How to Change Your Display Name on Facebook

Thinking about changing your name on Facebook? Whether you're updating it after a life event, switching to a more professional moniker, or just tidying up your personal brand, the process is straightforward once you know the steps. This guide walks you through exactly how to change your Facebook display name on both desktop and mobile, and just as importantly, covers Facebook's rules so your request goes through without a hitch.

Before You Change Your Name: What You Need to Know

Changing your name might seem simple, but Facebook has a few guidelines in place to prevent spam, impersonation, and confusion. Running through these before you start will save you a potential headache later.

Facebook's Name Standards Explained

Facebook wants your profile name to be the name you use in everyday life. This doesn't mean it has to be your full legal name from your birth certificate, but it should be authentic to you. Here's a quick rundown of what is and isn't allowed:

• No Symbols, Numbers, or Gimmicks: Your name can't include symbols (@, #, %), numbers (JaneDoe123), unusual capitalization (jAnE dOe), repeating characters (Janeee), or punctuation. Stick to letters.
• No Titles or Professional Suffixes: You can't add titles of any kind, professional or otherwise. This includes things like "Dr. Jane Doe," "Jane Doe, PhD," "Captain Bob," or "Jessica 'The Boss' Smith."
• No Offensive or Suggestive Words: This one is self-explanatory. Any name containing words or phrases that violate Facebook’s Community Standards will be rejected.
• Use Your Authentic Name: The name should represent you. This can be your real name or a variation you're known by (e.g., using "Mike" instead of "Michael"). Impersonating someone else is a direct violation and can get your account suspended.

If you have multiple first or last names, Facebook generally allows for that. The goal is simply authenticity. If you're looking for more general guidance on how to change your account name across the platform, read our guide on how to change your Facebook account name.

The 60-Day Rule You Can't Ignore

This is the most important rule to remember: Once you change your name, you cannot change it again for 60 days.

There are no exceptions to this rule. It's an automated security measure to stop people from rapidly changing their identity to mislead others or evade blocks. Before you click "Save Changes," triple-check for typos or mistakes in your new name. If you make an error, you will be stuck with it for two months. Think carefully about the name you want to use long-term.

What Happens After a Name Change?

When you update your name, it will change universally across your personal profile. You will see your new name on:

• Your profile header.
• Your posts and comments (past and future).
• Your replies in Messenger (though existing chat history might retain the old name).
• The way friends see you in their friend lists.
• Any tags of your profile.

Essentially, your old name is replaced everywhere. Friends might be briefly confused if the change is significant, so you may want to post a heads-up about it. To learn more about building a strong online identity, explore our tips on how to brand yourself on social media.

How to Change Your Facebook Name: A Step-by-Step Guide for Desktop

If you're at your computer, changing your name only takes a minute. Here is the process using Facebook’s updated interface with the Meta Accounts Center.

1. Log In and Open Settings: Go to Facebook.com. In the top-right corner of the screen, click on the downward-pointing arrow or your profile picture. From the dropdown menu, select Settings & Privacy, and then click Settings.
2. Go to the Meta Accounts Center: On the left-hand menu, you’ll see a large blue box for the Meta Accounts Center. If it's not immediately apparent, you should see "See more in Accounts Center". Click on this link. This is the new central hub for managing your identity across Facebook and Instagram.
3. Select Your Profile: Inside the Accounts Center, you'll see a section at the top called "Profiles" with your connected accounts. Click on the profile you want to change (the one with your Facebook name).
4. Navigate to the Name Section: On the next screen, you’ll see a list of options like Name, Username, Profile Picture, and Avatar. Click on Name.
5. Enter Your New Name: You will see fields for First, Middle (optional), and Last name. Type your new name into the appropriate fields. Remember to follow the name standards mentioned earlier - no strange characters or titles.
6. Review and Confirm: After entering your new name, click the blue Review Change button. A pop-up will appear showing you previews of your new name (e.g., "Jane Smith" or "Smith Jane"). Select the format you prefer. You will also see a reminder about the 60-day rule. If you are happy with how it looks, enter your Facebook password to confirm your identity and click Save Changes.

