Change your name in Facebook settings in under two minutes
To change your name on Facebook, open the app or website, click your profile picture in the top right corner, select Settings and privacy, then Settings. Scroll to Personal information and click Name. Type your new name in both the first and last name fields, click Review change, and then Save changes. Facebook will ask you to enter your password to confirm — this is a security step to prevent someone else from changing your account without permission.
The change takes effect when ready. Your new name appears on your profile, in comments, and in messages right away. Facebook keeps a record that you changed your name, but only you and Facebook can see this history — other people just see your current name.
If you change your name more than once, Facebook may slow down how often you can make changes. After your first change, you can usually change it again after 60 days. This limit exists to stop people from impersonating others or evading blocks.
Key Takeaways
- Go to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Personal information, then Name to reach the name change form.
- Facebook requires your password before saving a name change as a security measure against unauthorized account access.
- Your new name appears everywhere on your account within seconds, but you can only change it again after 60 days.
- Facebook stores a record of your name changes, visible only to you and Facebook, not to other users.
- If you use a nickname or non-legal name, Facebook will accept it as long as it does not violate their name policy.
What names Facebook will and will not accept
Facebook allows you to use your real name, a nickname, a stage name, or any variation you go by in daily life. You do not need to match your legal name exactly. Many people use middle names, shortened versions, or names from different cultures or languages.
Facebook will reject names that contain numbers, excessive symbols, or repeated characters (like "Jjjjjjj Smith"). The platform also blocks names that look like they are trying to impersonate a public figure or business — for example, you cannot use "Facebook CEO" or "Apple Support" as your name. Names that are primarily emojis or special characters will not work either.
If Facebook rejects your name change, you will see an error message explaining why. The most common reason is that the name contains characters Facebook does not recognize. Try removing numbers, symbols, or extra spaces and try again.
Changing your name on mobile versus desktop
The steps are nearly identical on phone and computer, but the menu locations differ slightly. On an iPhone or Android phone, tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) at the bottom right of the Facebook app, scroll down to Settings and privacy, tap Settings, then scroll to Personal information and tap Name. The rest of the process is the same as on desktop.
On a computer, the process is faster because you can see more of the menu at once. The Settings page on desktop also loads slightly faster, so if you are changing your name and want the quickest route, a computer is marginally easier. However, both methods work equally well and take about the same amount of time.
If you are using Facebook through a web browser on your phone instead of the app, follow the desktop steps — the mobile website uses the same layout as the computer version.
Why Facebook asks for your password during a name change
When you change your name, Facebook requires you to enter your password before saving. This is a security verification — it confirms that you are actually the person logged into the account, not someone who has gained temporary access to an unlocked phone or computer. If a stranger got hold of your device for a few minutes, they could change your profile picture or bio without your password, but they cannot change your name without it.
This protection matters because a name change is one of the most visible ways someone could damage your account or impersonate you. Requiring a password adds a meaningful barrier. If you have forgotten your Facebook password, you will need to reset it before you can change your name — click Forgot password? on the login screen and follow the recovery steps.
How often you can change your name
Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days. This means if you changed your name today, you cannot change it again for 60 days. The timer starts from the date of your most recent change, not from when you first created your account.
If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed, Facebook will show a message telling you when you can change it next. There is no way to speed this up or request an exception. The limit applies to everyone equally.
This rule prevents people from cycling through different names to avoid blocks, hide from others, or impersonate different people. If you made a typo or changed your mind when ready after changing your name, you will have to wait the full 60 days before correcting it. Plan your name change carefully to avoid this frustration.
What happens to your old name after you change it
When you change your name, your old name disappears from your profile and from all public-facing parts of Facebook. People who visit your profile see only your current name. Old messages and comments you wrote still exist, but they now show your new name next to them — Facebook does not keep the old name attached to your past activity.
Facebook stores a record of your name changes in your account history, but this record is private. Only you can see it by going to your profile, clicking the three dots next to your cover photo, selecting Activity log, and filtering by Profile changes. Other users cannot see that you changed your name or what your old name was.
If someone saved a screenshot of your old profile or tagged you in a photo using your old name, that old name will still appear in those places. Facebook cannot retroactively change screenshots or old tags — only the name on your active profile changes.
Changing your name if you are locked out of your account
If you cannot log into your Facebook account, you cannot change your name through the normal settings. You will need to recover your account first. Go to facebook.com, click Forgot password? on the login screen, and enter the email address or phone number connected to your account. Facebook will send you a recovery link or code. Follow those steps to regain access, then change your name using the normal process.
If you no longer have access to the email or phone number on your account, the recovery process takes longer. Facebook may ask you to identify photos you are tagged in or answer security questions. Once you regain access, you can change your name when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name back to what it was before?
Yes, but you have to wait 60 days from your last change. If you changed your name from "Sarah" to "Sara" and want to go back to "Sarah", you must wait 60 days, then change it back. Facebook treats a name change as a name change regardless of whether you are reverting to an old name or choosing something entirely new.
Will changing my name affect my Facebook friends or messages?
No. Your friends will see your new name on your profile and in messages, but the change does not affect your friendships or message history. Old messages you sent still exist and now show your new name. Your friends do not have to do anything — the change is automatic on their end.
What if Facebook says my name violates their policy?
Facebook will reject names that look like they impersonate someone else, contain excessive symbols or numbers, or appear to be spam. If your name is rejected, try removing numbers, special characters, or extra spaces. If you believe your name is legitimate and Facebook is wrong, you can appeal by clicking the error message and selecting the option to request a review.
Can I use a completely different name than my legal name?
Yes. Facebook allows nicknames, stage names, and names from different cultures or languages. You do not need to match your government ID or legal documents. The only requirement is that your name cannot impersonate someone else or violate Facebook's name policy.
Does changing my name on Facebook change it on Instagram or WhatsApp?
No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate accounts with separate names, even though Facebook owns all three. If you want to change your name on Instagram, you have to do that in Instagram's settings separately. The same applies to WhatsApp.