Change your name in Facebook settings in about two minutes

To change your surname on Facebook, open the app or website, click the menu icon (three horizontal lines on mobile, or the downward arrow on desktop), select Settings & Privacy, then Settings. Scroll to Personal Information and click Name. Edit your first and last name in the fields that appear, then click Review Change and confirm. The new name appears on your profile immediately.

Facebook limits how often you can change your name — typically once every 60 days. If you try to change it again before that window closes, you will see a message telling you when you can make the next change. There is no way to override this limit.

The name you enter must follow Facebook's naming rules: it cannot contain numbers, symbols, or unusual punctuation, and it must be the name you go by in everyday life. Facebook does not require legal documentation, but the platform may ask you to prove the name is genuine if someone reports it as fake.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your surname through Settings & Privacy > Settings > Personal Information > Name on both the app and website.
  • Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes, and you cannot bypass this restriction.
  • Your name cannot include numbers, symbols, or special characters, and must be something you actually use in daily life.
  • If your name change is rejected, Facebook will explain why and may ask for proof that the name is real.
  • Changing your name does not affect your username, email, or password — only the display name on your profile.

What happens to your old name after you change it

When you change your surname, your old name disappears from your profile immediately. People who knew you by your previous name will see only the new one when they visit your profile or search for you. However, Facebook keeps a record of the change internally for security purposes.

Your friends' existing messages and comments that mention your old name will not update — they will still show the name as it was written at the time. Only your profile itself displays the new name going forward. If you are concerned about privacy or want to distance yourself from an old name, changing it on Facebook is one step, but you may also want to review your past posts and consider whether to delete or edit any that contain identifying information.

Why Facebook rejected your name change

Facebook rejects name changes for three main reasons: the name contains numbers or symbols, it does not appear to be a real name you use daily, or you have already changed your name within the last 60 days. If you see an error message, read it carefully — it will tell you which rule you broke.

If Facebook says your name does not look real, you can request a review. Click the option to appeal the decision, and Facebook will ask you to upload a photo of an ID that shows the name you are trying to use. This can be a driver's license, passport, or other government-issued document. Upload a clear photo and wait — Facebook typically responds within a few days. If your ID matches the name you entered, the change will go through and the 60-day timer resets from that point.

If you are trying to use a name with an accent, apostrophe, or hyphen (like O'Brien or José), Facebook usually allows these. If your name was rejected and it contains one of these characters, try removing it temporarily, make the change, then change it back after the 60-day window passes. This is a workaround some users report, though it is not an official solution.

Changing your name on mobile versus desktop

The process is nearly identical on the Facebook app and website, but the menu locations differ slightly. On mobile, tap the three horizontal lines at the bottom right, scroll down to Settings & Privacy, tap Settings, then find Personal Information. On desktop, click the downward arrow at the top right, select Settings & Privacy, then Settings, and look for Personal Information in the left sidebar.

Both routes take you to the same name editor. The change syncs across all your devices within seconds, so you do not need to log out and back in. If you are having trouble finding the menu on your device, make sure you are using the official Facebook app or website — third-party apps and mobile browsers sometimes have different layouts.

How your username differs from your display name

Your display name is what appears on your profile and in comments — this is what you change through Settings. Your username (also called your vanity URL) is the custom web address for your profile, like facebook.com/yourname. Changing your display name does not change your username, and vice versa.

If you want to change your username as well, go to Settings > Personal Information > Username. You can change your username once every 60 days, on the same schedule as your name. The username change is separate from the display name change, so you can update one without affecting the other. Your username is what people type into the search bar to find you directly, while your display name is what they see once they arrive at your profile.

What to do if you cannot change your name for 60 days

If you have already changed your name recently and the system tells you to wait, the 60-day timer is firm — there is no way to speed it up or request an exception. The timer starts from the date of your last successful change, not from when you attempted a change that was rejected.

If you made a typo or spelling error and cannot change it again, you have two options: wait out the 60 days, or contact Facebook support to explain the situation. Go to Settings > Help & Support > Contact Us and describe the problem. Facebook support does not always grant exceptions, but they occasionally do for genuine mistakes like a misspelled letter. Be specific about what went wrong and when you made the change. Response times vary, but you should expect to wait at least a week.

Changing your name after marriage, divorce, or legal name change

If you have legally changed your name through a court order, you can update Facebook to match. You do not need to wait for the 60-day window — Facebook may waive the restriction if you provide legal documentation. When you attempt the name change, if the system blocks you due to the timer, look for an option to appeal or contact support. Upload a photo of your legal name change document (a court order, updated birth certificate, or new ID) and explain that this is a legal change, not a preference change.

Facebook does not always process these exceptions quickly, and there is no may provide they will approve it. However, they are more likely to help if you provide clear documentation. Keep a copy of your request and the date you submitted it in case you need to follow up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name back to my old one immediately?

No. Once you change your name, you must wait 60 days before changing it again, even if you want to revert to your previous name. If you made a mistake, contact Facebook support with an explanation — they occasionally waive the restriction for genuine errors, but this is not may provide.

Will changing my name on Facebook change it on Instagram or WhatsApp?

No. Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp are separate platforms with separate profiles, even though they are owned by the same company. You must change your name on each platform individually. Your Instagram display name and WhatsApp profile name will not update automatically.

Can I use a nickname or stage name instead of my legal name?

Yes. Facebook allows you to use any name you go by in everyday life, including nicknames and stage names. You do not need to use your legal name. However, if someone reports your profile as fake, Facebook may ask you to prove the name is genuine — in that case, you would need to show an ID or other document that matches the name you are using.

What if my name contains special characters or accents?

Facebook allows most accents and hyphens (like José or Mary-Jane), but rejects numbers, symbols, and some punctuation. If your name was rejected and it contains an accent or apostrophe, try removing the special character, make the change, then change it back after 60 days. If the rejection message says something else, review the reason and contact support if you believe the rejection was a mistake.

Does changing my name affect my Facebook friends or messages?

No. Your friends list, messages, and message history remain unchanged. Your friends will simply see your new name the next time they visit your profile or see you in their feed. Old messages and comments that mention your previous name will still show the old name — only your current profile displays the new one.