How to Change Your Name on Facebook

Edited 1 week ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Changing your name on Facebook is a simple process, but there are some rules and guidelines you need to follow. This guide will walk you through the steps to change your name on Facebook in a detailed and easy to understand way.

Why change your name on Facebook?

There are many reasons why you might want to change your name on Facebook. You may have legally changed your name, gotten married, or simply want to use a different name to better represent your identity. Whatever your reason, Facebook allows you to change your name, provided you follow their guidelines.

Facebook's name policy

Before you change your name on Facebook, it's important to know their name policy. Facebook expects users to use the name they go by in their everyday lives. This is so people know who they're connecting with. Here are some general guidelines:

• Your name must include your first name and last name.
• You cannot use symbols, numbers, unusual capitalization, repeated letters, or punctuation marks.
• You cannot use characters from multiple languages.
• You cannot use any type of title (e.g. professional, religious).
• Do not say any offensive or vulgar words.

Steps to change your name on Facebook

Follow these simple steps to change your name on Facebook:

Step 1: Log in to your Facebook account

First, you need to log in to your Facebook account. Open your web browser and go to the Facebook homepage. Enter your email or phone number and your password, then click the "Log In" button.

Step 2: Go to Facebook Settings

Once you're logged in, click the downward arrow in the upper-right corner of the screen. This will open a drop-down menu. From the menu, click "Settings and Privacy," then select "Settings." This will take you to the general account settings page.

Step 3: Edit your name

On the general account settings page, you will see your name at the top. Next to your name, there is an "Edit" button. Click this button to change your name.

Step 4: Enter your new name

After clicking the "Edit" button, a form will appear where you can enter your new name. There will be separate fields for your first name, middle name (if you want to add one) and last name. Enter your new name in the appropriate fields.

Example:
First name: John
Middle name: Michael
Last name: Doe

After entering your new name, click the "Review Changes" button. This will allow you to see how your new name will look on your profile.

Step 5: Choose how your name will appear

After you click "Review Change," Facebook will show you a preview of how your name will appear. You will have several options for how your name is displayed. Choose the option you prefer.

Example:
Display as: John Doe
Display as: John Michael Doe

Choose the version of your name that suits you best, and then click "Save Changes."

Step 6: Enter your password

For security reasons, Facebook will ask you to enter your password to confirm the name change. Enter your password in the field provided and click "Save Changes."

Step 7: Wait while Facebook reviews your name change

After you submit your name change, Facebook may review it to make sure it complies with their policies. This process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days. Once Facebook approves your new name, it will be updated on your profile.

Additional considerations

Here are some additional things to keep in mind when changing your name on Facebook:

• You can change your name only once in 60 days.
• If Facebook rejects your name change request, you will receive a notification explaining the reason.
• You can add a nickname, birth name, or other name to your profile by going to the "Details about you" section in your profile settings.
• If you're having trouble changing your name, you may need to provide identification to verify your name.

Changing your name on the Facebook mobile app

You can also change your name using the Facebook mobile app. The process is similar to the desktop version, but there are some minor differences in navigation. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Open the Facebook app

Open the Facebook app on your mobile device and log in if you aren't already logged in.

Step 2: Go to the menu

Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the upper-right corner (for Android) or lower-right corner (for iOS) of the screen to open the menu. Scroll down and tap “Settings and Privacy,” then select “Settings.”

Step 3: Edit your name

In the Account Settings section, tap "Personal Info." Then, tap "Name" to edit your name. Enter your new first name, middle name (if any), and last name, and then tap "Review Changes" to see a preview of your new name.

Step 4: Confirm your name

Choose the version of your name you want to display, enter your password, and then tap "Save Changes." Your name change request will be submitted for review.

Troubleshooting common problems

Here are some common problems people encounter when trying to change their name on Facebook, and their solutions:

Problem: Name change not allowed

If Facebook doesn't allow you to change your name, it may be because:

• Violating the naming policy (e.g., using symbols or numbers).
• Changing your name repeatedly.
• Your account is under review or restricted.

Solution: Review the name policy, make sure you comply with it, and try again after 60 days if you recently changed your name.

Problem: Name change rejected

If Facebook rejects your name change request, you'll receive a notification. The rejection may occur for the following reasons:

• Non-compliance with name policy.
• Names that appear fake or do not follow guidelines.

Solution: Review their response, make the necessary changes and submit the request again. If necessary, contact Facebook Support for further assistance.

Issue: Name cannot be changed after marriage

Newlyweds often face difficulty in changing their name due to the following reasons:

• Do not wait until 60 days after the last name change.
• Name has not been updated to reflect real-life usage.

Solution: Make sure your new last name follows the guidelines and that you've waited 60 days after the last name change.

Conclusion

Changing your name on Facebook is a straightforward process if you follow the guidelines and steps in this guide. Remember that Facebook wants you to use the name you go by in your everyday life, and they have policies in place to maintain that standard. Make sure your new name follows the rules, and you should have no problem updating it to reflect your identity.

If you run into any problems or need further assistance, Facebook provides help and support through their Help Center, where you can find additional resources and contact their support team.

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