Open Facebook Settings and Find the Name Option

To change your name on Facebook from your iPhone, open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) at the bottom right of your screen. Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings.

Once you're in Settings, scroll down to find Personal Information and tap it. You'll see Name listed as the first option. Tap on it to open the name-change screen.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Facebook name directly from the iPhone app by going to Settings & Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information.
  • Facebook allows you to change your name once every 60 days, and the change takes effect immediately across your profile and posts.
  • Your new name will appear on your profile, comments, and messages, but old posts will still show your previous name unless you edit them individually.
  • If you're changing to a name Facebook flags as unusual, you may need to provide additional information or wait for manual review before the change goes through.

Enter Your New Name and Confirm the Change

On the name-change screen, you'll see a text field with your current name highlighted. Delete the old name and type your new name exactly as you want it to appear on your profile. Facebook allows you to use your first name, last name, middle name, or any combination of these.

After you've typed your new name, tap the Review Change button at the bottom of the screen. Facebook will show you a preview of how your new name will look on your profile. If it looks correct, tap Save Changes. The name change takes effect immediately.

Understand Facebook's 60-Day Name-Change Limit

Facebook restricts how often you can change your name to once every 60 days. This means if you just changed your name, you won't be able to change it again for two months. If you try to change your name before the 60 days are up, Facebook will show you a message telling you when you can change it next.

The 60-day timer starts from the date of your most recent name change, not from when you first created your account. If you made a mistake or want to revert to your old name, you'll need to wait until the 60-day window closes before you can do so.

What Happens When Facebook Flags Your Name as Unusual

If your new name contains numbers, symbols, repeated letters, or words Facebook doesn't recognize, the platform may flag it as unusual and ask you to provide more information. When this happens, you'll see a message asking you to confirm your identity or explain why you're using that name.

Facebook may ask you to upload a photo of an ID, a government document, or a school ID that matches the name you're trying to use. You can submit this information directly from your iPhone using the camera or by uploading a photo from your library. Facebook typically reviews these submissions within a few days, though it can take longer during busy periods.

How Your Name Change Appears Across Facebook

Once your name change is approved, your new name will appear on your profile, in comments you post, in messages you send, and in any new activity going forward. However, posts you made before the name change will still show your old name unless you edit them individually.

Your friends will see your new name in their friend lists and in notifications about your activity. If you've tagged yourself in photos or posts, those tags will also update to show your new name. Your username (the custom URL for your profile) does not change automatically — you can update that separately if you want.

Edit Your Name If You Made a Mistake

If you notice a typo or want to make a small adjustment to your name, you can go back to the same Settings menu and tap Name again. Make your correction and tap Review Change, then Save Changes. This counts as a new name change, so you'll need to wait another 60 days before you can change it again.

If you're within the 60-day window and can't change your name through the app, try waiting a few hours and checking again. Sometimes Facebook's system takes time to update. If the problem persists, you can also try changing your name on Facebook's website using Safari on your iPhone, though the process is the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my name more than once every 60 days?

No. Facebook enforces a strict 60-day limit between name changes. If you try to change your name before this period ends, you'll see a message telling you the exact date when you can change it again. There is no way to bypass this limit.

Will my old name still appear on my past posts?

Yes. Posts, comments, and messages you sent before the name change will still display your old name. If you want your old name removed from a specific post, you can edit that post individually and update the name manually, or delete the post entirely.

What if Facebook rejects my name change?

Facebook rejects names that violate its policies, such as names with excessive numbers, symbols, or text that appears to be spam. If your name is rejected, try removing numbers or special characters and submit again. If you're using a legitimate name that Facebook flags, you can provide ID or other documentation to confirm your identity.

Does changing my name on iPhone change it on other devices?

Yes. Your name change syncs across all devices and platforms where you use Facebook. If you change your name on your iPhone, it will immediately update on your computer, tablet, and the Facebook website. You don't need to make the change separately on each device.

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

Yes. Facebook allows you to use any name you go by, including nicknames, stage names, or pen names. However, if Facebook flags your chosen name as unusual, you may need to provide documentation showing that people know you by that name, such as a professional license or social media account.