To change your Facebook name, go to Settings & privacy, select Settings, click See more in Accounts Center, choose your profile, and tap Name to enter your new details.
Your Facebook profile name acts as your primary digital identity. You might need to update it after a marriage, a legal change, or simply to correct a typo from years ago. Meta has centralized these settings, which can make the menu harder to find if you haven’t looked recently.
The process is quick, but strict rules apply to what you can type. This guide walks you through the exact steps for both mobile and desktop, ensuring your new moniker gets approved immediately.
Rules You Must Follow Before Editing
Facebook uses an automated system to flag names that look fake or misleading. If you trigger these filters, you might get locked out of name changes for 60 days. Knowing the boundaries saves you time and frustration.
The 60-Day Lock
Once you change your name, you cannot change it again for 60 days. Check your spelling twice before you hit save. If you make a typo, you are stuck with it for two months unless you revert to your previous name immediately (which is only an option for 48 hours).
Real Name Policy
Meta requires you to use the name you go by in everyday life. This doesn’t mean it must match your birth certificate exactly, but it should match your ID or other documents if your account ever gets flagged for verification.
Prohibited Elements
- Symbols and Numbers — You cannot use numbers, symbols, unusual capitalization, or repeating characters.
- Mixed Scripts — You cannot mix characters from different languages (e.g., mixing English and Chinese characters).
- Titles — Professional or religious titles like Dr., Lord, or Sir generally get rejected.
- Offensive Words — Any word that violates community standards will block the update instantly.
How To Change Name On Facebook App
Most users update their details via the mobile app. The interface is identical whether you use an iPhone or an Android device. Ensure your app is updated to the latest version so the menus align with these steps.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Open the Menu — Tap the profile picture icon with three lines in the bottom right (iOS) or top right (Android).
- Access Settings — Scroll down to tap Settings & privacy, then select Settings from the dropdown.
- Open Accounts Center — Look for the “Meta Accounts Center” box at the very top and tap See more in Accounts Center.
- Select Profiles — Tap on the Profiles section near the top of the screen.
- Choose Your Account — Select the Facebook account you want to edit (you may see your Instagram here too if they are linked).
- Edit Name — Tap Name. Delete your old details and type your First, Middle (optional), and Last name.
- Review Changes — Tap Review Change. Select how you want your name to appear and enter your password if prompted.
The change usually happens instantly. However, if the automated system has doubts, it may initiate a manual review which can take up to 24 hours.
Updating Your Name Via Desktop Browser
If you prefer a keyboard and mouse, the desktop site offers the same functionality. The path recently changed with the rollout of the consolidated Accounts Center.
Navigation Steps
- Click Your Profile — Select your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen.
- Go to Settings — Click Settings & privacy, then click Settings.
- Find Accounts Center — Look at the top left sidebar. Click on the box labeled See more in Accounts Center.
- Select Profile — Click Profiles and choose your Facebook account.
- Enter Details — Click Name. Type your desired changes in the provided fields.
- Save Changes — Click Review Change, verify the display order, and hit Save changes.
If you have linked profiles, changing your name here might prompt you to sync this change across Instagram. You can choose to keep them separate by toggling off the sync option during the process.
Adding A Nickname Or Maiden Name
You might want people to find you by a different name without altering your primary profile identity. This is common for professionals who want to keep their legal name on the account but let friends find them by a childhood nickname.
Facebook allows you to add “Other Names” that appear in parentheses next to your main name or in the “About” section.
Quick Setup
- Go to Profile — Navigate to your main profile page.
- Edit Details — Click About, then select Details about you.
- Add Name — Under “Other names,” click Add a nickname, a birth name….
- Select Type — Choose the category (Nickname, Maiden Name, Married Name, Father’s Name).
- Type and Save — Enter the name. Check the box Show at top of profile if you want it visible next to your main name. Click Save.
This is the safest way to include a professional title or a fun alias without violating the Facebook community standards on names.
Common Reasons You Can’t Change Name On Facebook
Sometimes the Review Change button remains grayed out, or you receive an error message. This usually happens when the algorithms detect a policy violation or a security restriction.
You Changed It Recently
The 60-day rule is hard-coded. There is no manual override for this wait period. If you changed your name 45 days ago, you must wait another 15 days. The only exception is if you switch back to the immediately preceding name, which is sometimes allowed within 48 hours of a change.
Identity Confirmation Required
If your account was previously reported for a fake name, Meta might require ID verification before allowing another edit. You may see a prompt asking you to upload a government ID. This confirms you are a real person.
Unusual Capitalization
Typing a name like “jOhN sMiTh” will trigger a rejection. The system forces standard capitalization (first letter capitalized, rest lowercase). If your legal name involves unusual capitalization (like certain prefixes), you may need to submit documents to prove it.
Too Many Frequent Changes
Even if you wait the required 60 days, a pattern of changing your name every two months can flag your account as suspicious. This can lead to a temporary or permanent restriction on name edits.
Troubleshooting Name Rejections
If you believe your name follows all rules but still gets rejected, you have limited recourse. You can fill out a support form for legitimate name issues.
Steps to Appeal
- Visit the Help Form — Search for the “Fill out this form to request a name change” page on Facebook Help Center.
- Upload ID — Attach a photo of a driver’s license, passport, or marriage certificate.
- Wait for Review — A human agent reviews these requests. This process can take days or weeks depending on their backlog.
Do not submit this form unless you have valid ID matching the requested name. Submitting fake documents can result in a permanent account ban.
Changing Name After Marriage or Divorce
Life events often necessitate a digital identity update. The process remains the same as the standard steps above, but you might face issues if you try to change your name back and forth quickly.
Best Practice for Marriage
Change your name legally first. While Facebook doesn’t always ask for proof, having your ID ready helps if the automated system flags the change from “Smith” to “Johnson.” Consider adding your new surname as a nickname first to let your network adjust before making the full switch.
Best Practice for Divorce
If you revert to a maiden name, you might trigger the “too many changes” filter if you have changed your name recently. If you are locked out, use the “Other Names” feature to list your maiden name until the 60-day timer expires.
Privacy Considerations With Name Changes
Changing your name does not notify your entire friend list, but it does update on every past post, comment, and tag. Friends searching for you by your old name might not find you unless you have that old name listed in the “Other Names” section.
Searchability
People can still find you using your unique username (the URL part of your profile, e.g., facebook.com/yourname). If you want a complete rebrand, you should update your username as well via the same Accounts Center menu.
Tagging Issues
Existing tags in photos remains. If you change your name to escape harassment or a bad situation, remember that old photos tagged by friends will now display your new name. You may need to manually untag yourself from those images for complete privacy.