You can change a Facebook group name from the group settings if you're the admin

To change your group name on Facebook, open the group, tap or click the three dots in the top right corner, select Edit Group Settings, find the name field, type the new name, and save. The process takes about a minute. Only group admins can make this change — regular members cannot rename a group.

Facebook doesn't limit how many times you can change a group name, so you can update it whenever you need to. The change appears immediately to all members. If you're using Facebook on a phone, the steps are the same, though the menu locations may look slightly different depending on whether you have an iPhone or Android device.

Key Takeaways

  • Only group admins can change the group name; members cannot make this change.
  • The name change takes effect right away and shows to all group members instantly.
  • You access the name field through the group settings menu, which appears as three dots in the top right of the group page.
  • Facebook allows you to change the group name as many times as you want with no restrictions.

Step-by-step instructions for desktop

On a computer, start by opening your group and looking at the top right corner of the group header. You'll see three horizontal dots (sometimes called a menu icon). Click on those dots to open a dropdown menu with several options.

From the dropdown, select Edit Group Settings. This opens a panel where you can change multiple group details. Look for the field labeled Group Name at the top of the settings panel. Click in that field, delete the current name, and type your new group name. Facebook allows up to 255 characters, though most group names are much shorter. Once you've entered the new name, scroll down and click the Save button at the bottom of the panel. The name updates immediately.

Step-by-step instructions for mobile

On an iPhone or Android phone, open the Facebook app and navigate to your group. At the top of the group page, you'll see three dots in the upper right corner. Tap those dots to open the menu.

Tap Edit Group Settings from the menu that appears. The settings screen opens, and you'll see the Group Name field near the top. Tap in the name field, clear the existing text, and type your new name. After you've entered the new name, scroll down to the bottom of the screen and tap Save. The change takes effect right away, and all members will see the new name the next time they view the group.

What happens when you change the group name

When you change a group name, Facebook updates it across the entire platform instantly. All members see the new name in their group list, in notifications, and when they visit the group page. The group's URL (web address) may change, but any old links to the group will still work and redirect to the updated group.

The group's history, posts, photos, and member list all stay the same — only the name changes. Members receive no notification that the name has changed, so if the change is significant, you may want to post an announcement in the group explaining why you renamed it. This is especially useful if you're changing the group's focus or merging it with another group's purpose.

Reasons to change a group name

Groups often need name changes as their purpose evolves. A group that started for one neighborhood might expand to cover a larger area, or a hobby group might shift focus. Sometimes a group name contains a typo or unclear wording that confuses new members trying to find it.

You might also rename a group if it's being taken over by new admins with a different vision, or if the original name no longer reflects what members actually discuss. Seasonal groups sometimes get renamed each year (like "Summer 2024 Book Club" becoming "Summer 2025 Book Club"). There's no penalty for changing names frequently, so you can adjust as needed.

If you're not the group admin

If you're a member of a group but not an admin, you cannot change the group name yourself. Only people with admin status can access the group settings and make changes like renaming. If you think the group needs a different name, you can message the group admin or post in the group (if the admin allows member posts) to suggest a name change.

If you're a moderator rather than an admin, you also cannot change the group name. Moderators can remove posts, manage members, and handle day-to-day group tasks, but name changes are restricted to admins only. If you need admin access to rename a group, ask the current admin to promote you to that role.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Facebook doesn't prevent you from reusing old group names or changing back to a previous name. You can rename a group as many times as you want. If you change your mind shortly after renaming, you can simply go back into settings and restore the old name.

Will changing the group name affect the group's privacy settings?

No. The group's privacy level (public, closed, or secret) stays exactly the same when you change the name. Only the name itself changes. All other settings, including who can see the group and who can join, remain unchanged.

Do members get notified when I change the group name?

Members do not receive a notification that the group name has changed. They'll see the new name when they visit the group or check their group list, but Facebook doesn't send them an alert. If the name change is important, post an announcement in the group to let members know.

What's the character limit for a Facebook group name?

Facebook allows up to 255 characters in a group name, though most groups use much shorter names. Keep in mind that very long names may get cut off on mobile devices or in group lists, so shorter names are usually easier for members to read and remember.

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

Facebook allows most letters, numbers, and common punctuation in group names. Emojis may work in some cases, but Facebook's system sometimes removes them or converts them to text. If you want to use special characters, try entering them and saving — if they don't stick, Facebook's system removed them and you'll need to use standard letters and numbers instead.