Where to find the display name setting on Facebook

Your display name is the name that appears at the top of your profile and next to your posts and comments. To change it, open Facebook and click the downward arrow in the top right corner of any page. Select Settings and privacy, then click Settings. On the left side menu, click Personal information.

You'll see a section labeled Name with your current display name shown. Click the pencil icon next to it to edit. Facebook will open a box where you can type your new name.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name is found in Settings under Personal information, and you can edit it by clicking the pencil icon next to your current name.
  • Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need multiple changes.
  • Your name must follow Facebook's real name policy — it should be the name you go by in everyday life, not a business name or random characters.
  • After you change your name, it updates across your profile, posts, and comments within a few minutes.
  • If Facebook rejects your name change, the site will explain why and you can try again with a different name.

What names Facebook will and won't accept

Facebook has a real name policy, which means your display name should be the name people actually call you — your legal name, a nickname, or a name you commonly use. The platform does not accept business names, all numbers, special characters, or repeated letters meant to look unusual.

For example, "Sarah Johnson" or "Sam Jo" would be accepted. "Sarah's Bakery," "S@r@h," or "SSSSSARAH" would be rejected. If you use a name from another language or alphabet, Facebook usually accepts it as long as it follows the same rule — it should be a real name you use, not symbols or numbers.

If your name change is rejected, Facebook will tell you why. Read the message carefully and try again with a name that fits the policy. If you believe your name was rejected by mistake, you can appeal the decision through the same settings page.

The 60-day waiting period between changes

Once you change your display name, you cannot change it again for 60 days. Facebook enforces this rule to prevent spam and misuse. If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed, you'll see a message telling you when you can change it next.

This means you should think carefully about your new name before you submit the change. If you make a typo or decide you want something different, you'll have to wait two months. Take a moment to double-check spelling and make sure the name is one you're comfortable with for the next two months.

How long it takes for your new name to appear everywhere

After you change your display name and click save, Facebook updates it across your profile, posts, comments, and messages within a few minutes. You may see the change when ready on your own account, but it can take a little longer for other people to see it on their screens.

If you don't see your new name appear after 10 minutes, try refreshing the page or logging out and back in. In rare cases, the change takes up to an hour to show everywhere, especially if you have a lot of friends or activity on your account.

Changing your name on mobile versus desktop

The steps are nearly identical whether you use Facebook on a phone or a computer. On mobile, tap the three horizontal lines (the menu) in the bottom right corner of the Facebook app. Then tap Settings and privacy, then Settings. Scroll down to Personal information and tap Name. Tap the pencil icon and type your new name.

On desktop, the process is the same — use the arrow menu in the top right, go to Settings, find Personal information, and click the pencil next to your name. Both methods work equally well, so use whichever device is in front of you.

What happens to your old name after you change it

Your old display name disappears from your profile and all your posts and comments. People who knew your old name will see your new name if they visit your profile or look at your recent activity. However, Facebook keeps a record of your name changes in your account history for security purposes.

If someone searches for your old name, they won't find you by that name anymore — they would need to search for your new name or find you through mutual friends. This is one reason the 60-day waiting period exists: it prevents people from changing names constantly to avoid being found or to impersonate others.

If Facebook won't let you change your name

If you see an error message when you try to change your name, the most common reason is that your proposed name doesn't follow Facebook's real name policy. Read the error message — it will tell you specifically what's wrong. Common issues include using numbers, special characters, or a name that looks like a business or brand.

If you believe the rejection was a mistake, you can appeal. On the same settings page where you tried to change your name, look for an option to Request Review or Appeal. Explain why your name should be accepted — for example, if you use a stage name professionally or if your legal name includes numbers or symbols. Facebook reviews appeals within a few days.

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. If you need to change your name again before that time is up, you'll have to wait. Plan your name change carefully so you don't regret it and wish you could change it sooner.

Will my friends be notified when I change my name?

Facebook does not send a notification to your friends when you change your display name. They'll see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see one of your posts or comments. Some people may not notice the change right away.

Can I use a fake name or a nickname instead of my legal name?

Yes, as long as it's a name you actually use in everyday life. Facebook's policy allows nicknames, maiden names, or names from other languages — anything people genuinely call you. What it doesn't allow is made-up names, business names, or names designed to look unusual or funny.

What if I want to change my name back to what it was before?

You can change your name back, but you'll still need to wait 60 days from your last change. If you changed your name and now want to revert, you'll have to wait the full 60 days before you can make any change, including going back to your old name.

Does changing my display name affect my Facebook username or URL?

No. Your display name and your username are separate. Changing your display name does not change your Facebook username (the part that appears in your profile URL). If you want to change your username, that's a different setting in the same Personal information section.