You can change the name on your Facebook profile through Settings, and Facebook allows one change every 60 days

Facebook lets you change the name displayed on your profile at any time, but there is a built-in waiting period: once you change it, you cannot change it again for 60 days. The name you enter should be the name you actually go by — Facebook's systems flag names that look fake or are clearly not what someone uses in real life, and accounts with flagged names can be restricted or suspended.

The process takes about two minutes and works the same way on a computer or phone. You do not need to contact Facebook support unless something goes wrong, and there is no cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information to find the name field on both desktop and mobile.
  • Facebook enforces a 60-day waiting period between name changes, so you cannot change it again immediately after.
  • The name you enter should match what you actually use — Facebook's automated systems reject names that appear fake or are clearly not real names.
  • If your change is rejected or your account is flagged, you can request a review, but Facebook may ask you to provide ID that matches the name you want to use.

How to change your name on desktop

Open Facebook and click the downward arrow in the top right corner. Select Settings and Privacy, then click Settings. On the left side, click Personal Information. You will see a field labeled Name with your current name displayed.

Click the pencil icon next to your name to edit it. Type the new name you want to use. Facebook will show you how the name will appear on your profile. Click Review Change at the bottom, then click Save Changes. The new name takes effect immediately.

How to change your name on mobile

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner (on Android) or the menu icon (on iPhone). Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy, then tap Settings. Tap Personal Information, then tap Name.

Tap the pencil icon to edit. Type your new name and tap Review Change. Facebook will show you a preview of how it will look. Tap Save to confirm. The change is live immediately.

What happens if Facebook rejects your name change

Facebook's automated systems check names against patterns that suggest they are not real — names with numbers, excessive punctuation, all capital letters, or names that are clearly not what someone would actually use. If your name change is rejected, you will see an error message explaining why.

If you believe your name is legitimate, you can request a manual review. Facebook will ask you to provide a government-issued ID that matches the name you want to use — a driver's license, passport, or national ID card. Upload a clear photo of the ID through the form Facebook provides. A person will review it, usually within a few days. If the ID matches the name, your change will be approved.

The 60-day waiting period between changes

Once you change your name, you cannot change it again for 60 days. This limit applies even if you change it back to your original name. The 60 days starts from the moment you save the change, not from when you click the button to start editing.

If you need to change your name again before 60 days have passed, you will see a message telling you when you can change it next. There is no way to bypass this waiting period — Facebook enforces it on all accounts.

Why Facebook requires a real name

Facebook's policy requires names to be the name you actually use in everyday life. This is not about legal names — you do not need to use your birth name or the name on your ID unless Facebook flags your account and asks for verification. The rule is meant to reduce impersonation and fake accounts, though it is enforced inconsistently.

If you use a nickname, stage name, or name from a different culture that Facebook's system does not recognize as a real name, you may be flagged. If that happens, you can request a review with ID. Facebook also allows some special characters and accents, so names like José, O'Brien, or Mary-Jane usually pass without issue.

What to do if your account is locked after a name change

Occasionally, Facebook locks an account after a name change if the system thinks something is wrong. You will see a message saying your account has been restricted or that you need to confirm your identity. Do not panic — this is usually temporary.

Facebook will ask you to confirm your identity by uploading a photo of your ID. Take a clear photo of the front of your government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or national ID), making sure your face and the ID details are visible. Upload it through the form Facebook provides. A person will review it within a few days. Once approved, your account will be unlocked and your name change will stay in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name more than once?

Yes, but only once every 60 days. The waiting period starts from when you save the change, not when you start editing. If you need to change it again before 60 days have passed, Facebook will tell you the exact date you can change it next.

Do I have to use my legal name?

No. Facebook requires the name you actually use in real life, not necessarily your legal name. A nickname, stage name, or name from a different culture is fine as long as it is what you actually go by. If Facebook flags it, you can request a review with ID.

What if I want to use a name with numbers or symbols?

Facebook usually rejects names with numbers or most symbols because they look fake. Some special characters like hyphens, apostrophes, and accents are allowed. If your name legitimately includes numbers or symbols, request a manual review and provide ID that shows that name.

How long does it take for a name change to show up?

The change is live immediately on your profile. Your friends will see the new name right away. If you requested a manual review because Facebook flagged your name, the review usually takes a few days.

Can I change my name if my account is restricted?

If your account is fully restricted or locked, you will not be able to change your name until the restriction is lifted. If your account is restricted because of the name change itself, follow Facebook's instructions to upload ID for review. Once your identity is confirmed, the restriction will be removed.