You can change the name on your Facebook profile in a few minutes through your settings
Facebook lets you change the name displayed on your profile whenever you want. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way on a computer or phone. You go to your settings, find the name field, type in what you want to be called, and save it. Facebook does limit how often you can make this change — you can only update your name once every 60 days — but there is no approval process or waiting period.
The name you enter should match what Facebook calls "your authentic name," which means the name you actually go by in everyday life. Facebook does not require your legal name, but it does scan for things that look like fake accounts, such as numbers, symbols, or names that are clearly made up. If you use a stage name, nickname, or name from a different culture, Facebook usually accepts it as long as it looks like a real name someone would actually have.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Facebook name through Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information, then Name.
- Facebook allows one name change every 60 days, so plan ahead if you need to update it multiple times.
- Your name should be something you actually go by — Facebook blocks obvious fake names with numbers, symbols, or gibberish.
- If Facebook rejects your name, you can appeal the decision and explain why the name is authentic to you.
How to change your name on a computer
Open Facebook and click the downward arrow in the top right corner of the screen. A menu will drop down. Click Settings and Privacy, then click Settings. On the left side, you will see a menu. Click Personal Information. You will now see a section labeled Name with your current name displayed.
Click the pencil icon next to your name. A text box will open where you can edit what appears. Delete your current name and type in the new one. You can include a middle name if you want, but you do not have to. Click Review Change when you are done typing. Facebook will show you what your new name will look like on your profile. If it looks right, click Save Changes. Your new name will appear on your profile immediately.
How to change your name on a phone or tablet
Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner (on Android) or the bottom left corner (on iPhone). Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy, then tap Settings. Scroll down until you see Personal Information and tap it. You will see your current name listed.
Tap the pencil icon next to your name to open the editing screen. Clear the text box and type your new name. Tap Review Change to see how it will look. If you are happy with it, tap Save Changes. The change takes effect right away, and your friends will see your new name the next time they look at your profile.
What to do if Facebook rejects your name
If you try to save a name and Facebook shows an error message saying the name does not follow their standards, it means the system flagged it as potentially fake. This usually happens when a name contains numbers, special characters like asterisks or underscores, or words that do not look like a real name. Delete those elements and try again with just letters and spaces.
If you have a legitimate name that Facebook keeps rejecting — for example, a name from a different culture, a hyphenated name, or a stage name you genuinely go by — you can appeal the decision. When Facebook rejects your name, look for a link that says Learn More or Appeal. Click it and explain why this is your authentic name. Facebook reviews these appeals and often approves names once you provide context. The review usually takes a few days.
The 60-day waiting period between changes
Once you change your name, you cannot change it again for 60 days. This limit applies whether you are changing it back to your old name or changing it to something completely different. If you try to change your name before 60 days have passed, Facebook will show you a message telling you when you will be able to change it next.
Because of this limit, think through what you want your name to be before you save the change. If you made a typo or changed your mind, you will have to wait two months before you can fix it. If you are going through a name change in real life — such as after marriage or a legal name change — you can update your Facebook name right away, but you will not be able to change it again until the 60 days are up.
How your name appears across Facebook
The name you set in your Personal Information section is what shows up on your profile, in comments you post, in messages, and in search results when someone looks for you. It is also the name that appears when you like or react to someone else's post. If you have a Facebook Page (separate from your personal profile), that Page has its own name that you change through Page settings, not through your personal profile settings.
Your username — the part that comes after facebook.com/ in your profile link — is different from your display name and does not change when you update your name. You can change your username separately through Settings, but most people leave it alone. Friends can find you by either your display name or your username, so changing your display name will not make you harder to find.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a fake name or stage name on Facebook?
Facebook allows stage names and nicknames as long as they look like a real name someone would actually have. If you are a performer or go by a different name professionally, you can use that. Avoid numbers, symbols, or obvious gibberish. If Facebook rejects it, you can appeal and explain that it is your authentic name.
What happens to my old name when I change it?
Your old name disappears from your profile and all your posts. People who knew you by your old name will see your new name everywhere. Your friends will get a notification that you changed your name, so they will know it is still you.
Can I have two names on my profile at the same time?
No. Facebook only lets you display one name. If you want people to know both your legal name and a nickname, you can add the nickname to your "About" section or bio instead of using it as your main profile name.
Do I need to change my name on other platforms when I change it on Facebook?
No. Changing your Facebook name does not affect your accounts on Instagram, Twitter, Gmail, or any other service. Each platform has its own name settings that you control separately.
What if someone else is using my name on Facebook?
Report the account to Facebook by visiting their profile, clicking the three dots in the top right, and selecting Report. Tell Facebook that the account is impersonating you. Facebook investigates impersonation reports and will remove accounts that are pretending to be you.