Did you recently get married or change your name? Or do you simply prefer a different way to be addressed online? Whatever the case may be, your socials should reflect who you are.
Facebook allows you to modify your profile name, but navigating the process can be confusing. If you’re ready to take that step, we’ll show you how to change your name on Facebook, along with some other handy tips you won’t find elsewhere!
Changing Your Name on Facebook
Facebook offers different interfaces for mobile app users and desktop users. Here’s how to change your name on both:
Using the Mobile App (Android and iOS)
Step 1: Log in to your Facebook account using the app.
Step 2: Tap the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner.
Step 3: Scroll down and press Settings & Privacy.
Step 4: Select Settings.
Step 5: Go to the Accounts Center section and press See more in Accounts Center.
Step 6: Choose the profile you want to change the name for, then tap Name.
Step 7: Enter your desired first name, middle name (optional) and last name.
Step 8: Preview the changes by pressing the Review Change button.
Step 9: Press Save Changes.
Step 10: You may have to re-enter your Facebook password for confirmation.
Using the Desktop Browser
Step 1: Go to your Facebook profile page on a web browser.
Step 2: Click the downward arrow in the top right corner and select Settings & Privacy.
Step 3: Choose Settings.
Step 4: Press General in the left menu.
Step 5: Under Account Settings, find Name and click Edit.
Step 6: Enter your desired first name, middle name (optional) and last name.
Step 7: Preview the changes using the View Name Change button
Step 8: Click Review Change.
Step 9: Re-enter your password.
Step 10: Click Save Changes.
Crucial Considerations
While changing your Facebook name might seem like a simple update, it can affect your profile. Here are some important considerations you should keep in mind before you hit Save Changes.
Facebook’s Name Policy
- Acceptable Names: Facebook enforces guidelines for acceptable names. This means avoiding:
- Nicknames instead of full names: Your name on Facebook should match your full legal name.
- Symbols or unusual capitalization: Steer clear of excessive punctuation, symbols or strange capitalization patterns in your name, as they might violate Facebook’s community standards.
- Offensive language: Choose a name that doesn’t contain profanity or offensive terms.
- Frequency of Changes: Facebook allows users to change their displayed names only once every 60 days.
Other Changes To Your Profile
- Middle Name Management: You can edit your middle name if it’s changed or you simply want to include it on your profile.
- Adding a Nickname or Birth Name: You can add a nickname or birth name that appears on your profile in addition to your legal name. Here’s how you can do it. This can be useful if you’re known by a different name in certain circles but still want to maintain your real name on the platform.
- Accidental Name Change Woes: Made a typo or have second thoughts? You can revert an accidental name change within a limited timeframe.
Thinking Beyond Your Facebook Profile
- Tagged Posts and Mentions: Your Facebook name change might not automatically update older posts or comments where you’re tagged with your previous name. This can lead to confusion for yourself and others, so you might need to manually edit these tags or politely request the person who tagged you to update them with your new name.
- Saved Login Information: Some websites or apps might store your Facebook login information, which could include your old name. After changing your name, it’s a good idea to check these websites and update your login credentials if necessary to avoid potential login problems on those platforms.
- Notifications and Transparency: While Facebook won’t send a notification to all your friends about your name change, it may send notifications to some of your connections based on your interactions. Friends you frequently message or comment with are the most likely to get a notification. You can send a direct message to your friends to let them know or announce the name change through a post.
- International Considerations: The process or guidelines for name changes might differ slightly depending on your location. Facebook operates under various regional regulations. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the name change process specific to your country, the best approach is to consult your region’s Facebook Help Center.
By carefully considering these points, you can approach your Facebook name change with confidence, avoiding common pitfalls and ensuring a smooth transition for yourself and your connections on the platform.
Things To Avoid During Name Change
- Phrases instead of your actual name.
- Multiple languages.
- Offensive words or religious symbols.
- Unusual capitalization or characters.
- Titles such as Mr., Mrs. and others.
- Expletives and suggestive words.
You can additionally check Facebook’s name standards to know more.
What Happens if You Don’t Adhere to the Guidelines?
If you accidentally or purposely violate Facebook’s name-change guidelines, the platform might require name and identity confirmation for you to continue using your account. During this process, you’re locked out of your Facebook account until you provide identity documentation like a passport and driver’s license and your case is approved.
If, after following these steps and ensuring your name adheres to Facebook’s guidelines, you still encounter any issues with your name change, you can get help from Facebook directly using this support form.
FAQs
Here are some important name-change guidelines to keep in mind:
- Your new name must match the name you commonly use in everyday life and your official ID.
- Personal profiles are intended for individual use only. Businesses, organizations or other entities should have a separate professional or business page.
- Avoid impersonating or pretending to be someone else.
You can learn more about what proof of identity Facebook accepts here.
If your name change is due to marriage, divorce or other legal situation, Facebook offers a dedicated process that might involve submitting legal documentation as proof. Visit the Facebook Help Center for details on handling name changes associated with legal proceedings.
Facebook may require verification during a name change, especially if the change is significant or doesn’t align with public records. This typically involves uploading a government-issued ID, such as your driving license or passport, to confirm your name.
Here are the steps to change your Facebook page name:
- Log in to your Facebook page as an admin.
- Click on Settings in the bottom left corner.
- Press General.
- Click on the Edit button next to your page name.
- Enter the new name and make sure it meets Facebook’s business or professional page guidelines.
- Review the name change.
- Click Request Change.
Facebook may take up to three days to approve the name change.
There could be a few reasons why you’re unable to change the name of your Facebook page:
- Admin Access: Only admins have the ability to edit the page name. If you’re not able to change the page name, check to see that you have admin access.
- Recent Update: Facebook enables page name changes once every seven days. If an admin recently changed the page name, you’ll need to wait before requesting again.
- Policy Violations: If your page or any admins associated with it have violated Facebook’s community standards, the ability to edit the name might be restricted until the issue is resolved.
- Go to your Facebook profile.
- Select Settings & Privacy in the top right corner.
- Press Settings.
- Go to the Accounts Center section and press See more in Accounts Center.
- Choose the profile you want to change the username for, then tap Name.
- Enter your new username and check for availability.
- Press Save Changes.
Final Thoughts
After you follow these steps on how to change your name on Facebook, remember there’s a 60-day waiting period before you can change your name again. So, double-check your new profile name and make sure it complies with Facebook’s guidelines before saving the changes.
Do you know any other tips which may help with the name-changing process on Facebook? Let us know in the comments!