Change Your Name in Settings

To change your name on Facebook, go to the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner of the app, or click the downward arrow in the top right on a computer. Scroll down and tap or click Settings & Privacy, then Settings. Look for Personal Information and tap or click it. Select Name.

Type your new name into the fields provided. Facebook splits names into first and last name boxes, though you can enter a single name if you prefer. Once you've entered what you want, tap or click Review Change. Facebook will show you a preview of how your new name will appear. If it looks right, tap or click Save Changes.

Your new name becomes visible to your friends and the public when ready. Facebook does not send a notification to your contacts when you change your name — they will straightforward see the new one the next time they visit your profile.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your name through Settings & Privacy > Settings > Personal Information > Name on both the app and website.
  • Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need multiple changes.
  • Your new name appears when ready to everyone who can see your profile, and Facebook does not notify your friends of the change.
  • If Facebook rejects your name as fake or violates community standards, you can appeal the decision or try a different version.
  • You can use a nickname, stage name, or any variation of your real name — Facebook does not require you to use your legal name.

Understanding Facebook's 60-Day Waiting Period

After you change your name, you cannot change it again for 60 days. This limit applies whether you're changing it back to your original name or switching to something completely different. The 60-day timer starts the moment you save your change, not when you first tried to make the change.

If you made a typo or changed your mind when ready, you're still locked into the 60-day wait. Plan your name change carefully, and double-check the spelling before you save. If you need to change your name sooner for a legal reason — such as a court-ordered name change or marriage — you can contact Facebook's support team, though they may ask for documentation.

What Names Facebook Will Reject

Facebook has rules about what names it will accept. The platform rejects names that include numbers, symbols, or excessive punctuation. Names that look like fake accounts — such as "XxShadowKingxX" or strings of random characters — are often flagged. Names that appear to violate Facebook's community standards, such as those containing slurs or hateful language, will also be rejected.

If your name is rejected, Facebook will tell you why and let you try again. If you believe your name was rejected by mistake, you can appeal the decision. Click the Appeal button in the error message, and Facebook will review it. Appeals usually take a few days. In the meantime, you can try a slightly different version of your name — for example, adding a middle initial or using a hyphenated last name.

Changing Your Name on Mobile vs. Computer

The steps are nearly identical on the Facebook app and the website, but the menu locations differ slightly. On the app, tap the three-line menu icon at the bottom right (or top right on iPhone), then Settings & Privacy > Settings > Personal Information > Name. On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, select Settings & Privacy, then Settings, and follow the same path to Name.

Both routes take you to the same name-change form. If you change your name on your phone, the change syncs to your computer account when ready, and vice versa. You do not need to change your name separately on each device.

Using a Nickname or Stage Name

Facebook does not require you to use your legal name. You can use a nickname, stage name, pen name, or any other name you go by, as long as it follows Facebook's naming rules. Many performers, writers, and people who prefer privacy use stage names or nicknames on Facebook without issue.

If you want to add a nickname in addition to your main name, you can do so through your profile. Go to About on your profile, find the Name section, and look for the option to add a nickname. This lets people search for you by both your main name and your nickname. Nicknames appear in parentheses on your profile, like "Sarah (Sam) Johnson."

What Happens to Your Old Name

When you change your name, your old name disappears from your profile. People who knew you by your old name will see only your new name when they visit your profile. Your old messages, posts, and comments will still show your new name — Facebook does not keep a public record of your name history.

However, Facebook's internal systems do track name changes for security and fraud prevention. If someone reports your account as fake or hacked, Facebook can see your name-change history. This is one reason the 60-day waiting period exists — it helps prevent account takeovers where someone repeatedly changes the name to confuse the real owner.

Troubleshooting Name Change Problems

If the Name option does not appear in your Personal Information section, your account may have restrictions. New accounts sometimes cannot change their name for the first few days. If you just created your account, wait a few days and try again.

If you see an error message saying your name violates community standards but you believe it does not, use the Appeal button to request a review. Be specific about why you use that name — for example, if it's your legal name, a stage name you perform under, or a cultural name. Facebook's review team usually responds within a few days. If the appeal is denied, you can try a variation, such as adding punctuation or a middle initial, though this may not always work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name back to my old one before 60 days?

No. The 60-day waiting period applies to any name change, including changing back to your previous name. Once you change your name, you must wait 60 days before making another change, regardless of what name you switch to.

Will my friends get a notification when I change my name?

Facebook does not send notifications about name changes. Your friends will see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see you in their feed, but they won't receive an alert that you changed it.

Can I use special characters or numbers in my name?

No. Facebook rejects names with numbers, symbols, or excessive punctuation. Stick to letters, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes. If your legal name includes a symbol — such as an accent mark — Facebook may accept it, but numbers and most special characters will be rejected.

What if Facebook says my name is fake?

Click the Appeal button in the error message and explain why you use that name. If it's your legal name, a stage name, or a cultural name, include that context. Facebook's review team will reconsider your request, usually within a few days. If the appeal fails, try a slightly different version of the name.

Does changing my name affect my Facebook username or URL?

No. Your username (the part of your Facebook URL) is separate from your display name. Changing your display name does not change your username. If you want to change your username, you can do that separately through your profile settings, though you can only change it once.