Where to Find the Name Change Setting

Your Facebook name lives in your account settings, not in your profile itself. Open Facebook on any browser or the mobile app, then tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) at the bottom right on mobile, or look for the downward arrow in the top right on desktop. Scroll down and select Settings and privacy, then tap Settings.

Once you are in Settings, look for the section labeled Personal information on the left side (desktop) or scroll down to find it (mobile). Under Personal information, you will see Name listed as the first option. Tap or click on it to open the name change form.

Key Takeaways

  • Facebook name changes are found in Settings and privacy > Settings > Personal information > Name, not in your profile photo area.
  • You can change your name once every 60 days, and Facebook may delay the change by a few minutes while it processes the update.
  • Your first and last name fields can include spaces, hyphens, numbers, and some special characters, but Facebook will reject names that look like fake accounts or spam.
  • The name you enter here appears on your profile, in comments, and in messages — changing it does not affect your login email or password.

Entering Your New Name and Confirming the Change

When you open the Name field, you will see two boxes: one for your first name and one for your last name. Clear the old text and type in your new name exactly as you want it to appear. Facebook allows spaces, hyphens, periods, and apostrophes in names — for example, "Mary-Jane" or "O'Brien" will work.

After you type your new name, scroll down and tap or click the Review change button. Facebook will show you a preview of how your new name will look across the platform. If it looks correct, tap Save changes. If you need to fix something, tap Back and edit the name again.

Understanding Facebook's Name Change Rules

Facebook limits you to one name change every 60 days. This rule exists to prevent people from constantly switching names to evade detection or confuse others. If you have already changed your name recently, you will see a message telling you when you can change it again.

Facebook also has rules about what names it will accept. The platform rejects names that appear to be fake accounts, spam, or impersonation — for example, a string of numbers with no letters, or a name that looks like a business advertisement. If your name change is rejected, Facebook will tell you why and ask you to try a different name. You can include numbers in your name (like "John Smith 3"), but a name that is only numbers will not pass.

After you save your change, it may take a few minutes to appear everywhere on Facebook. During that time, some people might still see your old name in comments or messages. This is normal and will resolve on its own.

What Happens to Your Old Name After You Change It

Your old name does not stay visible anywhere on your profile or in your activity. Once the change processes, your new name appears in all the places your old name used to show — your profile header, comments, messages, and tags in photos. People who search for your old name will not find you by that name anymore.

Your login email and password do not change when you change your name. You still log in with the same email address you have always used. Friends who have you saved in their contacts will see your new name the next time they open Facebook or refresh their browser.

Fixing a Mistake or Changing Your Name Again

If you made a typo or changed your mind about your new name, you have to wait 60 days from your last change before you can make another one. There is no way to speed up this waiting period or get an exception. Mark your calendar so you know when you are may be able to access to change it again.

If Facebook rejected your name change and you are not sure why, try removing numbers, special characters, or words that might look like spam. Keep the name straightforward and close to how you would introduce yourself in person. If you believe Facebook made a mistake and your name should have been accepted, you can report the issue through the Help Center, though Facebook does not always overturn these decisions.

Changing Your Name on Mobile vs. Desktop

The steps are the same on both mobile and desktop, but the menu layout is slightly different. On mobile, tap the three lines at the bottom right, scroll to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then scroll down to Personal information. On desktop, click the downward arrow in the top right corner, select Settings and privacy, then Settings, and look for Personal information on the left sidebar.

Both versions will show you the same name change form and the same 60-day waiting period. If you start the change on mobile and do not finish, you can complete it on desktop later — the form will remember where you left off.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Facebook enforces a strict 60-day waiting period between name changes. You cannot bypass this by using a different device, browser, or account. Once you change your name, you must wait 60 days before making another change.

What if Facebook says my name is not allowed?

Facebook rejects names that look like spam, fake accounts, or impersonation attempts. Try removing numbers, symbols, or words that sound like business names or advertisements. Use a name that looks like a real person's name — first and last name, with standard letters and common punctuation like hyphens or apostrophes.

Does changing my name affect my friends list or messages?

No. Your friends list stays the same, and all your old messages and conversations remain in your inbox. Your new name will appear in those conversations once the change processes, but nothing else changes about your account or your connections.

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

Yes. Facebook does not require you to use your legal name — you can use a nickname, stage name, or any other name as long as it does not violate Facebook's rules about fake accounts or spam. The name just has to look like something a real person would use.

Why is my name change taking a long time to show up?

Facebook usually processes name changes within a few minutes, but it can take up to 24 hours in rare cases. During this time, some parts of Facebook might still show your old name. If your name has not changed after a full day, try logging out and logging back in, or clearing your browser cache.