How to change your name on Facebook in 2024: step-by-step guide

Facebook provides users with the option to change their name on the social media platform. It can be done on any device of your choice, such as an Android mobile phone, iPhone, or laptop/PC. The need to change a Facebook name may arise due to identity changes post-marriage, divorce, legal name correction, or professional rebranding, as well as for privacy/security reasons. Follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to change your name on Facebook via the app or browser.

How to change your name on Facebook on laptops/PC

• Go to facebook.com on your desktop browser and log in (if not done already).
• Click your profile picture in the top right corner of the window.

• Select Settings & Privacy and then, Settings.

• From the Meta Accounts Centre menu on the left, click Personal Details.

• Now, select your Facebook profile that requires name change.

• Click Name.

• Enter the new name and click Review Change.
• Choose the order in which you want your name to appear and tap Done to save.

How to change your name on Facebook on Android phones

• Open the Facebook app on your Android mobile phone.
• Tap the three stacked horizontal lines icon in the top right corner of the screen.
• Scroll down and select Settings & Privacy, then click Settings.
  
• Under the Meta Accounts Centre, select Personal Details.
  
• Now, click Profiles and select the Facebook profile that requires a name change.
  
• Click Name.
  
• Enter the new name and click Review Change.
  
• Choose the order in which you want your name to appear and tap Done to save.

How to change your name on Facebook on iOS

• Open the Facebook app on your iPhone or iPad.

• Tap on Menu in the bottom right corner of the screen.
• Scroll down and select Settings & Privacy, then click Settings.

• Under the Meta Accounts Centre, select Personal Details.

• Now, click Profiles and select the Facebook profile that requires name change.

• Click Name.
• Enter the new name and click Review Change.
• Choose the order in which you want your name to appear and tap Done to save.

How to change your name on Facebook on a mobile browser

• Open the mobile browser of your choice, go to facebook.com and log in.

• Tap the three stacked horizontal lines icon in the top right corner of the window.
• Scroll down the menu and click Settings.

• Under the Meta Accounts Centre, select Personal Details.

• Now, click Profiles and select the Facebook profile that requires name change.
• Click Name.
• Enter the new name and click Review Change.
• Choose the order in which you want your name to appear and tap Done to save.

How to change your name on Facebook using Facebook Lite app

• Open the Facebook Lite app on your mobile phone.
• Tap the three stacked horizontal lines icon in the top right corner of the window.
  
• Scroll down the menu and click Settings.
  
• Under the Account section, select Personal and Account Information.
  
• Now, click Edit and beside the Name section
  
• Enter the new name and click Review Change.
  
• Choose the order in which you want your name to appear and tap Done to save.

QUICK TIP: If you’re having trouble changing your name using the above-mentioned steps, fill out this online form to notify Facebook of the issue and update your name.

Guidelines to change your name on Facebook

It is worth mentioning that Facebook has put together certain rules when it comes to changing your profile name. To begin with, the site requires you to pick a name that you go by on an everyday basis. While it doesn’t have to be your full legal name, it has to be one that your friends and family can identify you with say your married name, birth name, or a variation of your real name (like Sam instead of Sameer).

Note: In case your name is unusual, the site may ask you to submit a copy of a government ID or any other document under Facebook’s approved ID list for confirmation.

There are several other criteria as to what type of name you can or cannot use. Here are the essential points that you need to keep in mind when changing your Facebook name.

• Your name cannot include symbols, numbers, punctuation, unusual capitalization, or repeating characters.
• Your name cannot have characters from multiple languages.
• You cannot use titles of any kind (be it professional, religious, etc.) before your name.
• You cannot use words or phrases in place of a name.
• Offensive or suggestive words of any kind are strictly prohibited.
• Names that represent a business, organization, or idea cannot be used. Facebook profile is meant for individual use only; you can create a page for anything else.
• Your name must not impersonate anything or anyone.

Other than these, it is important to note that you can only change your Facebook name once every 60 days. While these guidelines may seem strict, they are imperative for protecting users against online scams, phishing attacks, threats, and more.

FAQs

Why can’t I change my name on Facebook?

If you’re unable to change your name on Facebook, there is a possibility that your new name doesn’t adhere to the site’s official name-changing policy. Also, Facebook will not allow you to change your name if you’ve already made a change in the last 60 days or tried to change it too frequently. Other reasons why you may not be able to change your Facebook name are if you were previously asked to confirm your name and you didn’t or if your name doesn’t match the name that appears on any of the documents on the ID list.

What to do if Facebook rejects my new name?

In case Facebook rejects your new name, you can always submit a copy of your ID like a birth certificate or passport as proof that you aren’t violating the guidelines.

Is there an option to add more than one name on Facebook?

Facebook does allow you to include one of the following additional names on your profile: Nickname, Maiden name, Alternative spelling, Married name, Father’s name, Birth name, Former name, and Name with title.

All you need to do is follow the same steps as mentioned above and when the option to put in a new name appears, scroll down and click on Manage Other Names. Choose the type of name, enter the name, select where you’d like the name to appear, and hit Save.

Can I change my middle name only?

Yes, you do get an option to change just the middle name on Facebook.

How long does the name change take to reflect?

It may take up to 3 days for the name change application to be reviewed. Once it is approved, the change should be reflected.

How often can I change my name on Facebook?

You can change the name on Facebook every 60 days.