There are a few reasons why Facebook may not allow you to edit an event you’ve created:
The event has already started or finished
Once an event starts on Facebook, the platform locks certain aspects of the event from being edited, likely to prevent confusion for attendees. So if your event has already begun or ended, Facebook restricts making changes to things like the event name, date/time, location, or guest list. You’ll still be able to make updates to the event description or add new posts to the event page. But that’s about it in terms of edits once the event is underway or over.
You don’t have permission to edit the event
If you created an event as a co-host or the event is managed by a Facebook Page you don’t administer, you may not have permission to edit key details. Co-hosts can only change the elements the main host has allowed them to. And if the event is tied to a business Page, only approved admins of that Page can alter the event. So if you try to make edits but see a message that you don’t have permission, this is likely why.
The event was created through a third-party integrator
Some events on Facebook are created using third-party apps and services that integrate with Facebook, like Eventbrite or Calendar. If you used one of these platforms to make the event and link it to Facebook, you’ll need to edit it through the original source – Facebook restricts edits to events imported this way.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re running into issues editing your Facebook event, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Make sure you’re the event creator or admin
Double check that you’re actually the original creator of the event or an admin of the Facebook Page it’s hosted on. If someone else created it or you don’t have admin access, you won’t be able to edit key details.
Check the event status
Take a look at whether the event has passed or is currently underway. As mentioned above, Facebook restricts edits once the event date passes. If it’s expired, you may need to cancel it and make a new event with the proper details instead.
Try editing on a computer
The Facebook app and mobile site limit some editing capabilities compared to the desktop site. Try making your edits at facebook.com on a computer to see if that unlocks the ability to make changes.
Make sure the event wasn’t imported
If you created the event through Eventbrite, Calendar, or another third-party service, you’ll need to edit it there rather than on Facebook. Facebook limits edits to imported events to avoid conflicting changes.
Confirm your admin status
If the event is attached to a Page, double check that you’re an admin of that Page with permission to edit events. You can confirm your admin status under the Page’s Settings & Roles tab.
Additional Ways to Edit an Event
If the standard editing options aren’t working, here are a couple other ways to modify your Facebook event:
Delete and recreate the event
One workaround is to simply delete the existing event and then create an entirely new one with the proper details. This can reset any restrictions Facebook has on edits. Just make sure to re-invite everyone who had RSVP’d yes!
Change the event date
If you can’t edit other aspects, try modifying the event date or time. Facebook may allow date changes even for expired events. So you could shift the dates to when you need them, then edit as required.
Promote a new post
If you can’t change the event name or other locked fields, create a new post prominent in the event feed clarifying any confusing details. You can even pay to promote the post so that it reaches more attendees.
Contact Facebook support
As a last resort, reach out to Facebook support explaining your issue editing the event. They may be able to reset restrictions or override locked fields so you can update details.
Why Facebook Limits Event Edits
Understanding why Facebook restricts editing events in certain cases can help make sense of the roadblocks:
Prevent conflicting changes
Once an event page goes live and attendees start interacting, Facebook locks key details to prevent contradictory or confusing changes. If multiple hosts could alter names, times, locations etc. freely, it would be chaos.
Discourage fake events
Requiring creators to provide accurate info upfront deters people from making fake events just to drive engagement, then editing to legitimate details later. Locking edits forces integrity from the start.
Reduce support tickets
By limiting edits, Facebook avoids users claiming they weren’t properly notified of changes and reduces complaints. Support costs and headaches go down.
Maintain event integrity
When third-party apps generate events, Facebook wants to make sure any changes come from the source, not edited versions on Facebook that may conflict with other listings.
Limit liability
Restricting edits to expired events also reduces liability for Facebook if events with passed dates incorrectly show as live or ongoing due to user changes.
Conclusion
While Facebook’s event editing limitations can be frustrating, they exist to maximize clarity and minimize confusion. Checking that you have organizer permissions, avoiding changes after the event date, and editing via desktop when possible can help overcome most edit restrictions. But if all else fails, deleting and recreating the event or starting fresh with a new post can enable you to update the event with needed revisions. With some creative workarounds, you can likely get your event fixed up so it appears just as you need it.