You can change your Facebook name through your settings, and the process takes about two minutes

Facebook lets you change the name displayed on your profile whenever you want. The name you enter must match the name on your government ID if you want to use a nickname or non-legal name — Facebook checks this during the change. You can make the change on desktop or mobile, and it takes effect immediately, though there's a waiting period before you can change it again.

The steps are the same whether you're using Facebook on a computer, phone, or tablet. You'll need to know your current password, and Facebook will ask you to confirm the change before it goes live.

Key Takeaways

  • Open your Facebook settings, click "Personal Information," then "Name" to change what appears on your profile.
  • Your new name takes effect right away, but you cannot change it again for several days.
  • If Facebook rejects your name change, it's usually because the name doesn't match a government ID you've uploaded or contains characters Facebook doesn't allow.
  • You can use a nickname, but only if you've already provided Facebook with a photo of your ID that shows that nickname is how you're known.

How to change your name on desktop

On a computer, click the downward arrow in the top right corner of any Facebook page. Select "Settings and privacy," then "Settings." On the left side, click "Personal information." Find the row labeled "Name" and click the pencil icon next to it.

Type your new first name and last name into the boxes that appear. Facebook will show you a preview of how the name will look on your profile. Click "Review change" at the bottom, then confirm your password in the box that appears. Click "Save changes" and your new name is live.

How to change your name on mobile

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap "Settings and privacy," then "Settings." Tap "Personal information," then "Name."

Type your new first and last name. Tap "Review change" to see how it will appear, then tap "Save changes." You'll be asked to enter your password to confirm. Once you do, the change is complete.

What names Facebook will and won't accept

Facebook requires that names contain only letters, numbers, periods, hyphens, and apostrophes. Spaces between names are allowed, but symbols like @ or # are not. If you try to use a name with numbers or unusual characters and Facebook rejects it, remove those characters and try again.

You can use a nickname, a stage name, or a name in a different language, but Facebook may ask you to provide a photo of your ID showing that name is actually how you're known. This is most common if your new name is very different from the one on your account now. If Facebook asks for ID, you'll see a message explaining what to do.

The waiting period between name changes

After you change your name, you cannot change it again for several days. Facebook does not publish the exact length of this waiting period, but most users report it's between three and seven days. If you try to change your name before the waiting period ends, you'll see a message telling you when you can change it next.

This limit exists to prevent people from constantly switching names to evade detection or confuse others. If you made a typo or changed your mind immediately, you'll have to wait out the period before you can fix it.

What to do if Facebook rejects your name change

The most common reason Facebook rejects a name is that it contains characters the platform doesn't allow. Remove any numbers, symbols, or special characters and try again with only letters, spaces, periods, hyphens, and apostrophes.

If you're trying to use a nickname or non-legal name and Facebook rejects it, the platform may be asking you to prove that's actually how you're known. You can upload a photo of your ID showing the nickname to your account. Go to "Settings and privacy," then "Settings," then "Personal information," then "ID documents." Follow the prompts to upload a photo of your ID. Once Facebook reviews and accepts it, you can try the name change again.

If you're still having trouble, check whether you're within the waiting period from your last name change. If you are, you'll need to wait before trying again.

Changing your name does not change your username

Your Facebook name and your username are two different things. The name is what appears on your profile and in comments. The username is the part of your profile URL — for example, facebook.com/yourname. Changing your display name does not change your username.

If you want to change your username as well, go to "Settings and privacy," then "Settings," then "Personal information," then "Username." You can change your username once every 60 days. The same character rules apply: only letters, numbers, periods, and hyphens are allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name back to what it was before?

Yes, but you'll have to wait out the waiting period first. Once several days have passed since your last name change, you can change it back to your previous name or to something else entirely. There's no limit on how many times you can change your name over time — only on how often you can do it in a row.

Will my friends be notified when I change my name?

No, Facebook does not send notifications about name changes. Your friends will see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see you in their feed, but they won't receive a message about the change. Your old posts and comments will show your new name.

What if I want to use a name that's not in English?

Facebook allows names in any language and alphabet. Type your name in whatever language or script you use, and it will be accepted as long as it contains only allowed characters. If Facebook rejects it, check that you're not using numbers or symbols that aren't part of that language's standard alphabet.

Can I have two names on my Facebook profile at the same time?

No, Facebook only allows one display name per account. You cannot show multiple names or alternate names on your profile. If you need to be known by different names in different contexts, you would need separate accounts, though Facebook's rules require that each account represent one person using their authentic identity.