Change Your Facebook Profile Name in Four Steps

You can change the name that appears on your Facebook profile by going to your settings, finding the name field, typing your new name, and saving the change. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way on a phone or computer. Facebook lets you change your name once every 60 days, so if you changed it recently, you may have to wait before making another change.

Your profile name is what appears at the top of your profile page and in comments you post. It is different from your username (the part of your Facebook URL) or your email address. Changing your profile name does not affect your login information or your account security.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook profile name once every 60 days, and the change takes effect when ready across your account.
  • The name change works on both desktop and mobile, and you access it through Settings & Privacy, then Settings.
  • Facebook may ask you to confirm your identity if the name change looks suspicious, which usually means uploading a photo ID.
  • Your old name is visible to you in your activity log, but other people see only your current name on your profile and in comments.
  • If you cannot find the name field or the change will not save, clear your browser cache or try a different browser before contacting Facebook.

Steps to Change Your Name on Desktop

Open Facebook in your web browser and log in to your account. Click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the screen (next to your profile picture). From the menu that appears, select Settings & Privacy, then click Settings.

On the left side of the screen, you will see a menu. Click Personal Information. You should now see a section labeled Name with your current name displayed. Click on that name field to edit it. Type your new name in the box that appears. You can include a middle name, nickname, or any combination of first and last names that Facebook will accept. Click Review Change when you are done typing.

Facebook will show you a preview of how your new name will appear. If it looks correct, click Save Changes. Your new name will be live on your profile when ready. If you see an error message or Facebook asks you to confirm your identity, follow the instructions on the screen (usually uploading a photo ID).

Steps to Change Your Name on Mobile

Open the Facebook app on your phone and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings.

Scroll down until you find Personal Information and tap it. Tap the Name field to open the edit box. Delete your current name and type your new name. Tap Review Change to see how it will look. If everything is correct, tap Save Changes. Your new name will appear on your profile right away.

The 60-Day Waiting Period Between Changes

Facebook enforces a 60-day rule: you can change your profile name once every 60 days. This means if you changed your name on January 1st, you cannot change it again until March 1st (or 60 days later). The timer starts from the date of your last successful change, not from when you attempted a change that failed.

If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed, Facebook will show you a message telling you when you will be able to change it again. There is no way to bypass this waiting period. If you made a typo or need to fix something urgently, you will have to wait until the 60 days are up.

When Facebook Asks You to Confirm Your Identity

Sometimes Facebook flags a name change as unusual and asks you to confirm your identity before allowing the change. This happens when the new name looks very different from your old name, when you change it multiple times in a short period, or when Facebook's system detects other suspicious activity on your account.

If this happens, Facebook will ask you to upload a photo of a government-issued ID (like a driver's license or passport) that matches the name you are trying to use. Take a clear photo of the front of your ID, upload it through the prompt on your screen, and wait for Facebook to review it. This usually takes a few hours to a day. Once Facebook confirms your identity, your name change will go through.

What Happens to Your Old Name

When you change your name, your old name disappears from your profile and from new comments you post. However, your old name remains visible in your Activity Log, which is a record of everything you have done on Facebook. Only you can see your activity log — other people cannot view it.

Comments you posted under your old name will now show your new name when other people view them. For example, if you posted a comment as "John Smith" and then changed your name to "John Chen," that comment will display as posted by "John Chen" to everyone else. Your old name will not appear anywhere on your profile or in your comment history to other users.

Troubleshooting Name Change Problems

If the name field is not appearing, or if you click Save and nothing happens, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies. Close Facebook completely, clear your cache, and then log back in. If you are on a phone, try closing the Facebook app completely and reopening it.

If you are using an older browser or an outdated version of the Facebook app, update it and try again. If the problem continues, try using a different browser or device. If you still cannot change your name after trying these steps, you can contact Facebook through the Help Center by going to Settings & Privacy, then Help & Support, and selecting your issue from the menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Facebook name more than once every 60 days?

No. Facebook enforces a strict 60-day waiting period between name changes. If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed since your last change, you will see a message telling you the exact date when you can change it again. There is no exception to this rule.

Will changing my name affect my login information or password?

No. Your login email and password stay the same no matter what name you use on your profile. Changing your profile name does not change how you log in to Facebook or any of your account security settings.

What names does Facebook allow?

Facebook requires names to be in the format people actually use in real life. You can use letters, numbers, periods, hyphens, and apostrophes. Facebook will reject names that look like spam, contain only numbers, use excessive punctuation, or include symbols like @ or &. If your name is rejected, try removing extra characters or spaces.

Can I see what my old name was after I change it?

Yes, but only you can see it. Go to your Activity Log (click your profile picture, then Activity Log) and you will see a record of your name changes. Other people cannot view your activity log or see your old names.

What should I do if Facebook asks for ID to confirm my name change?

Upload a clear photo of the front of a government-issued ID that matches the name you are trying to use. Facebook will review it within a few hours to a day. Make sure the ID is readable and the name on it matches exactly what you entered in the name field.