How to change your name on Facebook?

17 Jul, 2021

Facebook is still the #1 social media platform to date. It helps us connect with family, friends, and people across the globe. Moreover, it requires minimal personal information to create a username in a Facebook profile. The names you pick for profiles are important, as they become your identity on this platform.

There are several reasons why you'd want to change your name on Facebook. For example, you have a spelling error, a name change, or you want to add or remove your surname. It's entirely up to you why you want to change your Facebook name. In this article, you'll learn how to do so in a matter of a few minutes.

Here's how to change your name on Facebook

Changing your name on your Facebook profile only takes a few minutes!. But, keep in mind there are several restrictions with changing a username on your Facebook profile. Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to change your name on Facebook:

  1. Open your Facebook account and make sure that you are logged in.

  2. At the upper right corner of your Facebook page, click on the downward-facing triangle icon.

    Change your Name on Facebook (Step 2): Click on the downward-facing triangle-icon to get to the settings

  3. A drop-down menu will appear on your screen. Now click on the "Settings & Privacy" then "Settings".

    Change your Name on Facebook (Step 3): Select "Settings & Privacy"

    Change your Name on Facebook (Step 3): Select "Settings"

  4. You should now be on the general Settings page for your Facebook profile. Click the "Edit"-button, which you will find next to your name.

    Change your Name on Facebook (Step 4): Click "Edit" on the settings page

  5. After clicking "Edit", you will see input fields at the top of the page. You can type in a new username of your Facebook profile.

  6. Then, you will see a "Review Change" option. Click on it.

    Change your Name on Facebook (Step 6): Review your intended change

  7. Check the new name in the prompt to ensure it's what you want. Then, enter your password and press "Save Changes".

    Change your Name on Facebook (Step 7): Confirm and save changes

You have now successfully changed your name on your Facebook profile. Everything else on your Facebook profile will remain unaffected.

How do you change your name on Facebook on your mobile?

This segment will show you how you can change your name on Facebook using the Facebook app. Both Android and iPhone work the same for this guide. The steps are as follows:

  1. Open the Facebook app on your phone.

  2. Click on the three horizontal lines-icon visible in the top right corner of your screen.

    Change your Name on Facebook on your mobile phone (Step 2): Select the three-lines icon to get to the settings

  3. From here, go to the "Settings & Privacy" option and then to the "Settings"-section.

    Change your Name on Facebook on your mobile phone (Step 3): Go to "Settings & Privacy" -> "Settings"

  4. Click on "Personal Information" then "Name".

    Change your Name on Facebook on your mobile phone (Step 4): Select "Personal Information" and then "Name"

  5. Now enter the name that you want your Facebook profile to display.

  6. Tap on the "Review Change"-icon

    Change your Name on Facebook on your mobile phone (Step 6): Click on "Review Change" to proceed

  7. Enter your account password and click "Save Changes" to save your new username.

    Change your Name on Facebook on your mobile phone (Step 7): Enter your current Facebook password and click on "Save Changes"

After saving the new username, you have completed 100% of the steps to change your name on Facebook.

When you change your name on Facebook, note the following:

  • Facebook only allows you to change the name on your Facebook profile once every 60 days. If you change your name on your Facebook profile too frequently, it can take up to 120 days.

  • Facebook requires and expects you to use your real name on your Facebook profile. They permit common nicknames such as Beth for Bethany, Marc for Marcus, or Aly for Alyssa. But, they don't want you to use pseudo names for Facebook profiles. It is against their community guidelines.

  • You risk being banned from Facebook if you use a fake name for your Facebook profile. The company's stated policy on the subject is as follows: "Facebook is a social media platform where everyone uses their real name. As a result, you will always know who you are connecting with."

  • Any photos or posts that had your old name tagged will now have your new name.

Summary

Following the steps above will ensure you'll be able to change your name on your Facebook profile. As long as your Facebook name change adheres to Facebook's regulations, it will not affect your account. Your friends and connections will still be able to interact with you in the same ways they always have.