see your profile, but it is not announced.

How long do I have to wait between name changes?

The waiting period varies, but it is typically several days. Facebook does not publish an exact number because it depends on your account history and how often you have changed your name in the past. When you try to change your name, Facebook will tell you the specific date when you can change it again if you are within the waiting period.

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

No. Your display name and your username are separate. Changing your display name does not change your username or your profile URL. If you want to change your username, you must do that in a different section of Settings. Your old profile links will continue to work even after you change your display name.

What if I want to use a name with special characters or numbers?

Facebook does not allow numbers in your first name or special characters like @, #, or & in any part of your name. You can use periods, hyphens, and apostrophes in some cases, but the platform is strict about what it accepts. If you try to use a character that is not allowed, Facebook will reject the change and tell you which characters are not permitted.