The fastest way to change your Facebook name

Open Facebook on a computer or phone, go to your profile, and click the pencil icon next to your name at the top. Select "Edit Name," type your new name into the fields provided, and click "Review Change." Facebook will show you how your new name appears across the platform. Click "Save Changes" and you're done — the change takes effect when ready.

The whole process takes about two minutes. Your new name shows up on your profile, in comments, on posts, and in messages right away. People who know your old name can still find you through your username or profile URL, which does not change.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your name through your profile settings, not through a separate account page — the pencil icon next to your name is the only place to do it.
  • Facebook lets you change your name once every 60 days, so you cannot change it back when ready if you make a mistake.
  • Your username and profile URL stay the same when you change your display name, so old links to your profile still work.
  • The change is visible to everyone on Facebook within seconds, including people who are not your friends.

Where to find the name change option on mobile

On iPhone or Android, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom right of the Facebook app. Scroll down and tap "Settings & Privacy," then "Settings." Tap "Personal Information" and then "Name." You'll see your current first and last name in separate fields. Type your new name, scroll down, and tap "Review Change."

Facebook shows you a preview of how your new name will look across the platform before you confirm. Once you tap "Save Changes," the update is live. The mobile process is identical to the desktop version — same 60-day waiting period, same when ready visibility.

The 60-day waiting period between changes

After you change your name, you cannot change it again for 60 days. This limit applies whether you're changing it back to your old name or to something completely different. If you made a typo or chose a name you regret, you have to wait the full two months before you can fix it.

The 60-day timer starts the moment you save your change, not when you click "Edit Name." There is no way to speed this up or request an exception. If you need to change your name back urgently, your only option is to wait until the 60 days have passed.

What name formats Facebook accepts

Facebook requires you to use your authentic name — the name you go by in everyday life. You can use letters, numbers, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes. Names like "Mary-Jane," "José," "O'Brien," and "Jean-Pierre" all work. Facebook rejects names that are entirely numbers, names with excessive punctuation, or names that look like a username or business name.

If Facebook rejects your name, you'll see an error message explaining why. Common reasons include using only numbers, using symbols Facebook doesn't allow (like @ or &), or using a name that appears to be a business or brand rather than a person's name. Try removing extra punctuation or spacing and submit again.

How your old name appears in past posts and messages

When you change your name, all your old posts, comments, and messages show your new name — not your old one. If you posted something five years ago under the name "Jennifer Smith" and you change your name to "Jen Rodriguez," that old post now displays "Jen Rodriguez" as the author. People viewing your profile history will see only your current name.

Your friends will see the name change in their notifications. Facebook sends a small alert to people connected to you, but it does not create a big announcement on anyone's timeline. If someone took a screenshot of your old name or remembers what you were called before, they'll know you changed it, but the platform itself does not keep a public record of your previous names.

Changing your name back after a mistake

If you changed your name and when ready regret it, you have to wait 60 days to change it back. There is no "undo" button and no way to contact Facebook to speed up the process. The 60-day rule applies to everyone, regardless of the reason for the change.

During those 60 days, your friends and followers see your new name everywhere. You can update your profile picture, bio, or other details to signal that something has changed, but you cannot alter your display name. When the 60 days are up, go back to the same pencil icon next to your name and change it to whatever you want.

Changing your username separately from your display name

Your username is different from your display name. Your display name is what appears on your profile and in comments — the thing you just changed. Your username is the part of your profile URL, like facebook.com/yourname. You can change your username once, and it does not have a waiting period like the display name does.

To change your username, go to your profile, click the pencil icon next to your name, and look for "Username" in the menu. Click "Edit" next to it and type a new username. Facebook checks whether it's available and lets you know when ready. Once you change it, your old username becomes available for someone else to claim, and old links to your profile using that username will break.

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. You cannot change it again until 60 days have passed since your last change, and there is no way to request an exception or speed up the process.

Will my friends get notified when I change my name?

Yes, Facebook sends a notification to your friends when you change your name. It appears as a small alert but does not create a large announcement on their timeline. People who are not your friends will not receive a notification, but they'll see your new name if they visit your profile.

What happens to my old messages if I change my name?

All your old messages show your new name, not your old one. The person you messaged will see your current name when they look back at the conversation. Facebook does not preserve a record of what your name was before you changed it.

Can I use a fake name or nickname on Facebook?

Facebook requires you to use your authentic name — the name you go by in real life. Nicknames, stage names, or made-up names are not allowed. If Facebook detects that your name does not appear authentic, it may ask you to change it or provide identification to prove it's real.

Do I need to change my username when I change my display name?

No. Your username and display name are separate. You can change your display name as often as the 60-day rule allows, but you can only change your username once. Most people leave their username alone and only change their display name.