Change your Facebook name from Settings in under two minutes

Open Facebook on your computer or phone and go to the menu in the top right corner. Select Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the left side, click Personal information. Next to your name, click Edit. Type your new name in the box, then click Review change and confirm. Facebook will update your name across your profile, posts, and comments within minutes.

The process is the same whether you use the Facebook website or the mobile app. If you are on a phone, the menu button looks like three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner. The name you enter must be the name you go by in everyday life — Facebook checks that you are not using symbols, numbers, or repeated characters to create a fake account.

You can change your name once every 60 days. If you try to change it again before 60 days have passed, Facebook will tell you when you can make the next change. This limit applies whether you change your name on purpose or Facebook reverts it because it did not meet the rules.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Personal information to find the Edit button next to your name.
  • Your new name must be the name you actually use — Facebook rejects names with numbers, symbols, or repeated letters.
  • The change takes effect when ready across your profile, posts, and comments.
  • You can only change your name once every 60 days, and the timer starts from your last change, not from when Facebook rejected a name.
  • If Facebook removes your name change, you can contact them to explain, but they will not reverse the decision unless you prove the name is real.

What names Facebook will and will not accept

Facebook requires your name to match what you use in real life. That means your legal name, a nickname you go by, or a combination — but not a stage name, business name, or made-up word unless that is genuinely what people call you. The system automatically rejects names with numbers (like "John123"), repeated characters (like "Jooohn"), or symbols (like "John@Smith" or "John_Smith"). Hyphens and apostrophes are allowed because they appear in real names.

If you have a name that includes a title, prefix, or suffix — like "Dr.", "Jr.", or "III" — Facebook may reject it. The system is strict about these because they are not part of your actual name. If your real name includes numbers or symbols (which is rare), you will need to contact Facebook and provide proof, like a government ID or birth certificate.

Names that look like they are trying to impersonate someone else, or that use all capital letters, will also be rejected. Facebook's goal is to prevent fake accounts and scams, so the rules are designed to catch patterns that real names do not follow.

What happens to your old name after you change it

Your old name disappears from your profile when ready. Posts, comments, and messages you sent under your old name will now show your new name. People who search for your old name will not find you — the search system updates to use your new name only.

Facebook does not keep a public record of your name changes. Your friends will see the change in their notifications, and some may see a small alert that you changed your name, but there is no log they can look at later. If you change your name back to your old one within 60 days, it will look like you never changed it at all.

If Facebook rejects your name change

When Facebook rejects a name, it will tell you why — usually because it contains numbers, symbols, or does not look like a real name. Read the reason carefully and remove whatever triggered the rejection. If your name genuinely includes numbers or symbols (for example, a hyphenated last name or an apostrophe), try entering it exactly as it appears on your ID.

If Facebook keeps rejecting a name that is actually yours, you can appeal. Click the link that says "Let us know" or "Tell us more" in the rejection message. Upload a photo of your government ID, passport, or birth certificate that shows the name you want to use. Facebook will review it, usually within a few days, and either approve the name or explain why they cannot. This process works best if your ID clearly shows the name you are trying to use.

Do not try to work around the system by using numbers instead of letters (like "J0hn" instead of "John") or adding symbols. Facebook's automated system catches these patterns, and if you do it repeatedly, Facebook may lock your account or require you to prove your identity before you can make any more changes.

Changing your name on the Facebook app versus the website

The steps are identical on both the app and the website. On the app, tap the menu button (three lines) in the bottom right, then Settings and privacy, then Settings. On the website, click the menu in the top right corner. From there, the path is the same: Personal information, then Edit next to your name.

Some older phones may have a slightly different layout, but the Settings menu is always in the same place. If you cannot find Personal information, try searching for "name" in the Settings search box — it will take you directly to the right page.

The 60-day waiting period and how it works

After you change your name, you cannot change it again for 60 days. The timer starts the moment you confirm the change, not when you first click Edit. If you change your name on January 1st, you can change it again on March 1st or later.

If Facebook rejects your name and you try again the same day, that does not count as a change — you are still on your first attempt. The 60-day timer only starts when Facebook accepts and publishes a name change. If you change your name, then change it back within 60 days, you will have used up your one change and will have to wait 60 days before you can change it again.

There is no way to reset the timer early. Facebook does not offer exceptions for this rule, even if you made a typo or changed your mind when ready. Plan your name change carefully so you do not waste your 60-day window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Facebook name to something completely different?

Yes, as long as it is a name you actually use in real life. You can change from your legal name to a nickname, or from a nickname to your full name. Facebook does not require you to use your legal name — it just requires that the name you use is one people actually call you.

What if I made a typo when I changed my name?

You can change it again, but you will have to wait 60 days from when you made the typo. The timer started when you confirmed the first change, even if it was wrong. Plan your next change for after the 60 days are up.

Will my friends be notified when I change my name?

Yes, they may see a notification that you changed your name. The notification appears in their news feed or notifications section. They will see your new name on your profile and in all your posts and comments going forward.

Can I use a business name or stage name on Facebook?

Not as your main profile name. Facebook requires your profile name to be the name you use in everyday life. If you have a business or perform under a stage name, you can create a separate Facebook Page for that instead of using it as your personal profile name.

What if someone else has the name I want to use?

Multiple people can have the same name on Facebook. Your name does not have to be unique. If someone else already has the name you want, you can still use it — Facebook will not stop you because two people can share the same name in real life.