The quickest way to change your Facebook name on the app
Open the Facebook app on your phone, tap the three horizontal lines (called the menu icon) in the bottom right corner, scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll to the Personal Information section, tap Name, enter your new name in the text field, and tap Save Changes. The change takes effect when ready.
Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days. If you changed it recently and see a message saying you cannot change it again yet, you will need to wait until the 60-day window has passed since your last change.
The name you enter should be the name you go by in everyday life. Facebook's system checks against patterns it recognizes as fake names — so if you use numbers, symbols, or unusual spacing, you may be asked to confirm the change or provide additional information.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Facebook name directly from the app by going to Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information, then Name.
- Facebook limits name changes to once every 60 days, and the timer starts from your most recent change.
- Your new name should match how you are known in real life; Facebook may flag names that look fake or contain unusual characters.
- The change appears on your profile and in your posts when ready, and you cannot undo it — you can only change it again after 60 days have passed.
- If you cannot find the Name option in Settings, make sure you are using the latest version of the Facebook app.
What happens to your old name after you change it
Once you change your name, your old name disappears from your profile. People who knew you by your previous name will see only the new one when they visit your profile or look at your past posts and comments.
Your old name is not stored in a visible place on your profile, but Facebook keeps a record of the change in its systems. If you need to prove what your name was at a certain time — for example, for a legal or financial reason — you can contact Facebook's support team, though they may ask you to verify your identity first.
Changing your name if you see an error message
If you try to save a new name and Facebook shows an error message, the most common reason is that the name contains characters Facebook does not allow. Avoid numbers, symbols (except hyphens and apostrophes in some cases), and excessive spacing between words.
If you see a message saying your name looks fake, Facebook is asking you to confirm that this is truly the name you go by. Tap the button to confirm, and the change will go through. This is not a rejection — it is a verification step.
If the app keeps crashing when you try to change your name, close the app completely, wait a few seconds, and open it again. If the problem continues, uninstall the app, restart your phone, and reinstall it from your phone's app store. This clears any corrupted data that might be blocking the change.
Changing your name on older versions of the Facebook app
If you are using an older version of the Facebook app, the path to your name settings may be slightly different. Tap the menu icon (three lines) at the bottom right, scroll down, and look for Account Settings instead of Settings & Privacy. From there, tap Personal Information and then Name.
The easiest way to avoid confusion is to update your Facebook app to the latest version. Open your phone's app store (Google Play on Android, the App Store on iPhone), search for Facebook, and tap Update if an update is available. After updating, follow the steps in the first section of this guide.
When you cannot change your name and what to do
If you changed your name fewer than 60 days ago, Facebook will not let you change it again until the 60-day window closes. The app will show you the date when you can make your next change. Mark that date on your calendar or set a phone reminder so you do not forget.
If you believe Facebook has incorrectly blocked your name change, or if you have a legal reason to change your name outside the 60-day window (such as a court order), you can contact Facebook's support team through the app. Tap the menu icon, scroll to Help & Support, tap Help Center, search for "change name," and look for the option to contact support. Be prepared to provide documentation if Facebook asks for it.
Changing your name on the Facebook website instead of the app
If you are having trouble changing your name on the app, you can make the same change on the Facebook website using a web browser on your phone. Go to facebook.com, tap the menu icon (three lines) in the bottom right, scroll down to Settings & Privacy, tap Settings, find Personal Information, and tap Name. The process is identical to the app.
Some people find the website version more stable if the app is crashing or freezing. If you change your name on the website, the change will appear on the app within a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Facebook name more than once every 60 days?
No. Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes. If you need to change your name again before that period ends, you will see a message telling you the exact date you can make your next change. The only exception is if you have a legal document (like a court order or marriage certificate) that requires an when ready change; in that case, contact Facebook support with proof.
What if I made a typo in my new name and want to fix it right away?
You cannot change it again until 60 days have passed. If the typo is minor and does not affect how people recognize you, it may be worth waiting. If it is a serious error, contact Facebook support through the Help Center and explain the situation — they sometimes make exceptions for obvious typos, though there is no may provide.
Will my friends be notified when I change my name?
Facebook does not send a notification to your friends when you change your name. However, if they visit your profile or see your posts, they will see your new name. Some people may notice the change if they were looking at your profile recently.
Can I use a nickname or stage name instead of my legal name?
Yes. Facebook allows you to use any name you go by in everyday life, including nicknames, stage names, or names from a different culture. The name does not have to match your legal identification. However, avoid names that look fake or contain excessive numbers or symbols, as Facebook may ask you to confirm the change.
What if I want to change my name back to what it was before?
You can change it back, but you still have to wait 60 days from your most recent change. Once the 60-day window closes, follow the same steps to change your name back to your previous one.