There are a few reasons why you may not be able to change your name on the Facebook app:
Your Account is Restricted
If your account is temporarily restricted by Facebook, you won’t be able to make any changes to your profile, including changing your name. This restriction is usually triggered if Facebook detects suspicious activity or if you’ve violated their terms of service. The restriction is temporary and your ability to edit your profile will be restored after a period of time, ranging from a few hours to a few days.
You’ve Changed Your Name Recently
Facebook limits the number of times you can change your name within a certain time period. If you’ve already changed your name once or twice recently, you may have to wait a while before you can do it again. This limit is in place to prevent abuse and confusion from people changing their name too frequently.
You’re Using the Lite App
The Facebook Lite app has limited functionality compared to the main Facebook app. Changing your name is one of the features that’s disabled in the Lite version. If you want to change your name, you’ll have to do it using the full Facebook app for smartphones or by accessing Facebook through the desktop website.
There’s an Issue With Your App
In some cases, a bug or glitch in the Facebook app itself may be preventing you from changing your name. Try closing and relaunching the app or updating to the latest version of the app. If you’re still unable to change your name, the issue is likely on Facebook’s end and you’ll have to wait for them to fix it.
You Haven’t Verified Your Account
Facebook requires you to verify your account before letting you change your name. This involves submitting an official ID with your new name on it, such as a driver’s license or passport. Once you’ve verified your new name, Facebook will allow you to update your profile name to match.
Your New Name Doesn’t Meet Facebook’s Policies
Facebook has certain rules about what types of names are allowed on their platform. For example, they don’t allow digit-only names, overly long names, or names containing special characters or emojis. If the new name you’re trying to enter doesn’t meet their name policies, you won’t be able to change it.
You’re Trying to Change Your Name Too Frequently
To prevent abuse, Facebook limits how often you can change your name, even if your account is in good standing. Typically you can only change your name every 60 days. If you try to change it more frequently than that, Facebook will prevent you from editing your name until the 60 day period has elapsed.
Your New Name Doesn’t Match Your ID
Facebook requires that the name on your profile matches the name listed on your official ID. If you enter a new name that doesn’t match the ID you have on file with Facebook, the change will be rejected. To use your new name, you’ll have to verify it by providing an updated ID showing the name change.
Steps to Troubleshoot the Issue
If you’re running into problems changing your name in the Facebook app, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take:
- Close and relaunch the Facebook app
- Update your Facebook app to the latest version
- Check if your account has any restrictions or violations
- Try changing your name using Facebook on a desktop browser
- Verify your account and new name with a valid photo ID
- Avoid special characters, emojis, or unusual formats in your new name
- Make sure your new name complies with Facebook’s name policies
Alternative Ways to Change Your Name
If you’re unable to change your name in the Facebook app, here are some alternative options:
Change Name on Desktop
Access Facebook using your desktop browser and edit your name via your profile settings there. Facebook’s desktop site doesn’t have the same limitations as the mobile app.
Contact Facebook Support
Reach out to Facebook’s support team and explain your situation. They can look into your account and any restrictions that may be preventing you from changing your name.
Use an Alias
Add an alias to your profile under your existing name. This allows you to display a preferred name without legally changing your profile name.
Change Display Name
Alter your display name in your profile settings, which allows you to change how your name appears without editing your account name.
The Bottom Line
While frustrating, most issues that prevent name changes in Facebook’s mobile app are temporary and can be resolved by taking certain troubleshooting steps. Verify your account, double check Facebook’s policies, change your name on desktop, or reach out to Facebook support if you’re stuck and need assistance with altering your profile name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Facebook not letting me change my name?
Common reasons Facebook may not allow you to change your name include account restrictions, violating name policies, reaching the name change limit for a period of time, or having a new name that doesn’t match your ID.
Does Facebook require ID to change name?
In some cases yes, Facebook requires you to submit legal ID to verify your identity and new name if you are changing your name to something completely different than before.
How long does it take to change your name on Facebook?
It typically takes about 24 hours after making the change for your new name to fully update across Facebook. However, some name changes require manual review, which can take a few days.
Can you use a fake name on Facebook?
No, Facebook requires users to provide their real/authentic names on their accounts. Fake or misleading names are against Facebook’s terms of service.
How many times can you change your name on Facebook in a year?
There is no definitive limit, but Facebook will restrict name changes to once every 60 days if they detect you are changing your name too frequently.
The Impact of Being Unable to Change Your Name
Not being able to modify your name on Facebook can have several implications:
Loss of Identity
Your Facebook profile represents your digital identity. If your name on the platform no longer aligns with your real-life name, it could create a feeling of loss of identity.
Difficulty Locating Friends
Friends may have trouble finding and connecting with you if your profile name doesn’t match the name they know you by.
Reduced Privacy
An outdated name makes it easier for acquaintances from your past to locate your profile if you would prefer more privacy.
Mental Health Impacts
For transgender people or those who use alternate names, an unchangeable name can induce gender dysphoria and negatively impact mental health.
Targeted Ads
You may see irrelevant ads targeted to the demographic of your old name rather than your new identity.
Summary of Key Points
- Facebook restricts name changes to prevent abuse – you may have to wait 60 days between each change
- Verify your new name with ID if it doesn’t match your current name on file
- Make sure your new name follows Facebook’s policies
- Try changing your name on desktop if the mobile app won’t allow it
- Contact Facebook support if your account has restrictions or bugs preventing changes
- Add an alias or change your display name as alternative options
Conclusion
Being unable to modify your name in the Facebook app can be inconvenient and even detrimental. However, in most cases, the issue can be resolved by taking the proper troubleshooting steps outlined above. Verify your account, be sure your new name complies with policies, change your name via desktop, or reach out for support if needed. With some persistence, you should be able to update your profile to show the name you want it to.