The fastest way to change your name on Facebook

Open Facebook on any device, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, and 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 fields provided — Facebook splits this into first name and last name — then click Review change. Facebook will show you how your new name appears across the platform. Click Save changes at the bottom.

The entire process takes less than two minutes. Your new name appears when ready on your profile, posts, and comments. You can change it again after 60 days if you need to adjust it further.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name through Settings and privacy > Settings > Personal information > Edit name, then review and save.
  • Facebook requires you to wait 60 days between name changes, so choose carefully the first time.
  • Your new name appears when ready on your profile, all your posts, and your comments across Facebook.
  • Facebook has rules about what names are allowed — no numbers, symbols, or repeated characters — and will reject names that look fake.
  • If you cannot find the edit option, you may have recently changed your name and need to wait until the 60-day window closes.

What names Facebook will and will not accept

Facebook requires names to contain only letters, spaces, hyphens, and apostrophes. You cannot use numbers, periods, or symbols like @ or &. The platform also rejects names that appear to be made up — for example, a string of random letters or a name that looks like a username rather than a real name.

Names with accents and characters from other languages are allowed. If you use a hyphenated last name, a name with an apostrophe (like O'Brien), or a name from a non-English alphabet, Facebook will accept it as long as it follows the basic format rules.

If you try to save a name and Facebook rejects it, the platform will tell you why — usually that it contains characters that are not allowed. Try removing numbers, symbols, or extra spaces and try again.

The 60-day waiting period between changes

Once you change your name, you cannot change it again for 60 days. This rule applies whether you made a typo, changed your mind, or want to update your name for any other reason. The 60 days starts from the moment you click Save changes.

If you are within the 60-day window, the Edit button next to your name will be grayed out or will show a message telling you when you can change it again. You can still see your current name and when the waiting period ends, but you cannot make the change until the time has passed.

How your name change appears to other people

Your new name shows up when ready on your profile, in all your past posts, and in all your comments. When you change your name, people who follow you or are friends with you will see the new name the next time they visit your profile or see your activity.

Facebook does not send a notification to your friends telling them you changed your name. They will straightforward notice the change when they see your profile or your posts. If you use a very different name, you may want to post something or message close friends to let them know it is still you.

Changing your name on mobile versus desktop

The steps are the same whether you use Facebook on a phone, tablet, or computer. On mobile, tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner instead of the downward arrow in the top right. Then follow the same path: Settings and privacy > Settings > Personal information > Edit next to your name.

The mobile version may display the fields slightly differently — your name might appear in a single field or split across two — but the process and the rules are identical. Save the changes the same way, and your new name will update across all devices within seconds.

What to do if you cannot find the edit option

If the Edit button next to your name is missing or grayed out, you are most likely within the 60-day waiting period after a recent change. Check the message next to your name — it should tell you the exact date you can change it again.

If you see no message and no edit option, try logging out and logging back in, or try accessing Facebook on a different device or browser. Sometimes the interface takes a moment to load fully. If the problem persists, your account may have a restriction — for example, if Facebook flagged your previous name change as suspicious — and you may need to contact Facebook support through the Help Center to resolve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but you still have to wait 60 days between changes. If you changed your name and want to revert, you must wait until the 60-day window closes, then change it back. There is no special exception for reverting to a previous name.

Will my old name show up anywhere after I change it?

No. Your old name disappears from your profile, posts, and comments. People who knew your old name will see only your new name. Facebook does not keep a public record of your previous names on your profile.

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

Yes. Facebook does not require you to use your legal name — only a name that looks like a real name and follows the character rules. A nickname, stage name, or name from any culture or language is fine as long as it does not contain numbers or symbols.

What happens to my username when I change my profile name?

Your username (the part of your Facebook URL) does not change automatically. Your profile name and your username are separate. If you want to change your username too, you can do that separately through the same Settings menu, but usernames have their own rules and waiting periods.

Can I use special characters like accents or symbols in my name?

Accents and characters from other languages are allowed. Symbols like @, #, &, or periods are not. If your name includes an accent (like é or ñ) or a character from another alphabet, Facebook will accept it.