Changing your name on Facebook is a simple process that can be done right from the Facebook mobile app on your iPhone or Android device. Your Facebook name is the name that appears on your profile and is visible to your friends and followers. Keep reading to learn the step-by-step process for changing your name on the Facebook mobile app.
Why Would I Want to Change My Name on Facebook?
There are a few common reasons you may want to change your name on Facebook:
- You got married or divorced and changed your last name
- You want to use a nickname rather than your full legal name
- Your name has legally changed for another reason (e.g. name change due to gender transition)
- You want to adjust the spelling or formatting of your name
- You want to use a middle name or initial instead of your first name
Facebook allows you to change your name up to 5 times within a 60 day period. After that, you may be required to provide legal documentation to make further name changes. So make sure you choose your new name carefully before making the change!
How Often Can I Change My Facebook Name?
Facebook allows you to change your name up to 5 times within a 60 day period. After you have made 5 name changes within 60 days, Facebook will require you to provide legal documentation to make further changes.
| Number of Name Changes | Time Period |
| Up to 5 name changes | Within 60 days |
| After 5 name changes | Within 60 days |
So make sure you choose your new name carefully before making the change! You don’t want to have to go through the hassle of providing legal documents just because you changed your mind again and want to change your name for a 6th time within 60 days.
Requirements for Changing Your Facebook Name
Here are the requirements Facebook has in place for changing your name:
- You must have an existing Facebook account
- You can only change your name to a real name that you use in everyday life
- You cannot change your name to a business name, fictional name, symbols, emojis, or phrases
- You can only change each part of your name up to 5 times within 60 days
- After 5 name changes within 60 days, legal documentation is required
As long as you meet these requirements, changing your Facebook name is easy breezy from your mobile app. Just follow the steps below!
Step 1: Open the Facebook App
First, open up the Facebook app on your iPhone or Android phone. You’ll need to log into your account if you aren’t already logged in.
Step 2: Go to Your Profile
Once you are in the Facebook app, tap on the three-line menu button in the top right corner. This will open up your profile menu.
Step 3: Tap on your Name
In the profile menu, your name should be shown at the very top. Tap on your name to open up the name change screen.
Step 4: Edit Your Name
This will open up a page that says “Edit Name”. Tap in the text field to edit your existing first and last name. Make whatever changes you want to your name here.
Step 5: Tap “Review Change”
Once you have your new name entered, tap the blue “Review Change” button at the bottom. This will bring up a confirmation screen.
Step 6: Confirm the New Name
Double check that your new name is entered correctly. Then tap the blue “Confirm” button to officially change your Facebook name.
Step 7: Tap “Close”
After confirming the change, tap the “Close” button to finish. The Facebook app will now go back to your profile page, which should show your updated name.
And you’re done!
It’s that simple to change your name on the Facebook mobile app. Your new name will now display across your Facebook profile, posts, marketplace listings, and anywhere else your name appears. If you ever need to change it again in the future, just repeat these steps.
Tips for Changing Your Facebook Name
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when changing your name on Facebook:
- Only change your name to your real, authentic name that you use in everyday life
- Your new name must have at least your first name and last name
- Make sure the name is displayed exactly how you want it – middle names or initials, punctuation, capitalization, etc.
- You can only change each part of your name (first, middle, last) 5 times within 60 days
- Consider using a nickname rather than your full first name if preferred
What Happens When I Change My Facebook Name?
Here is what happens after you change your name on Facebook:
- Your new name will display across your profile, posts, marketplace listings, groups, and everywhere else on Facebook
- Friends and followers will see your new name when they view your profile or posts
- Old posts and past interactions will also show your new name
- You can choose whether to have your new name displayed on your Profile URL
So your new name will now be visible anywhere that previously showed your old name. Most parts of your account and profile will automatically update with your new name.
Does Changing My Facebook Name Affect Messenger?
Yes, changing your name on Facebook also changes your name displayed in Facebook Messenger. Your new name will be visible when chatting with friends in Messenger.
Your Messenger ID itself does not change. But any place your name appeared in Messenger will be updated to show your new Facebook name.
Can I Choose My Profile URL When I Change My Name?
When you change your Facebook name, you have the option to also update your public Profile URL (the web address someone types to access your profile).
For example, if your name changes from Jane Doe to Jane Smith, you can choose to update your Profile URL from:
facebook.com/janedoe
To:
facebook.com/janesmith
This makes it easy for people to find you based on your new name. When going through the name change process, just check the box next to “Use this name for my Profile URL” to update your URL.
What Legal Documents Does Facebook Accept for Name Changes?
As mentioned above, if you try to change your name more than 5 times within 60 days, Facebook will require legal documentation. Here are some of the documents Facebook accepts as proof of your legal name change:
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce decree
- Court order approving a legal name change
- Passport showing your new name
- Drivers license showing your new name
You will need to upload a scanned copy or photo of one of these documents showing your new legal name. Facebook’s support team will then review it and approve your name change if the document is valid.
What if Facebook Rejects My Name Change Request?
In some cases, Facebook may reject your name change request even if you provide legal documents. This can happen if:
- The documents you provide are invalid or cannot be verified
- You try to change your name to something misleading or violating Facebook’s policies
- You appear to be changing your name to impersonate someone else
If this happens, you will receive an email from Facebook explaining why your name change was not approved. You may need to provide different legal documentation that properly verifies your new name.
Can I Change My Name Back to My Previous Name?
If you change your mind later on, you can change your Facebook name back to your previous name. Just go through the name change process again, entering your old name.
Keep in mind this will count as 1 of the 5 possible name changes within 60 days before requiring verification. You can go back and forth between names as long as it’s within the 5 name change limit.
Should I Change My Name on Other Accounts Too?
After changing your Facebook name, it can be a good idea to change your name on other social media platforms and online accounts as well. This helps unify your online identity across the internet with your new moniker.
Some accounts you may want to update include:
- Gmail / Email accounts
Just take a few minutes to browse through the accounts you use most often and change your name where applicable. This ensures consistency and makes it less confusing for friends and followers across platforms.
Conclusion
Changing your name on Facebook is quick and straightforward right from the Facebook mobile app. Just open your profile, edit your name, confirm the new name, and you’re done! The change takes place right away across your Facebook profile and account.
Keep the name change limits and requirements in mind when choosing your new moniker. And don’t be afraid to change it back if you have a change of heart. Feel confident expressing your true identity with your Facebook name!