Open Facebook and go to your settings

To change your name on Facebook from your mobile phone, start by opening the Facebook app 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. This section holds your name, email, phone number, and other details tied to your account. The name field is usually near the top of this section.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your name directly from the Facebook mobile app by going to Settings > Personal Information > Name.
  • Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need multiple changes.
  • Your new name will appear on your profile and in comments, messages, and posts within minutes of saving.
  • If Facebook blocks your name change and asks you to confirm your identity, you may need to upload a photo of your ID or answer security questions.
  • You can include spaces, hyphens, periods, and numbers in your name, but Facebook will reject names that look like fake accounts or spam.

Tap on your name and enter the new one

In the Personal Information section, you'll see a field labeled "Name" with your current name displayed. Tap directly on this field to open the editing box. The text will highlight, and you can now delete the old name and type your new one.

Type your new name exactly as you want it to appear on your profile. Facebook will show you a preview of how it will look. Once you've entered the new name, look for a "Save" or "Done" button — the exact label depends on your phone's operating system and Facebook app version, but it will be near the bottom of the editing box.

Handle the 60-day waiting period

Facebook limits name changes to once every 60 days. If you've changed your name recently, you'll see a message saying you can't change it again until a specific date. This rule applies whether you changed it on mobile, desktop, or through any other method. The 60 days starts from the date of your last change, not from when you tried to change it.

If you need to change your name before the 60 days are up, your only option is to wait. Facebook does not waive this restriction for any reason. Mark the date on your calendar so you know when you're may be able to access again.

What to do if Facebook asks for ID verification

Sometimes Facebook will block a name change and ask you to verify your identity. This happens when the name you entered looks suspicious to Facebook's automated systems — for example, if it contains mostly numbers, symbols, or words that appear to be spam. It can also happen if you're changing your name very frequently.

When this occurs, Facebook will give you the option to upload a photo of your ID (driver's license, passport, or national ID card) or answer security questions about your account. Choose whichever option feels easier. If you upload an ID, take a clear photo of the front side and make sure your name is readable. Facebook reviews these submissions within a few hours to a few days. Once approved, you can complete your name change.

Understand what Facebook will and won't allow

Facebook has rules about what counts as a valid name. You can use letters, spaces, hyphens, periods, and numbers. Accented characters and characters from other languages are allowed. However, Facebook will reject names that are mostly symbols, names that look like they're trying to impersonate someone famous, or names that appear designed to spam or deceive.

Your name must also be something you actually go by — Facebook's policy is that your name should be the name you use in everyday life. This means you can't use a business name, a hashtag, or a made-up phrase as your primary name. If you want a different display name for professional reasons, Facebook allows you to add a "Name Pronunciation" field or use a nickname in your "About" section instead.

See your name change take effect

After you save your new name, it will appear on your profile within a few minutes. Your friends will see the updated name on your profile, in your comments, in messages, and anywhere else your name appears on Facebook. The change is when ready on your end, but it may take a few minutes to show up everywhere across Facebook's systems.

If you change your mind, you can change your name again — but you'll have to wait another 60 days from the date of this change. There's no way to undo a name change without waiting for the 60-day window to pass, so make sure you're happy with the new name before you save it.

Troubleshoot common problems

If the Save button doesn't appear or the app freezes when you try to change your name, close the Facebook app completely and reopen it. Go back to Settings > Personal Information > Name and try again. If the problem persists, make sure your Facebook app is up to date by checking your phone's app store.

If you see an error message saying your name contains invalid characters, try removing any special symbols or numbers and use only letters and spaces. If Facebook keeps rejecting your name even after you've simplified it, the name may violate Facebook's community standards — try a different variation. If you believe Facebook is blocking a legitimate name, you can report the issue through the app by tapping the question mark icon in Settings and selecting "Report a Problem."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name back to my old one right away?

No. Once you change your name, you must wait 60 days before changing it again, even if you want to change it back. Plan your name change carefully because you're locked into it for two months.

Will my friends get a notification that I changed 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 comment on something. Your name change appears in your activity log, which close friends can sometimes see.

What if someone else is using my real name on Facebook?

If another person is using your real name and you want to reclaim it, you can report their profile to Facebook. Go to their profile, tap the three dots in the top right, and select "Report." Choose "It's pretending to be someone" and follow the prompts. Facebook will review the report, but there's no may provide they'll force the other person to change their name.

Can I have two different names on Facebook and Instagram?

Yes. Your Facebook name and Instagram name are separate. You can change one without affecting the other. However, if your Instagram account is linked to your Facebook account, changing your Facebook name will not automatically change your Instagram name — you'll need to change Instagram separately through its own settings.

Why does Facebook say my name is "inauthentic"?

Facebook flags names as inauthentic when they don't match the name on your ID, when they contain mostly numbers or symbols, or when they look designed to deceive. If you see this message, try using your legal name or a name you genuinely go by. If your legal name contains characters Facebook doesn't recognize, upload your ID to verify it.