Open Facebook settings and find the name option

To change your name on Facebook from your iPhone, open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) at the bottom right of your screen. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings.

Once you're in Settings, scroll down to find Personal Information and tap it. You'll see Name listed as the first option. Tap on it to edit your name.

Enter your new name and confirm the change

When you tap Name, a text field appears with your current name highlighted. Delete the old name and type your new one. Facebook allows you to use your first name, middle name, and last name fields, or you can enter your full name in one field — the choice is yours.

After you've typed your new name, tap Review Change at the bottom of the screen. Facebook will show you a preview of how your new name will appear on your profile. If it looks correct, tap Save Changes.

Key Takeaways

  • You reach the name change option by going to Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information, then Name on your iPhone's Facebook app.
  • Facebook updates your name across your profile, posts, and comments when ready after you save the change.
  • You can change your name once every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need to make multiple changes.
  • Your old name remains visible in your activity log and in posts you made before the change, but your profile and new posts show only your current name.

What happens after you change your name

Once you save your new name, it appears on your profile right away. Your friends will see the updated name when they visit your profile or see your posts and comments. The change is public — anyone who can see your profile will see your new name.

Facebook keeps a record of name changes in your activity log, which only you can see unless you change your privacy settings. This means you can look back and see what names you've used, but other people cannot access this history.

The 60-day rule and what to do if you hit the limit

Facebook limits you to one name change every 60 days. If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed since your last change, you'll see a message telling you when you can change it again. This rule applies whether you changed your name on your iPhone, a computer, or any other device.

If you need to change your name before the 60 days are up, you cannot bypass this limit through the app. Your only option is to wait until the time period expires. Mark your calendar or set a reminder on your phone so you don't forget when you're may be able to access to change it again.

Using your real name versus a nickname or stage name

Facebook's name policy requires that you use the name you go by in everyday life. This means your legal name, a nickname people actually call you, or a stage name you're known by professionally are all acceptable. You cannot use symbols, numbers, or unusual characters in most cases.

If Facebook rejects your name as invalid, it's usually because the name contains characters the system doesn't recognize, or because it appears to violate the name policy. Try removing any special characters, numbers, or extra spaces and submit again. If you use a stage name professionally, you can explain this when you submit the name for review.

Changing your name back to a previous version

If you change your name and then want to go back to an old name, you still have to wait 60 days between changes. Facebook doesn't make exceptions for reverting to a previous name — the timer resets each time you make a change, regardless of whether it's a new name or an old one.

This means if you change your name and realize you made a mistake, you'll need to wait the full 60 days before you can change it again. Think through your new name carefully before you save it, and use the preview screen to make sure it looks the way you want it to appear.

Troubleshooting if the change won't save

If you tap Save Changes and nothing happens, or you see an error message, first check that you're connected to WiFi or cellular data. Close the Facebook app completely and open it again, then try the process once more from the beginning.

If the app still won't let you save, try updating Facebook to the latest version in the App Store. Outdated versions sometimes have bugs that prevent name changes from going through. If you've updated and the problem continues, try changing your name on a computer instead — sometimes the mobile app has temporary issues that the website doesn't have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name on Facebook without my friends seeing it?

No. When you change your name, everyone who can see your profile will see the new name. Facebook does not have a setting to hide name changes from your friends. Your activity log shows the change to you only, but the new name itself is public.

What if Facebook says my name is invalid?

Facebook rejects names that contain numbers, symbols, or characters it doesn't recognize. Remove any special characters, numbers, or extra spaces and try again. If you use a professional stage name, you may need to contact Facebook's support to explain why you use that name.

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

No. Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes on all accounts. This limit applies whether you change your name on your phone, computer, or any other device. You cannot bypass or shorten this waiting period.

Will my old name show up in my messages or past posts?

Your new name appears on your profile and on new posts and comments. Old posts you made before the change may still show your previous name in some places, depending on how Facebook's system processes the change. Your messages will show your current name going forward.

What if I forgot my password and can't get into Settings?

You'll need to recover your password first. On the Facebook login screen, tap Forgot Password? and follow the steps to reset it using your email or phone number. Once you're back in your account, you can change your name using the steps above.