How to change your name on Facebook
You can change the name on your Facebook profile at any time through your settings. Facebook lets you alter the name that appears on your profile, in your posts, and when you message other people. The process takes less than a minute on desktop or mobile, and the change shows up when ready to your friends and followers.
Facebook does have rules about what names it allows — you cannot use numbers, symbols, or fake names designed to mislead. The platform also limits how often you can change your name: you can do it once every 60 days. If you have changed your name recently and want to change it again, you will need to wait until the 60-day window closes.
Key Takeaways
- Open your Facebook settings, select "Personal Information," and click "Name" to edit what appears on your profile.
- Facebook requires names to contain only letters, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes — no numbers or symbols.
- You can change your name once every 60 days; if you have changed it recently, you must wait before making another change.
- The new name appears when ready across your profile, posts, and messages once you save the change.
- If Facebook blocks your name change, the platform will tell you why and may ask you to use your authentic name.
Steps to change your name on desktop
Start by clicking the downward arrow in the top right corner of your Facebook page. A menu will drop down with several options. Select "Settings and privacy," then click "Settings."
On the left side of the settings page, you will see a menu. Click "Personal Information." This section shows your current name, email, phone number, and other account details. Find the row labeled "Name" and click the pencil icon next to it to edit.
A text box will appear with your current first and last name. Delete the old name and type in your new one. Facebook will show you how the name will appear on your profile. Once you are satisfied with the change, click "Review Change" at the bottom of the box.
Facebook will ask you to confirm by entering your password. Type it in and click "Save Changes." Your new name is now live on your profile.
Steps to change your name on mobile
Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap "Settings and privacy," then tap "Settings."
Scroll down to find "Personal Information" and tap it. You will see your current name listed. Tap "Name" to open the edit screen.
The text box will show your first and last name. Clear the old name and type your new one. Tap "Review Change" when you are done. Facebook will ask for your password to confirm the change. Enter it and tap "Save."
What names Facebook will and will not allow
Facebook has specific rules about what counts as a valid name. Your name must use only letters (a–z, A–Z), spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes. Numbers, symbols, emojis, and special characters will cause Facebook to reject the change.
The platform also requires that you use your authentic name — the name you go by in everyday life. Facebook does not allow names designed to impersonate someone else, advertise a business, or mislead people about who you are. If you use a nickname or stage name that people actually call you, that is usually acceptable, but purely fictional or promotional names will be blocked.
If your name contains characters from non-Latin alphabets (Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, and others), Facebook will accept them as long as they are real letters in that language. Accented letters and diacritical marks are also allowed.
The 60-day waiting period explained
Once you change your name, you cannot change it again for 60 days. This rule applies whether you are changing from your original name or from a previous change. If you try to change your name before the 60 days are up, Facebook will show you an error message telling you when you will be able to change it next.
The 60-day timer starts the moment you save your change, not when you first open the edit screen. If you made a mistake and want to fix it right away, you will still have to wait the full 60 days. For this reason, it is worth double-checking your spelling and capitalization before you click "Save."
What to do if Facebook blocks your name change
If you try to change your name and Facebook rejects it, the platform will display a message explaining why. The most common reasons are that the name contains numbers or symbols, that it looks like it is designed to mislead or advertise something, or that it violates Facebook's community standards.
If you believe Facebook made a mistake, you can appeal the decision. Look for a link in the error message that says "Let us know" or "Appeal." Click it and explain why your name should be allowed. Facebook reviews appeals and may overturn the block if your name is authentic.
If you are trying to use a name that Facebook considers fake or promotional, you will need to use a different name that better reflects your authentic identity. This might mean using your legal name, a nickname people actually call you, or a variation that does not contain numbers or symbols.
How your name change affects your account and privacy
When you change your name, it updates everywhere on Facebook — your profile, your posts, your comments, your messages, and your friend list. Everyone who sees your profile will see the new name when ready. Old posts and comments will show the new name, not the old one.
Changing your name does not affect your privacy settings, your friends list, or your messages. People who had you blocked before the change will still have you blocked. Your account history and activity remain exactly the same; only the name displayed changes.
If you are concerned about privacy, remember that changing your name on Facebook does not hide your account from search. People can still find you by your email address or phone number if you have those listed on your profile. If you want to be harder to find, you can adjust your privacy settings separately to limit who can search for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name more than once every 60 days?
No. Facebook enforces a strict 60-day waiting period between name changes. You cannot bypass this by using a different device or browser — the restriction is tied to your account, not your device. If you need to change your name again, you will have to wait until the 60 days have passed since your last change.
Will my friends be notified when I change my name?
Facebook does not send a notification to your friends when you change your name. They will see the new name the next time they visit your profile or see one of your posts. Some friends may not notice the change right away unless they interact with you frequently.
Can I use special characters or accents in my name?
Accented letters and characters from non-Latin alphabets (such as Arabic, Chinese, or Cyrillic) are allowed if they are authentic letters in that language. However, numbers, symbols, emojis, and decorative characters like asterisks or underscores are not permitted.
What if I want to change my name back to my original one?
You can change your name back to your original name, but you will still have to wait 60 days from your last change. The 60-day rule applies to all name changes, including reverting to a previous name. Plan accordingly if you think you might want to switch back.
Does changing my name on Facebook change my email address or login?
No. Your email address and password remain the same. You log in with your email and password, not with your display name. Changing your name only affects how your profile appears to other people — it does not change how you access your account.