Change your name in Facebook settings in under two minutes

To change your name on Facebook, open the app or website, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, select Settings & Privacy, then Settings. On the left menu, click Personal Information, then Name. Type your new name in both the first and last name fields, click Review Change, and then Save Changes. Your new name appears on your profile when ready.

Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days. The system accepts most characters, including spaces, hyphens, periods, and accents. Avoid numbers, symbols, and repeated letters—Facebook's name filter will reject these as they typically indicate fake accounts.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your name through Settings & Privacy > Settings > Personal Information > Name on both the app and website.
  • Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes, so plan ahead if you need to update it again soon.
  • Your new name shows on your profile right away, but it may take a few minutes to update across all your posts and comments.
  • The name filter rejects numbers, symbols, and unusual character combinations, so stick to letters, spaces, hyphens, and periods.

Step-by-step instructions for the Facebook app

Open Facebook and tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings. Look for Personal Information and tap it. Tap Name to open the name editor.

Clear the first name field and type your new first name. Clear the last name field and type your new last name. Tap Review Change at the bottom. A preview shows how your new name will appear. If it looks correct, tap Save Changes. You will see a confirmation message. Your profile updates within seconds.

Step-by-step instructions for the Facebook website

Log into Facebook on your computer or mobile browser. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner next to your profile picture. Click Settings & Privacy, then click Settings. On the left side menu, click Personal Information. Click the Name row to open the editor.

Delete the text in the first name field and type your new first name. Delete the text in the last name field and type your new last name. Click Review Change. Check the preview to make sure the name is spelled correctly and formatted the way you want it. Click Save Changes. The page refreshes and your new name is live.

What happens if Facebook rejects your name

If you see an error message like "Please enter a valid name," Facebook's filter caught something it considers invalid. Common reasons include numbers (like "John123"), symbols (like "John@Smith"), repeated characters (like "Joooohn"), or a format that looks like a fake account. Delete these elements and try again.

If you believe your name is legitimate but Facebook keeps rejecting it, you can request a manual review. Click the help link in the error message and explain your situation. Facebook's support team will look at your account and may override the filter if your name is genuine. This process takes a few days.

The 60-day waiting period between changes

Once you change your name, you cannot change it again for 60 days. Facebook enforces this rule to prevent account takeovers and impersonation. If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed, you will see a message telling you when you can change it next.

If you made a typo or changed your mind, you have to wait the full 60 days. Plan your name change carefully. If you are unsure about the spelling or format, write it down and review it before you save.

How your name appears across Facebook

Your new name shows on your profile, in comments, on posts you create, and in messages right away. However, it may take a few minutes to update on posts and comments you made before the change. Old posts might still show your previous name for a short time while Facebook's servers sync the update.

Your friends see your new name in their news feed and in your profile. If you have a public profile, anyone on Facebook can see your current name. Changing your name does not change your username (the part after facebook.com/), so your profile link stays the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a nickname or stage name on Facebook?

Yes, as long as it contains only letters, spaces, hyphens, periods, and accents. Facebook does not require you to use your legal name. However, if your account is flagged as suspicious, Facebook may ask you to provide ID that matches your profile name.

What if I want to change my name back to what it was before?

You can change it back, but you have to wait 60 days from your last change. If you changed your name yesterday and want to revert, you will have to wait 59 more days. Mark your calendar so you know when you are may be able to access to change it again.

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

No. Your username and profile link (facebook.com/yourname) stay the same. Only your display name changes. People who have your profile link saved can still find you, and your messages and tags are not affected.

Can I have a middle name or initial on Facebook?

Yes. You can type your full name including middle names or initials in the first or last name field. For example, you could put "John Michael" in the first name field and "Smith" in the last name field, or "J. Michael" and "Smith"—whatever format you prefer.

What if I see an error that says my name violates Facebook's standards?

This usually means your name contains numbers, symbols, or repeated characters. Remove these and try again. If your name is legitimate and still gets rejected, use the help option in the error message to contact Facebook's support team and request a manual review of your account.