You can change a Facebook group name from the group settings menu, and it takes about two minutes

To rename a Facebook group, open the group, click the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner, select Edit group settings, find the name field at the top, type the new name, and click Save. The change takes effect immediately, and all members see the new name right away. You need to be a group admin to make this change — regular members cannot rename the group.

Facebook does not limit how many times you can change a group name, so you can update it as often as you need. There are no character limits beyond what fits in the name field, though Facebook will reject names that violate its community standards — for example, names that impersonate a real person or organisation, or that contain hate speech.

Key Takeaways

  • Only group admins can change the group name; members cannot do this even if they have other permissions.
  • The name change appears instantly for all members and does not require anyone to refresh or log out and back in.
  • Facebook will reject names that impersonate real people or organisations, or that contain hate speech or spam.
  • You can change the name as many times as you want, and there is no waiting period between changes.

Step-by-step: Changing the group name on desktop

Open Facebook and navigate to the group you want to rename. At the top of the group page, you will see the group name, a cover photo, and a row of buttons. Look for the three dots (the menu icon) on the right side of that row — it is usually next to buttons like Invite and Share.

Click the three-dot menu. A dropdown list appears with options including Edit group settings, Manage members, and others. Click Edit group settings. The settings page opens, and the group name field is at the very top. Delete the current name, type the new one, and scroll down to find the Save button at the bottom of the page. Click it, and the change is complete.

Changing the group name on the Facebook mobile app

Open the Facebook app and go to the group. At the top of the group page, tap the three-dot menu icon — on mobile, it is usually in the top right corner of the screen. A menu appears with several options. Tap Edit group settings.

The settings screen opens. The group name field is at the top. Tap the field, delete the old name, and type the new one. Scroll down and tap Save. The change takes effect immediately, and all members will see the new name the next time they view the group.

What happens when you change the group name

The new name appears instantly in the group header, in search results, and in members' notifications. Members do not receive a separate alert that the name changed, but they will see the new name the next time they open the group or see it mentioned in their feed. If the group is public, the new name also appears in Facebook's search results within minutes.

Changing the name does not affect the group's URL (web address), member list, posts, or any other settings. All the group's history and content stays exactly as it was. If you have pinned posts or a group description, those remain unchanged.

Names Facebook will reject

Facebook has rules about what group names are allowed. The platform will not accept names that impersonate a real person, celebrity, or organisation — for example, you cannot name your group "Nike Official" if you do not represent Nike. Names that contain hate speech, slurs, or language targeting a group of people will be rejected. Spam-like names, such as those designed to trick people into joining or that advertise products, are also not allowed.

If you try to save a name and Facebook rejects it, you will see an error message explaining why. The most common reason is impersonation. If your group is for fans of a brand or public figure, use a name that makes that clear — for example, "Nike Sneaker Fans" instead of "Nike Official".

If you are not the group admin

Only admins can change the group name. If you are a regular member and want the name changed, you need to ask an admin to do it. Most groups have multiple admins listed in the group info section — you can message any of them with your request. If there is only one admin and they are not active, you may not be able to get the name changed unless that admin adds another person to the admin role.

If you created the group but lost admin status somehow, you can contact Facebook through the Help Center to explain the situation, though Facebook does not always restore admin access. It is easier to prevent this by making sure at least one other trusted person is also an admin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change a group name back to one I used before?

Yes. Facebook does not prevent you from reusing old group names. You can change the name to whatever you want, as long as it does not violate community standards. There is no waiting period or restriction on going back to a previous name.

Will members get notified when I change the group name?

Members do not receive a notification alert about the name change. They will see the new name when they visit the group or when it appears in their feed, but Facebook does not send a separate message saying the name was updated.

Does changing the group name affect the group link or URL?

No. The group's web address stays the same even after you rename it. Old links to the group will still work and will take people to the group under its new name.

What if Facebook says my group name violates community standards?

Choose a different name that does not impersonate a real person or organisation, and does not contain hate speech or spam language. If you believe Facebook made a mistake, you can appeal through the Help Center, but Facebook's decision is usually final.

Can I change the group name if I am a moderator but not an admin?

No. Only admins can change the group name. Moderators can manage members and posts, but they cannot access the group settings where the name is changed. You will need to ask an admin to make the change.