Open Settings and Find the Name Option

To change your name on Facebook, open the Facebook app on your phone and tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings.

Once you're in Settings, scroll down to find Personal Information and tap it. You'll see your name listed at the top of this section. Tap on your name to open the editing screen.

Key Takeaways

  • You access your name through Settings & Privacy > Settings > Personal Information on the Facebook app.
  • Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days, so plan your changes accordingly.
  • Your new name must follow Facebook's naming rules: it should be the name you go by in everyday life, not a nickname or business name.
  • The change takes effect when ready across your profile, but it may take a few minutes to appear to other people.
  • If you change your name too frequently, Facebook may temporarily lock you out of making further changes.

Enter Your New Name and Check the Rules

When you tap your name, you'll see two text fields: one for your first name and one for your last name. Clear the old text and type in your new name exactly as you want it to appear on your profile.

Facebook has specific rules about what names are allowed. Your name should be the one you use in everyday life—not a nickname, stage name, business name, or made-up phrase. You can include accents, hyphens, and apostrophes if they're part of your actual name. Avoid all numbers, symbols, or repeated letters that don't belong in a real name.

Save Your Changes

After you've typed your new name into both fields, scroll down and tap the Save Changes button. The app will process your request, and you should see a confirmation message.

Your new name will show up on your profile right away. However, it may take a few minutes for the change to appear when other people view your profile or see your activity in their feed. If you don't see the change after 10 minutes, try closing the app completely and reopening it.

Understand the 60-Day Waiting Period

Facebook limits how often you can change your name: you can only change it once every 60 days. This rule applies whether you're changing from your first name to a nickname or making any other kind of change. If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed since your last change, the app will show you a message telling you when you'll be able to change it again.

If you need to change your name urgently and you're within the 60-day window, you cannot bypass this restriction through the app. You would need to wait until the 60 days have passed.

What Happens If Facebook Rejects Your Name

If you enter a name that doesn't follow Facebook's rules, the app will reject it and show you an error message. Common reasons for rejection include using numbers, using only a first name when Facebook expects both first and last names, or using symbols and special characters that aren't part of a real name.

If your name is rejected, go back and edit it to match Facebook's guidelines. If you have a legitimate name that includes numbers or unusual characters (for example, a hyphenated surname or an accent mark), you can try entering it again—Facebook's system sometimes flags names incorrectly. If it keeps rejecting a name that is genuinely yours, you can contact Facebook through the app's Help Center to request a manual review.

Change Your Name Back Anytime

You can change your name back to your previous name using the same steps, as long as 60 days have passed since your last change. There's no limit to how many times you can change your name over the course of your account's lifetime—only the 60-day waiting period between changes.

If you change your name and then when ready want to change it back, you'll have to wait the full 60 days. Plan your name changes with this in mind if you're testing out a new name or trying different options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my friends see my old name after I change it?

No. Once your name change goes through, your old name disappears from your profile and from your activity. Your friends will see your new name on your profile and in their feed. However, there may be a short delay of a few minutes before the change appears everywhere.

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

Facebook's rules require you to use the name you go by in everyday life. Nicknames, stage names, and business names are not allowed. If you use a stage name professionally and that's what people actually call you day-to-day, you can try entering it, but Facebook may reject it or ask you to change it later.

What if I change my name and then when ready regret it?

You can change it back, but you'll have to wait 60 days from the date of your first change. There's no way to undo a name change when ready. If you're unsure about a new name, consider waiting a day or two before making the change so you have time to think it through.

Why does Facebook have a 60-day limit on name changes?

The 60-day rule exists to prevent people from constantly changing their names in ways that could confuse their friends or be used to evade account restrictions. It's a security and stability measure, not something you can get around.

Can I change my name on the Facebook website instead of the app?

Yes. The steps are similar: go to your profile, click the three dots next to your cover photo, select Edit Profile, and then click on your name to edit it. The 60-day rule and naming guidelines are the same on both the app and the website.