How to change your name on Facebook

New relationships, jobs, hobbies – big or small, your life is always changing. And when changes happen, you may want to let the world know through your social media. But what if the new and exciting thing in your life is a name change?

Facebook is one of the top social media platforms for connecting with friends and family. Of course, they need to be able to find you to add you as a friend. So, if you change your name, you probably want to update your Facebook account.

Facebook requires you to use your “real name” when you create an account. But there are many reasons you might want to switch up your Facebook name during your account’s lifetime, from a change in marital status to a simple typo.

Wondering how to change your name on Facebook? Don't sweat it – we can help. Read on to learn everything you need to know about switching up your moniker on the platform.

What’s Facebook's name change policy?

Facebook is well known for its “real name” policy. According to Facebook, “the name on your profile should be the name that your friends call you in everyday life.” This means the name that appears on a piece of ID or a frequently used nickname, like “Bob” for “Robert.”

Despite these strict guidelines, changing the name on your profile is a simple process. You don’t need to use your full legal name, but there are rules you must follow.

Facebook names cannot include:

1. Symbols, numbers, nonstandard capitalization, repeating characters, or punctuation.
2. Characters from more than one language.
3. Titles of any kind (whether professional, religious, or otherwise).
4. Words or phrases instead of a name.
5. Words or phrases that go against Facebook's Community Standards.
6. Words or phrases that represent organizations instead of people. Facebook Profiles are for individuals, while Pages are for businesses, organizations, and ideas.

How long do you have to wait to change your name on Facebook?

Facebook only allows a name change once every 60 days. You should always use a name that appears on an ID or document from Facebook’s ID list in case the platform demands name and identity confirmation should you become locked out of your account.

In some cases, you may be able to use a workaround to change your name in less than 60 days. Here’s how:

1. Take a screenshot of your profile with the incorrect name.
2. From the Facebook mobile app, go to “Settings & Privacy,” then “Settings.”
3. Tap on “Account Settings, then “Personal Information.”
4. Select “Name.”
5. Tap on “Learn More.”
6. Scroll down and select “Fill out this form.”
7. Enter your desired Facebook name and select a reason for the name change from the drop-down menu.
8. Upload the profile screenshot you took in Step 1.
9. Submit your request and check back in a few hours to see if it’s been approved.

How to change your name on Facebook

With a few conditions, Facebook will allow you to change the name on your profile, add a nickname as a middle name, and more. There are two easy ways you can edit your name on Facebook: using the app or the website.

Here’s how to change your name on a desktop browser:

1. Log in to Facebook. Click the downward arrow at the top-right of the screen.
2. Click “Settings & Privacy,” then “Settings.”
3. Click “Name.”
4. Enter your new name, then select “Review Change.”
5. Enter your Facebook password, then click “Save Changes.”

Here’s how to change your name on Facebook on the mobile app (Android or iOS):

1. Open the Facebook app on your phone and log in.
2. Tap the “Menu” icon at the bottom-right of the screen for iPhone and the top-right for Android.
3. Scroll down the menu and select “Settings & Privacy,” then “Settings.”
4. Tap “Personal and Account Information” and then select “Name.”
5. Enter your new name, then click “Review Change.”
6. Enter your Facebook password, then tap “Save Changes.”

How to add a nickname to your Facebook profile

If you want to give a new nickname a spin, Facebook allows you to add a second name to your Facebook profile without initiating a full name change. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your Facebook account on mobile or desktop.
2. Navigate to “Settings & Privacy,” then select “Settings” and “Personal Information.”
3. Choose “Name.”
4. Click “Add a nickname, a birth name.” Choose the option of your choice.
5. Type in the name.
6. Choose if you want this name displayed on your Facebook profile.
7. Click on “Save Changes.”

Discover more about Facebook with Linktree

Facebook has 2.93 billion monthly active users waiting to discover you. And name changes are far from Facebook’s only feature. Linktree can keep you updated on other social tips and tricks – check out our blog to learn new skills, like how to share your Facebook page link.

Your name isn’t the only way to make the most of your profile. Adding a Linktree to your Facebook redirects your followers to other platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and a personal website in just a few characters. Join Linktree today!