If you need to change your name on Facebook, the process is still simple, but the option may not be in the same place it used to be. In the current interface, you’ll usually find it inside Accounts Center.
Before you make the change, remember that you’ll normally have to wait 60 days before editing it again. Your name also needs to follow Facebook’s rules, so avoid symbols, numbers, random words, titles, or unusual punctuation.
Below, you’ll find the updated steps to edit your Facebook profile name from the mobile app or from a desktop browser.
Prefer Spanish? Read our guide on cómo cambiar tu nombre en Facebook.
Before changing your Facebook profile name
Before you update it, remember that this change applies to your personal profile, not to a Facebook Page. After saving the change, Facebook may not let you edit it again for 60 days.
Use a normal, everyday name and avoid symbols, numbers, titles, brands, repeated punctuation, or unusual capitalization. If the name doesn’t follow Facebook’s rules, the platform may block the change or ask you to confirm your identity.
Note: your profile name is different from your username. The profile name is what people see on your account, while the username can be part of your profile link, such as facebook.com/username.
How to change your name on Facebook from the app
To change your name on Facebook from the mobile app, whether you’re using iPhone or Android, follow these steps:
1. Open the Facebook app and tap Menu.
2. Go to Settings & privacy > Settings.
3. Tap Accounts Center > Profiles.
4. Choose your Facebook profile and tap Name.
5. Edit your first name, middle name, or last name.
6. Tap Review change, choose how you want your name to appear, and confirm.
Before saving, check the spelling, the order of your name, and how it will appear on your profile. Once you confirm the change, you usually won’t be able to edit it again for 60 days.
Facebook may apply the change right away or review it before showing it on your profile. If it doesn’t let you continue, make sure the name follows the rules and that you haven’t changed it recently.
How to change your name on Facebook from a desktop browser
You can also change your name from Facebook’s desktop version using a web browser. Here’s how:
- Open Facebook in your browser and click your profile picture or account menu.
- Go to Settings & privacy > Settings.
- Open Accounts Center > Profiles.
- Choose your Facebook profile and click Name.
- Enter your new name, click Review change, and save the option you prefer.
The exact path may vary slightly depending on your Facebook interface, but the name option is usually inside Accounts Center.
Add a nickname or another name
If you only want to display a nickname or another name, you don’t have to edit your main profile name. Add it from your profile information, under your personal details, and choose whether you want it to appear on your account.
What to do if Facebook won’t let you change your name
If Facebook won’t let you change your name, check whether you already changed it in the last 60 days. Also make sure the new name doesn’t include symbols, numbers, titles, brands, random words, or unusual punctuation.
If the change is rejected, try a simpler, more natural version of your name. If the platform asks you to confirm your identity, follow the instructions on the screen.
Note: this guide is for personal profiles. Facebook Pages use a different name-change process.
If you notice activity you don’t recognize on your account, you may also want to log out of Facebook on all devices.
Related guide: you can also learn how to see sent friend requests on Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Go to Menu > Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Profiles, choose your Facebook profile, and tap Name. Then edit your name, review the change, and save it.
This can happen if you changed your name within the last 60 days, if the new name doesn’t follow Facebook’s rules, or if your account has a restriction.
Usually, no. After you change your name, Facebook normally makes you wait 60 days before you can edit it again.
No. Your profile name is the visible name people see on your account. Your username is the identifier that may appear in your profile link.