That's it! Your name will update immediately across the platform.

How to Change Your Facebook Name on Mobile (iOS and Android)

The vast majority of Facebook users access the platform via their phones. The process is just as easy on the app, following a similar path through the Meta Accounts Center.

1. Open the App and Access the Menu: Launch the Facebook app. Tap on the menu icon located in the bottom-right corner (it looks like three horizontal lines, often called a "hamburger" icon).
2. Find Your Settings: Scroll down the menu until you see Settings & Privacy. Tap it to expand the options, then tap on Settings.
3. Open the Accounts Center: Just like on desktop, the first thing you'll see at the top is the Meta Accounts Center. Tap anywhere in this box to enter.
4. Choose Your Profile: Tap on the Profiles section at the top, just below your name.
5. Select your Facebook Profile: Tap the account labeled with your Facebook profile and your name.
6. Tap "Name": On the next screen, tap on the Name option.
7. Update and Review: Enter your new First, Middle (optional), and Last names. Tap the Review Change button. You'll be shown a preview and the 60-day warning. Choose how you want your name to be displayed, enter your password to confirm, and tap Save Changes.

Your name is now updated and will be reflected everywhere you interact on Facebook from your mobile device.

Troubleshooting: What if Your Name Change Request Is Denied?

Sometimes, Facebook rejects a name change request. It's almost always for a specific, fixable reason. Here are the most common roadblocks and what to do about them.

Common Reasons for Rejection

• Your Name Broke the Rules: The most frequent reason for denial is that the proposed name doesn't meet the name standards (e.g., you added a symbol, used all caps, or included a title). Double-check the rules above and try again with a compliant name.
• You Changed It Too Recently: If it has been less than 60 days since your last name change, your request will be automatically denied. You will have to wait until the 60-day period is over.
• You Haven't Verified Your Identity: In some cases, especially if the name is unusual or has been flagged, Facebook may ask you to confirm your identity by uploading a government-issued ID. If you receive this request, your name change won't be approved until you complete the verification process. Look for notifications in your Support Inbox for instructions. For a detailed guide, see our article on how to verify your Facebook account.

If you genuinely believe your name should have been approved and follows all policies, you can appeal. You can usually find a link to "learn more" or "request a review" on the screen where the name was denied. This will typically take you to a form where you can explain your situation and potentially provide documentation.

Personal Profile vs. Business Page Name

It's important to clarify one last point: this entire guide is for changing the name on your personal Facebook profile.

A Facebook Business Page is a separate entity and has a different set of rules for its name. A Page name can be a brand, a store name, a public figure title, or an organization. Changing a Page name is a different process that's done through the Page's settings. If you're managing a brand, you might want to know how to change a Facebook Page name to keep your branding consistent. For those looking to set up a new presence, we also have a guide on how to create a Facebook Page.

For entrepreneurs and creators, your personal brand and business brand might be intertwined. Maybe you use your personal profile to network and build community. Keeping your display name professional, recognizable, and consistent with your other social profiles (like LinkedIn or Threads) is a smart way to maintain a cohesive brand identity. To learn more about converting your profile, check out our guide on how to change your Facebook profile to a page.

Final Thoughts

Updating your name on Facebook takes just a few clicks from any device, as long as you work within their guidelines. The two biggest takeaways are to be mindful of the name standards to avoid rejection and to be absolutely sure of your new name before you commit, thanks to that 60-day lock-in period.

Beyond just your name, keeping your brand identity consistent across all platforms is essential for organic growth. That's why we created Postbase, with its simple visual calendar and robust scheduling tools. It helps us see our entire content strategy at a glance, ensuring our messaging and branding - from profile pictures to published posts - are perfectly aligned everywhere without making things complicated.

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