How to Change the Name of a Facebook Business Page

Looking to switch up your Facebook Business Page name but not sure where to start? Whether you’re going through a full rebrand, fixing a typo, or optimizing your name for better visibility, making the change is a straightforward process when you know the steps. This article will walk you through exactly how to update your page name, explain Facebook's rules to avoid rejection, and outline the important next steps to take after your new name is approved.

Why Change Your Facebook Page Name?

Your Facebook Page name is often the first thing a potential follower or customer sees. It's a core part of your online identity. Over time, businesses evolve, and your Page name might need to evolve with it. There are several common reasons why you might need to make a change:

• Rebranding: This is the most common reason. If your business has a new name, logo, or overall brand identity, your Facebook Page name must reflect that for consistency.
• Business Name Change: Your official business name might have changed for legal reasons, and social media profiles need to be updated to match.
• Clarity and Specialization: Maybe your original name was too broad. Changing it to something more specific can better communicate what you do. For example, changing from "Jen's Bakeshop" to "Jen's Gluten-Free Bakeshop" instantly qualifies your audience.
• Fixing a Mistake: Typos happen! Sometimes that's the only reason, and it's a perfectly valid one for requesting a change.
• Better SEO & Discoverability: You might want to add a keyword to your name to help people find you more easily through Facebook search. Changing from "The Corner Cafe" to "The Corner Cafe Austin" can help localize your business.

Before You Start: Facebook’s Rules and Restrictions

Facebook has guidelines in place to prevent misuse, spam, and deception. Before you submit your name change request, it’s necessary to understand these rules to greatly increase your chances of first-try approval. Failure to follow them is the top reason requests get denied.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Admin Access is Required: You must be a Page Admin to request a name change. Editors, Moderators, and other roles do not have this permission.
• Honesty and Accuracy: Your Page name must accurately reflect what the page is about. Drastically changing the name to something completely unrelated (e.g., from "Happy Paws Dog Grooming" to "Best Auto Insurance Deals") will likely be rejected because it's misleading to your existing followers.
• Formatting Rules: Facebook is strict about formatting. Your name cannot include:
  • Abusive capitalization (e.g., "hapPY paWS"). Normal title case or sentence case is fine.
  • Excessive punctuation (!!!) or unnecessary special characters (@, #, %).
  • Generic terms like "Beer" or "Pizza." It must be the name of a specific entity.
  • Slogans or descriptive phrases instead of a name (e.g., "We Sell The Best Coffee In Town").
  • Variations of the word "Facebook" or "Meta."
  • The word "Official" unless it’s an official, verified page for a public figure, brand, or organization.
• The Review Process: Facebook reviews most name change requests. This process can be instant if it's a minor change, or it could take up to three business days. You’ll be notified once a decision is made.
• Communication with Followers: Don't be surprised! Facebook will notify your followers that your Page name has been changed. This is for transparency purposes and cannot be turned off.
• Waiting Period: Once you successfully change your name, you cannot change it again for 7 days. Additionally, if you were recently made an admin, you may have to wait a period of time before you can request a name change.

How to Change Your Facebook Business Page Name (Step-by-Step)

The process of changing your page name is slightly different depending on whether you’re using a desktop computer or a mobile device. Because Facebook's interface frequently updates, these steps reflect the most common paths found in Meta Business Suite and the classic Facebook layout. If you can't find an option, look for similar wording like "Edit Page Info" or "Page Settings."

On a Desktop Computer:

Using a desktop is often the easiest way to access all your page settings in one place.

1. Navigate to Your Page: Log in to Facebook and go to the Business Page you want to update. Make sure you are interacting as your Page, not your personal profile.
2. Access Page Settings: Look for a "Settings" option on the left-hand menu. If you’re automatically in Meta Business Suite, you might need to click "All tools" and then find 'Page Settings'. Alternatively, you can often find a shortcut like "Edit details" on your Page’s main view.
3. Edit Your Name: In the 'General Page Settings' tab, the first option you see should be your Name. Click the 'Edit' link next to your current page name.
4. Enter Your New Name: A box will appear where you can type in your new desired name. Carefully check for any typos before proceeding. Remember all of Facebook's formatting rules.
5. Request the Change: After entering the new name, click "Request Change." A confirmation window will appear explaining the review process and reminding you that the change will be visible on your page. Click "Request Change" again to submit it.

On the Facebook Mobile App / Meta Business Suite App:

The process on mobile is similar, but the menus look different.

1. Open the App and Go To Your Page: Launch the Facebook app or the Meta Business Suite app and switch to your Business Page identity. Make sure you are acting as your page.
2. Find Settings or Edit Info: Tap your profile picture or the main menu icon. You'll then need to look for an option like "Settings" or "Edit Page." The page settings icon is often a gear shape.
3. Edit Your Page Info: From there, select "Page Info." This section contains your Page Name, Category, contact details, and more.
4. Tap and edit Your Name: Tap on your current page name. This will open a field where you can type in your new desired name.
5. Save Changes / Request Change: Tap "Save" or "Continue" to submit your request. Facebook will then review the change.

What to Do if Your Request Is Rejected

Receiving a denial can be frustrating, but it's usually for an easy-to-fix reason. Most of the time, Facebook will provide a brief explanation for the rejection. Here are common steps to take:

• Review the Naming Guidelines: Double-check your new name against the rules mentioned earlier. The most common offenders are improper capitalization, slogans, or symbols in the name.
• Submit an Appeal with Proof: Occasionally, for legal business name changes, Facebook may request official documentation. If this is your case, you might see an appeal link in the rejection notification. Be prepared to provide evidence like a business license or utility bill with the new name.
• Make a Gradual Change: If you're completely rebranding, try changing the name in smaller steps. For example, if going from "Sandy's Crafts" to "Clara's Home Goods," first try changing it to "Sandy's Crafts & Home Goods." After the change is accepted, wait a week and then change it to "Clara's Home Goods." This approach is less jarring to your followers and may be less likely to get flagged as misleading.

After You Change Your Name: Essential Next Steps

Congratulations on your approved name change! But don’t stop there. To maintain a strong brand presence, there are a few important post-change tasks to complete as soon as possible.

Update Your Username (Vanity URL)

This is a big one. Your Facebook Page URL (e.g., facebook.com/YourOldName) is also called your "vanity URL." You should change this to match your new name as closely as possible. A consistent name and URL makes it easier for people to find you and makes your URL much more shareable. You can also do this in the "General Page Settings."

Announce the Change

Let your audience know what's changed and why! Craft a simple post with your new logo or brand image explaining the change. This not only prevents confusion but also makes your followers feel like part of your brand's journey.

Update Your Other Assets

Your Facebook page is likely just one piece of your marketing puzzle. Remember to update your name on:

• Your website and blog
• All other social media profiles (Instagram, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.)
• Email signatures
• Business cards and any other physical printed materials

Check Your Links and Tags

If you regularly linked to your old Facebook vanity URL in marketing materials or on your website, be sure to update them. And if your new name is significantly different, keep an eye on the hashtags you're using in your content.

Final Thoughts

Changing your Facebook Page name is more about following the rules and being patient than it is about technical complexity. By understanding Facebook's guidelines and taking a few strategic next steps post-change, you can ensure a smooth transition that supports your brand's growth.

Once you get the new name in place, consistent content is key to building momentum. Using a visual calendar to plan and schedule your content across all platforms can make staying organized and on-brand much easier during a transition. A tool like Postbase can be incredibly useful, as it helps you see your whole content strategy at a glance and keep your brand's presence strong and consistent.