The quickest way to change your Facebook profile name

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, then click next to your name where it says Name. Type your new name in the fields that appear, click Review change, and then Save changes. The new name appears on your profile when ready.

On mobile, the process is the same: tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) at the bottom right, scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Personal information, then Name. Enter your new name and save.

Facebook lets you change your name once every 60 days. If you changed it recently and want to change it again, you will see a message telling you when you can make the next change.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name through Settings and privacy > Settings > Personal information > Name on both desktop and mobile.
  • Facebook allows one name change every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need to change it multiple times.
  • Your new name appears on your profile right away, but it may take a few minutes to show up in search results and on other people's feeds.
  • You can use your real name, a nickname, a professional name, or any combination — Facebook does not require you to use your legal name.
  • If you cannot find the name field or get an error message, clear your browser cache or try a different browser before contacting Facebook support.

What name formats Facebook accepts

Facebook does not require you to use your legal name. You can use a nickname, a stage name, a professional name, initials, or any combination that represents how you want to be known. The only real restrictions are that your name cannot contain numbers, symbols (except hyphens and apostrophes), or excessive punctuation.

If you try to save a name and Facebook rejects it, the system will tell you why — usually because it contains characters Facebook does not allow. Remove numbers and special characters and try again. Names with hyphens (like Mary-Jane) and apostrophes (like O'Brien) almost always work.

How long the change takes to show everywhere

Your new name shows on your profile page when ready. However, it can take a few minutes to an hour for the change to appear in search results, in other people's friend lists, and in comments and posts you made before the change. This delay is normal and happens because Facebook's systems need time to update across all its servers.

If you do not see your new name in search results after a few hours, try logging out and logging back in. If the delay continues beyond 24 hours, you can report the issue through Facebook's help center, though this is rare.

Changing your name back or making a second change

If you change your name and want to change it again, you must wait 60 days from the date of your last change. Facebook shows you the exact date you can make your next change when you try to edit your name before that window closes.

If you made a typo or realize you want a different name when ready, your only option is to wait out the 60-day period. There is no way to skip this waiting period, even if you contact Facebook support. Plan your name changes carefully so you do not waste your one change per 60 days on a mistake.

What happens to your old name after you change it

Your old name disappears from your profile and from new posts you make. However, comments and posts you made under your old name will still show your old name on them — Facebook does not retroactively update the name on past activity. This is by design, so people can see who wrote something at the time it was written.

Your friends will see your new name in their friend list and in your messages right away. If someone searches for your old name, they will not find your profile — only your new name will show up in search results.

Troubleshooting if you cannot change your name

If you click on the name field and nothing happens, or if you get an error message, the problem is usually a browser cache issue. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. If you are on mobile, close the Facebook app completely and reopen it.

If you still cannot change your name after clearing your cache, try using a different browser or device. Sometimes Facebook's interface has temporary glitches on one browser but works fine on another. If the problem persists across multiple browsers and devices, you can report it through Facebook's help center by going to Settings and privacy > Help and support > Report a problem.

Do not use third-party websites or apps that claim to change your Facebook name for you. These are either scams or they ask for your password, which is unsafe. The only legitimate way to change your name is through Facebook's official settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name to something completely different from my real name?

Yes. Facebook does not require you to use your legal name. You can change it to a nickname, stage name, or any other name you want to be known by, as long as it does not contain numbers or disallowed symbols. Many people use stage names, professional names, or nicknames on Facebook without any restrictions.

What if Facebook says my name violates community standards?

This usually means your name contains words Facebook's system flagged as potentially offensive or inappropriate. If you believe your name is legitimate, you can appeal the decision through Facebook's help center. Provide context about why you use that name, and Facebook will review it. Appeals usually take a few days.

Do my friends get notified when I change my name?

No, Facebook does not send a notification to your friends when you change your name. They will see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see you in their feed, but there is no alert. If you want people to know about the change, you can post about it or tell them directly.

Can I change my name more than once every 60 days?

No. Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes. You cannot bypass this limit, and Facebook support cannot override it. If you need to change your name again, you must wait until the 60-day window closes.

Will changing my name affect my Facebook login or password?

No. Your login email or phone number and your password stay the same. Changing your name only changes what appears on your profile — it does not affect how you sign in to Facebook.