You can change a Facebook group name if you are the group admin, and the change takes effect when ready for all members

Facebook group names can be changed at any time by an admin through the group settings. The new name appears right away in the group header, in search results, and in members' feeds. There is no limit to how many times you can change it, though changing it frequently can confuse members about what the group is for.

The process takes less than a minute. You do not need anyone else's permission, and members do not have to approve the change. If you are not an admin, you cannot change the name — you would need to ask an existing admin to do it, or request to become an admin first.

Key Takeaways

  • Only group admins can change the group name, and the change is when ready for all members.
  • The name change appears in the group header, in search results, and in member notifications within seconds.
  • Facebook allows group names up to 255 characters, but shorter names are easier for members to find and remember.
  • If you change the name frequently, members may miss the update and search for the old name instead.

Steps to change the group name on desktop

Open the group and look at the top of the page. Click the group name itself — it appears as a clickable link. A dropdown menu will appear with several options, including "Edit Group Settings" or "Group Settings" depending on your Facebook version. Click that option.

In the settings panel that opens, find the field labeled "Group Name" near the top. Click inside it and delete the current name. Type the new name you want. Facebook will show you how many characters you have used (the limit is 255). Click "Save" or "Done" when you are finished. The name change takes effect when ready.

Steps to change the group name on mobile

Open the Facebook app and go to your group. Tap the group name at the top of the screen. A menu will appear — look for an icon that looks like three horizontal lines (called a hamburger menu) or a gear icon for settings. Tap it.

Scroll down until you see "Edit Group Settings" or "Group Settings." Tap that option. Find the "Group Name" field, tap it, and delete the old name. Type your new name and tap "Save" or "Done." The change will appear across all devices within a few seconds.

What happens to the old group name after you change it

The old name disappears from the group header and from search results. Members who search for the old name will not find the group anymore — they will only see results for the new name. This can be a problem if members are used to the old name and try to search for it later.

If you think members might search for the old name, you can add it to the group description or post an announcement in the group explaining the change. That way, if someone searches for keywords from the old name, they may still find the group through the description or through their membership list.

Rules and limits for group names

Facebook does not allow group names that impersonate real people, organizations, or government bodies. You cannot use a name that is misleading or designed to trick people into joining. Names that include hate speech, violence, or sexual content will be removed, and repeated violations can result in the group being deleted.

Group names can be up to 255 characters long, but Facebook recommends keeping them short and clear. A name longer than 50 characters may be cut off in search results or in members' notifications. Names with numbers, special characters, or unusual capitalization are harder for members to remember and search for.

When to change a group name and when not to

Change the name if the group's purpose has shifted significantly — for example, if a neighborhood group started for one issue but now covers multiple topics. A name change can also help if the original name was unclear or if you are rebranding the group to attract new members with a clearer focus.

Avoid changing the name frequently or without warning members first. If members have been in the group for months or years, they may not notice the change and could become confused about whether they are in the right place. Post an announcement in the group a day or two before you change the name, explaining why and what the new name will be. This gives members time to adjust and reduces the chance they will leave by mistake.

If you are not an admin and want the name changed

Message one of the group admins directly and explain why you think the name should change. Be specific — for example, "The group is now about three neighborhoods, not just one, so the name should reflect that." Admins are more likely to consider the change if multiple members ask for it.

If the admin does not respond or refuses, you can request to become an admin yourself if that option is available in the group settings. Some groups allow members to request admin status; others require the current admin to promote you. If neither option works and you feel strongly about the name, you can always create a new group with the name you want and invite members to join.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change a group name back to what it was before?

Yes. There is no restriction on changing the name back to a previous version. However, if you change names frequently, members may not notice the change or may become confused about the group's purpose. It is better to settle on a name and keep it stable.

Will members get a notification when I change the group name?

Members will see the name change in their group list and in the group header, but Facebook does not send a separate notification for name changes the way it does for posts or comments. If you want members to know about the change, post an announcement in the group explaining it.

What if Facebook says my group name violates their rules?

Facebook will block the name and explain why — usually because it impersonates someone, includes hate speech, or is misleading. Choose a different name that follows their community standards. If you believe the rejection was a mistake, you can appeal through the group settings.

Can I use special characters or emojis in the group name?

Facebook allows some special characters like hyphens and apostrophes, but not emojis or symbols. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and basic punctuation. Names with too many special characters may be harder for members to search for and remember.

If I change the group name, do the old posts and comments stay the same?

Yes. All posts, comments, photos, and files in the group remain exactly as they were. Only the group name in the header and search results changes. Members can still see the full history of the group under the new name.