How can i change name on facebook

Whether you've recently changed your last name or want to add a fun nickname, changing your name on your Facebook profile is a fairly straightforward process. 

Note: You can only change your Facebook name once every 60 days, though, so if you're going for something humorous, make sure you can live with it for at least two months.

Here's what you need to know about Facebook's name change policy and how to  change your name on a desktop browser or the Facebook mobile app. 

What is Facebook's name change policy?

While you don't have to use your full legal name on Facebook, there are rules as to what types of names you can and cannot use.

Facebook prefers its users to use the name they go by in everyday life. Facebook names cannot include the following:

  • Symbols, numbers, nonstandard capitalization, repeating characters, or punctuation
  • Characters from more than one language
  • Titles of any kind (whether professional, religious, or something else)
  • Words or phrases instead of a name
  • Words or phrases that go against Facebook's Community Standards
  • Words or phrases that represent organizations instead of people. Facebook Profiles are for individuals, while Pages are for businesses, organizations, and ideas

As far as nicknames go, Facebook allows them for first or middle names as long as they are a variation of your actual name (like Abby instead of Abigail). Impersonating other users is not allowed on Facebook and violates their Community Standards.

Note: Choosing a name that matches an ID or document on Facebook's approved ID list can help you regain access to your Facebook account

How to change name on Facebook

You can change your name on Facebook via a desktop browser or the Facebook mobile app once every 60 days. Here's how it's done.

On desktop browser:

1. Log in to Facebook. Click the down arrow at the top-right of the screen.

2. Click Settings & Privacy, then Settings.

Facebook homepage with the Settings & Privacy option highlighted

Navigate to "Settings" to change your Facebook name.Abigail Abesamis Demarest

3. Click Name.

Facebook settings page with Name highlighted

The option to change your Facebook name is under "General Account Settings."Abigail Abesamis Demarest

4. Enter your new name, then click Review Change.

Facebook Name settings page

Double check the spelling of your name before saving.Abigail Abesamis Demarest

5. Enter your Facebook password, then click Save Changes.

Quick tip: If you're unable to change your name using the steps outlined above, fill out this form.

On mobile app:

1. Open the Facebook app for iPhone or Android.

2. Tap the Menu icon at the bottom-right of the screen for iPhone, top-right of the screen for Android.

Facebook app homepage with Menu icon highlighted

The menu icon will appear at the bottom-right on iPhone.Abigail Abesamis Demarest

3. Scroll down the list. Tap Settings & Privacy, then Settings.

Screenshot of Facebook app Menu page with Settings & Privacy highlighted

"Settings & Privacy" is at the bottom of this page.Abigail Abesamis Demarest

4. Tap Personal and Account Information.

5. Tap Name.

6. Enter your new name, then click Review Change.

Screenshot of Facebook app Name change page with Review Change highlighted

After setting your new name, tap "Review Change."Abigail Abesamis Demarest

7. Enter your Facebook password, then click Save Changes.

How to use a nickname on Facebook

1. Open the Facebook app for iPhone or Android.

2. Tap the Menu icon at the bottom-right of the screen for iPhone, top-right of the screen for Android.

3. Scroll down the list. Tap Settings & Privacy, then Settings.

4. Tap Personal and Account Information.

5. Tap Name.

6. Tap Add a nickname, a birth name. 

Screenshot of Facebook app Name Change page with Nickname option highlighted

Instead of changing your Facebook name, you can enter a nickname that appears on your profile page.Abigail Abesamis Demarest

7. Choose a Name Type (nickname, maiden name, alternate spelling, etc.), enter your name, then tap Save.

Screenshot of Facebook app Nickname page with Name Type highlighted

Set a name type and a secondary name for your Facebook profile.Abigail Abesamis Demarest

Abigail Abesamis Demarest

Abigail Abesamis Demarest is a contributing writer for Insider based in New York. She loves a good glazed donut and nerdy deep dives into the science of food and how it's made. 

How do I change my name on Facebook 2022?

On the Mobile App (Android and iOS) Step 1: Click on the hamburger menu on the mobile app and scroll down to tap on Settings and Privacy. Select Settings from the dropdown menu. Step 2: Go to the Personal Information section and tap on your name to type in the new name. Step 3: Click on Review Change.

Why can't I change my FB name?

You can only change your name every 60 days. Your name doesn't follow our name policy. You changed your name in the last 60 days, or you tried to change it too frequently. You were previously asked to confirm your name on Facebook.