Facebook lets you change the name on your account twice every 60 days

You can change the name Facebook displays whenever you want, but the platform limits how often: you can make a change, then wait 60 days before making another. If you change your name and then change it again within 60 days, Facebook will lock you out of further changes until the 60-day window closes. This limit exists to prevent account takeovers and impersonation.

The name you set on Facebook is separate from your login email or password. Changing your display name does not affect how you log in, and it does not change your username (the custom URL some accounts have). If you are trying to find your account after someone else accessed it, changing your name alone is not enough — you will also need to change your password and review your login activity.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name once every 60 days, and Facebook will reject a second change within that window.
  • Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information to find the name field.
  • Facebook accepts most characters but rejects names that look like they are trying to impersonate someone or advertise a business.
  • If your account was hacked, change your password and review your login activity before changing your name.
  • Name changes take effect when ready, but Facebook keeps a record of past names for up to 60 days.

Where to find the name setting on Facebook

Open Facebook on a computer or phone and look for the menu icon (three horizontal lines on mobile, a downward arrow in the top right on desktop). Tap or click Settings and Privacy, then select Settings. On the left side of the screen, you will see Personal Information — click or tap that section.

You will see a field labeled Name. Click or tap the pencil icon next to it to edit. Type your new name into the box. Facebook will show you a preview of how it will appear on your profile. When you are ready, click or tap the Review Change button, then confirm.

What names Facebook will and will not accept

Facebook requires that your name use only letters, numbers, periods, hyphens, and apostrophes. You cannot use symbols like @, #, or &. The platform also rejects names that are entirely numbers, names that look like they are trying to impersonate a public figure or brand, and names that appear designed to advertise a business or service.

If Facebook rejects your name change, it will tell you why — usually because the name violates one of these rules. If you believe your name was rejected by mistake, you can appeal through the same settings screen. Facebook reviews appeals within a few days, though the review process is not always transparent about what triggered the rejection.

How to change your name if you are locked out by the 60-day limit

If you try to change your name and Facebook tells you that you have already made a change recently, you are hitting the 60-day limit. There is no way to bypass this limit through the settings menu. You have to wait until 60 days have passed since your last name change before you can make another one.

If you need to change your name urgently because your account was compromised, focus on the security steps first: change your password, review your login activity for unrecognized devices, and remove any apps or websites that have access to your account. You can contact Facebook's support team through the Help Center to report account compromise, though response times are often slow. The name change can wait until the 60-day window closes.

What happens to your old name after you change it

When you change your name, Facebook keeps a record of your previous names for about 60 days. This record is visible to you in your Personal Information settings, but it is not visible to other people on your profile. After 60 days, Facebook removes the old name from your visible history.

Friends and family who saw your old name before the change will not receive a notification that you changed it. However, if someone searches for your old name, they may still find your profile for a short time while Facebook's search index updates. This usually happens within a few hours, but can take longer.

Changing your name versus changing your username

Your Facebook name and your username are two different things. Your name is what appears on your profile and in comments — this is what you just changed. Your username is the custom URL that lets people find you at facebook.com/yourname. Not all accounts have a username, and you can only set one once.

If you want to change your username instead of your name, go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information, and look for Username. You can change your username once every 60 days using the same process as changing your name. If you have never set a username, Facebook will let you create one. If you have already changed your username once, you will have to wait 60 days before changing it again.

Protecting your account after a name change

If you changed your name because someone else accessed your account, changing the name alone does not find it. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Security and Login. Look at the section called Where You Are Logged In and review the list of devices and locations. If you see a device or location you do not recognize, click or tap the three dots next to it and select Log Out.

Change your password to something strong and unique — at least 12 characters, with uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not reuse a password you have used anywhere else. Then scroll down to Apps and Websites in the same Security and Login section and review what apps have access to your account. Remove any apps you do not use or do not recognize. These steps matter more than the name change itself.

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 try to change your name twice within 60 days, the second change will be rejected. You have to wait until the full 60 days have passed since your last change before you can make another one.

What if Facebook says my name violates their standards?

Facebook rejects names that use special characters, look like impersonation, or appear to advertise a business. If your name was rejected, try removing numbers, symbols, or words that might look promotional. You can appeal the rejection through the same settings screen, and Facebook will review it within a few days, though there is no may provide it will be overturned.

Does changing my name affect my login email or password?

No. Your login email and password remain the same no matter what name you display on your profile. Changing your name does not log you out or require you to update your login details. Your friends will see the new name, but your account access stays exactly the same.

Can I see what names I have used in the past?

Yes. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information, and look at the Name field. You will see your current name and a list of previous names you have used, usually going back about 60 days. Other people cannot see this history — only you can.

What should I do if I did not make the name change myself?

Change your password when ready and review your login activity in Settings and Security and Login. Log out any unrecognized devices. Then report the unauthorized access to Facebook through the Help Center. Do not wait to change your name — focus on securing your account first, since someone with access can change it again.