You can change your Facebook name from your settings menu in about two minutes

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. Find the line that says Name and click Edit. Type your new name in the fields provided — Facebook splits this into first and last name — then click Review change and Save changes.

The change takes effect when ready. Your old name disappears from your profile and from posts and comments you made before the change. People who search for your old name will not find you, but anyone who already has you as a friend will see the new name the next time they look at your profile.

Facebook limits how often you can change your name. If you changed it recently, you may see a message saying you have to wait before changing it again — usually 60 days from your last change. If you see this message, you cannot bypass it; you have to wait the full period.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Personal information, then click Edit next to Name.
  • Facebook requires your name to be the name you go by in everyday life, not a business name, nickname, or symbol-heavy variation.
  • You can change your name only once every 60 days, and Facebook enforces this limit automatically.
  • If Facebook rejects your name as fake or against its rules, you can appeal the decision by uploading a government ID or other document that shows the name you want to use.

What names Facebook will and will not accept

Facebook has rules about what counts as a real name. Your name should be the one you use in daily life — the name your friends call you, the name on your driver's license or passport. Facebook rejects names that are mostly numbers, symbols, or unusual characters. It also rejects business names, brand names, and names that look like they are trying to trick the system (for example, "Facebook.com" or "Click Here").

If your real name includes numbers or symbols — for instance, if your legal name is "Mary-Jane" or "José" — Facebook usually accepts it. The rule is that your name should be recognizable as a human name, not a username or a joke. If you have a name from a culture that uses different characters or naming conventions, Facebook's system sometimes flags it incorrectly. If this happens, you can appeal.

What to do if Facebook rejects your name change

If you try to change your name and Facebook says it violates its naming rules, you will see a message explaining why. Common reasons include using too many numbers, using symbols that are not part of standard names, or using text that looks like a URL or command.

To appeal, click the link in the rejection message or go back to your name settings and look for an option to Request review. Facebook will ask you to upload a photo of a government ID — a driver's license, passport, or national ID card — that shows the name you want to use. Upload a clear photo of the front of the ID, making sure the name is readable. Facebook reviews these appeals within a few days and either approves the name or explains why it still cannot accept it.

If your appeal is rejected a second time, you can try again after 30 days. Do not try to change your name to something else just to get around the rejection — Facebook's system will flag repeated attempts, and you may lose the ability to change your name for a longer period.

Changing your name on a phone or tablet

The steps are the same on iPhone, Android, and iPad as they are on a computer. Open the Facebook app, tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the bottom right corner, scroll down and tap Settings and privacy, then tap Settings. Tap Personal information, then tap the line that says Name. Tap Edit, change your name, and tap Save changes.

On mobile devices, the menu icon location can vary slightly depending on your phone's operating system and which version of the Facebook app you have. If you cannot find the three-line menu, look for a gear icon or a circle with three dots — these also open your settings.

How your name change affects your privacy and tags

When you change your name, old posts and comments you made under your previous name do not change — they still show your old name in the post history. However, your profile page, your friends' friend lists, and any new interactions show your new name. If someone searches for your old name, they will not find your profile, but they can still find you by searching your new name if your profile is set to be searchable.

If you were tagged in photos or posts under your old name, those tags still work and point to your profile under your new name. You cannot remove old tags by changing your name. If you want to remove a tag, you have to untag yourself from the individual post or photo.

Why you might want to change your name on Facebook

People change their Facebook names for many reasons. You might have married and taken a new last name, or you might have gone by a nickname when you created your account and now want to use your legal name. You might have changed your name for personal or cultural reasons. Some people change their name to match how they are known professionally or to use a middle name they prefer.

Whatever your reason, Facebook allows the change as long as the new name follows its naming rules. The change is permanent in the sense that it takes effect right away, but it is not irreversible — you can change your name again after 60 days if you need to.

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 name change. After 60 days have passed, go back to Settings and privacy, then Settings, then Personal information, and click Edit next to Name. Type your old name and save the change.

Will my friends be notified when I change my name?

Facebook does not send a notification to your friends when you change your name. However, they will see the new name the next time they visit your profile or see you in their friends list. Some people may notice the change if they see your posts or comments after the change.

Can I use a fake name or a stage name on Facebook?

Facebook's rules require you to use the name you go by in everyday life. Stage names, pen names, and usernames are not accepted. If your stage name is also your legal name or the name you use daily, you can use it, but you may need to upload an ID to prove it.

What happens if I change my name too many times?

Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes automatically. If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed, the system will not let you. There is no penalty for waiting and changing again — the limit resets each time you make a change.

Does changing my name on Facebook change it on Instagram or other Meta apps?

No. Facebook, Instagram, and other Meta apps have separate name settings. If you want to change your name on Instagram, you have to do that separately in Instagram's settings. The same applies to WhatsApp and other Meta-owned services.