How to Change Your Name on Facebook (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)

Maybe you got married, adopted a preferred name, or simply typed a typo when you first signed up years ago. Whatever the reason, changing your name on Facebook takes only a minute — but Facebook does enforce some rules and a waiting period you'll want to know about first. This guide covers what names are allowed, the exact steps on desktop and mobile, and what to do if your change gets rejected.

Facebook's name rules

Facebook wants profiles to use the name people know you by, so it blocks anything that looks fake or promotional. Before you edit, make sure your new name follows the basics:

• No symbols, numbers, or unusual capitalization, and no repeated punctuation.
• No titles of any kind (like "Dr." or "Prof.") built into the name field.
• No words, phrases, or offensive terms in place of a name.
• Nothing that impersonates someone else.

If you want to display a maiden name, professional name, or nickname, Facebook lets you add those separately rather than cramming them into your main name.

How to change your name on desktop

1. Log in at facebook.com and go to Settings & privacy → Settings.
2. Open Accounts Center, then Personal details.
3. Select Name, and edit your first, middle, and last name.
4. Review the preview of how your name will appear.
5. Click Review change, enter your password, and save.

How to change your name in the mobile app (Android and iPhone)

1. Open the Facebook app and tap the menu (three lines).
2. Tap Settings & privacy → Settings.
3. Open Accounts Center → Personal details → Name.
4. Edit your name, then tap to review the change.
5. Enter your password to confirm and save.

The 60-day waiting period

Here's the catch most people don't expect: after you change your name, Facebook locks the field for 60 days before you can change it again. This is meant to stop rapid back-and-forth edits, so double-check your spelling and capitalization before you save. If you make a mistake, you may have to wait out the full period before correcting it.

What if your name change is rejected

If your new name breaks the rules or trips Facebook's automated checks, the change will be declined. When that happens, revisit the guidelines above and remove anything that looks non-standard. For legitimate names that keep getting rejected — including names with uncommon spellings — Facebook may ask you to confirm your identity by uploading a photo of an accepted ID. Your ID is used only to verify the name and is deleted afterward.

Adding a nickname or alternate name

If you don't want to replace your name but would like people to find you by another one, add it in the "Nickname, birth name, or other name" section of your profile's About page. You can choose to show it alongside your main name — handy for maiden names, professional names, or the name friends actually call you. This avoids the 60-day lock since your primary name stays the same.

Frequently asked questions

How often can I change my Facebook name?

Once every 60 days. After a change, the name field is locked until that period passes.

Why won't Facebook accept my name?

Usually because it contains symbols, numbers, titles, or extra words, or because it triggered an authenticity check. Clean it up to match the rules, and verify your ID if prompted.

Will changing my name affect my friends or posts?

No. Your friends, photos, and posts stay exactly the same — only the name displayed on your profile updates.

Can I add a maiden name without changing my main name?

Yes. Add it as an alternate name in the About section so people can still find you, while your primary name stays put.

Final thoughts

Changing your Facebook name is a two-minute task once you know the rules: use a real, symbol-free name, edit it through Accounts Center on desktop or mobile, and confirm with your password. Just spell it carefully — the 60-day lock means mistakes stick around. And if you only want people to recognize an additional name, the alternate-name field is the flexible, lock-free option.