The quickest way to change your Facebook name

Open Facebook on a computer or phone and go to your profile. Click or tap the pencil icon next to your name at the top of your profile, then select "Edit name." A box will appear with your current first and last name. Type your new name into those fields, choose when the change takes effect (when ready or on a date you pick), and click "Review change." Facebook will show you how your new name appears across the site. Click "Save changes" and you're done.

The whole process takes about two minutes. Your new name shows up right away to your friends and the public, unless you chose a future date. Facebook stores a record of your name changes, but only you and Facebook can see that history—your friends see only your current name.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your name through the pencil icon on your profile, and the change takes effect when ready unless you schedule it for later.
  • Facebook allows name changes once every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need to change it again soon.
  • Your new name appears to everyone on Facebook, including in search results and on posts you've made in the past.
  • If Facebook blocks your name change, it usually means the name violates their policies—names must be real, not contain numbers or symbols, and not impersonate someone else.

Where to find the name change option on different devices

On a computer: Log into Facebook, click your profile picture in the top right corner, then click "Settings and privacy" and "Settings." On the left side, click "Personal information." Next to your name, click the pencil icon, make your changes, and save.

On an iPhone or Android phone: Open the Facebook app, tap the three horizontal lines (menu) at the bottom right, scroll down and tap "Settings and privacy," then "Settings." Tap "Personal information," then tap your name. Type your new name and tap "Review change," then "Save changes."

Both routes lead to the same screen. If you use Facebook through a web browser on your phone instead of the app, follow the computer steps above.

The 60-day waiting period between name changes

Facebook limits you to one name change every 60 days. If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed since your last change, Facebook will tell you when you can change it again and won't let you proceed until then.

This rule applies whether you changed your name intentionally or Facebook reverted it because it violated their policies. If you made a typo or want to fix capitalization, you still have to wait the full 60 days. Plan your name changes carefully, because you cannot speed up this waiting period.

Why Facebook might reject your name change

Facebook has rules about what counts as a real name. Your name cannot contain numbers, symbols, or characters outside the standard alphabet (with some exceptions for accents and diacritics in other languages). You cannot use all capital letters, and you cannot include titles, nicknames in quotes, or phrases like "Jr." or "Sr." unless they are genuinely part of your legal name.

Facebook also blocks names that impersonate real people, celebrities, or public figures. If you try to use a name that looks like you're pretending to be someone else, the system will reject it. Names that are obviously fake or that Facebook's system flags as spam will also be blocked. If your name change is rejected, Facebook usually tells you which rule it violated. Try a different version of your name that follows their guidelines.

What happens to your old name after you change it

Your old name disappears from your profile and from all your past posts, comments, and messages. When someone looks at a post you made three years ago, they see your current name as the author, not the name you had when you posted it.

Facebook keeps a record of all your name changes in your activity log, but only you can see this history. Your friends and the public cannot see what your old names were. If you change your name back to a previous name, Facebook treats it as a new name change and you still have to wait 60 days.

Changing your username versus your display name

Your display name is what you just changed—the name that appears on your profile and next to your posts. Your username is different. It's the part that comes after facebook.com/ in your profile URL (for example, facebook.com/sarah.johnson.123). Changing your display name does not change your username.

To change your username, go to Settings and privacy > Settings > Personal information > Username. You can change your username once every 60 days, just like your display name. Usernames can include periods, numbers, and lowercase letters, but display names cannot. Most people leave their username alone and only change their display name.

Changing your name if you've been locked out or can't access settings

If you cannot log into your account or cannot reach the settings screen, you may need to recover your account first. Go to facebook.com/login/identify on a computer and follow the steps to confirm your identity. Facebook will ask you to verify your email, phone number, or trusted contacts before letting you back in.

Once you're back in your account, follow the steps above to change your name. If you still cannot access settings after recovering your account, contact Facebook through their Help Center. Go to facebook.com/help, search "change your name," and look for the option to report a problem or message support. Response times vary, but Facebook usually replies within a few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name to something that's not my real name?

Facebook's policy requires names to be real, but "real" means a name you actually go by—not necessarily your legal name. Nicknames, stage names, and names from other cultures are allowed. Numbers, symbols, and obviously fake names are not. If you want to use a nickname, make sure it looks like a genuine name someone might actually use.

What if I change my name and then want to change it back?

You can change it back, but you still have to wait 60 days from your last change. If you changed your name yesterday and want to revert it today, Facebook won't let you. You'll have to wait until 60 days have passed since the original change.

Does changing my name on Facebook change it anywhere else?

No. Changing your name on Facebook only affects your Facebook profile and posts. It does not change your name on Instagram, WhatsApp, your email, or any other service. Each platform has its own name settings.

Can I use a name with special characters or accents?

Yes, if they are part of a real name in your language. Accents, tildes, and other diacritical marks are allowed in names like José, François, or Müller. Symbols like asterisks, numbers, or punctuation marks are not allowed.

What happens if Facebook removes my name change for violating their policies?

Facebook will revert your name to your previous one and send you a message explaining which policy you violated. You can try again with a different name, but you still have to wait 60 days before your next change. Repeated violations may result in Facebook restricting your ability to change your name in the future.