The fastest way to change your Facebook name

Open Facebook on any device, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, and select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left menu, click Personal information. Next to your name, click Edit. Type your new name in the fields provided — Facebook splits this into first name and last name — then click Review change. Facebook will show you how your new name will appear, and you can confirm or go back to edit it again. Once you click Save changes, your name updates across your profile, posts, and comments when ready.

If you are on the Facebook mobile app, the path is slightly different but the result is the same. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu) in the bottom right, scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings. Tap Personal information, then tap next to your name to edit it. Type your new name and tap Review change, then Save changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Your name change takes effect when ready on your profile, posts, and comments once you save it.
  • Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need to make multiple changes.
  • You can use your real name, a nickname, a middle name, or any combination — Facebook does not require legal documentation.
  • Your old name does not appear in your profile history; only people who knew you before the change will notice the difference.

What name format Facebook accepts

Facebook lets you enter a first name and last name separately, but you can put whatever you want in each field. You can use a nickname, a middle name, initials, or a single word. Facebook does not verify that your name matches a government ID or any other document — the name you enter is the name that appears on your profile.

Avoid using numbers, symbols, or repeated characters in ways that look like spam (for example, "J0hn" or "John!!!"). Facebook's automated systems may flag unusual patterns and temporarily prevent you from changing your name again. If this happens, wait a few days and try again with a more standard format.

The 60-day waiting period between changes

Once you change your name, you cannot change it again for 60 days. This limit applies whether you are changing it back to your old name or switching to something completely different. 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 next.

If you made a typo or changed your mind when ready, contact Facebook through the Help Center and explain the situation. Facebook does not always grant exceptions, but it is worth asking if the change was very recent.

Changing your name on mobile versus desktop

The desktop version of Facebook and the mobile app both let you change your name, and the change syncs across all devices when ready. On desktop, you go through Settings and privacy in the top right menu. On mobile, the same option is in the three-line menu at the bottom right. The steps are nearly identical — the only difference is where the menu button sits on your screen.

If you use Facebook on a web browser on your phone instead of the app, follow the desktop instructions. The mobile app and the mobile web version have slightly different layouts, so use whichever one you are most comfortable with.

What happens to your old name after you change it

Your old name does not stay visible anywhere on your profile. People who visit your page will see only your current name. However, people who knew you before the change and search for your old name may not find you as easily — Facebook's search indexes your current name more heavily than your history.

Your old posts and comments will show your new name, not the name you used when you posted them. This means someone reading an old conversation will see your current name attached to messages you wrote years ago under a different name. If you want to keep your old name visible on specific posts, you would need to delete those posts and repost them — but this is rarely necessary.

If your name change is rejected

Facebook occasionally rejects a name change if the system flags it as spam or if it violates Facebook's name policy. The policy prohibits names that include numbers used as letters (like "J0hn" for "John"), excessive punctuation, or repeated characters. If your change is rejected, Facebook will tell you why and suggest what to change.

If you believe your name was rejected unfairly — for example, if your real name genuinely includes numbers or symbols — you can appeal through the Help Center. Go to Help and support, search for "name rejected", and follow the link to report the issue. Facebook reviews appeals, though the process can take several days.

Changing your name does not affect your username or email

Your Facebook name (the one people see on your profile) is separate from your username (the part of your Facebook URL) and your email address. Changing your name does not change either of those. If you want to change your username, that is a different setting in the same Personal information section — you can change your username once every 60 days as well.

Your email address stays the same unless you go to Email in the Personal information section and add or change it there. Changing your name will not log you out or affect how you sign in to Facebook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name back to what it was before?

Yes, but you still have to wait 60 days from your most recent change. If you changed your name on January 1st, you cannot change it again until March 1st, whether you are changing it to something new or back to your old name. The 60-day timer resets each time you make a 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 your new name the next time they visit your profile or see one of your posts. Some people may not notice the change at all, especially if they do not visit your profile often.

Can I use special characters or symbols in my name?

Facebook allows some punctuation — apostrophes, hyphens, and periods are usually fine — but it rejects names with numbers used as letters, excessive symbols, or repeated characters. If you have a legitimate reason to use a symbol (like an apostrophe in "O'Brien"), try entering it. If it is rejected, contact Facebook's support team to appeal.

What if I share a name with someone famous?

You can use any name you want on Facebook, even if it matches a celebrity or public figure. Facebook does not reserve names or prevent duplicates. If you want to verify your account with a blue badge, that is a separate process that requires you to be a public figure or organization, but changing your name does not affect your verification status.

Does changing my name affect my privacy settings?

No. Your privacy settings, who can see your posts, and who can contact you remain exactly the same. Changing your name is purely cosmetic — it does not alter any of your account settings or who has access to your information.