Changing your name on Facebook is a straightforward process, whether you’ve gotten married, decided to go by a different name, or simply want to update a nickname. Facebook allows you to modify your name settings on both desktop and mobile platforms, but it’s important to be aware of Facebook’s name change policies to ensure a smooth update. This guide will walk you through the process of how to change your name on Facebook and understand the rules you need to follow.
Understanding Facebook’s Name Change Policy
Before you rush to update your profile, it’s crucial to understand Facebook’s name policy. While Facebook encourages users to use the name they go by in real life, they also have specific guidelines to maintain authenticity and prevent misuse of profiles. Here’s what you need to keep in mind regarding Facebook names:
- Acceptable Names: Facebook prefers you use the name you are commonly known by. This generally means your real name or a commonly used nickname.
- Prohibited Elements: Your Facebook name cannot include:
- Symbols, numbers, unusual capitalization, repetitive characters, or punctuation marks.
- Characters from multiple languages.
- Titles of any kind (e.g., professional, religious).
- Words or phrases instead of a name (e.g., “No Name”).
- Offensive or suggestive language.
- Nicknames: Facebook permits the use of nicknames as a first or middle name if it’s a recognizable variation of your actual name (for example, “Tom” instead of “Thomas”). Impersonating someone else is strictly against Facebook’s community standards.
- Profile Purpose: Facebook profiles are intended for individual use. Businesses and organizations should create dedicated Facebook Pages to represent their entities.
- Change Frequency: You can only change your name on Facebook once every 60 days. This policy is in place to prevent abuse and maintain account integrity.
Understanding these policies will help you ensure your name change request is accepted without any issues. Now, let’s delve into the steps to change your name on both desktop and mobile.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Facebook Name
Whether you are using a computer or your smartphone, the process to change your name on Facebook is quite similar. Here’s how to do it on both platforms:
On Desktop Browser:
1. Access Settings:
First, log in to your Facebook account on your desktop browser. In the top-right corner of the page, you’ll see a down arrow icon. Click on this arrow to open the menu.
2. Navigate to Settings & Privacy:
From the dropdown menu, select “Settings & Privacy”, and then click on “Settings” to proceed.
3. Go to Accounts Center:
In the left-hand menu of the “Settings” page, find and click on “See More in Accounts Center.” This will take you to a centralized hub for managing your accounts across Facebook and Instagram if they are linked.
4. Select Your Profile:
Within the Accounts Center, you will see your Facebook profile (and Instagram profile, if connected). Click on your Facebook profile to manage its settings.
5. Edit Your Name:
On your profile settings page, you will see the option to edit your “Name”. Click on “Name” to update it. Here, you can change your first, middle, and last name. After entering your new name, click “Review Change.” Facebook might ask you to choose how your name will appear publicly. Finally, click “Save Changes” to confirm your new name.
On Mobile App:
1. Open the Facebook App:
Launch the Facebook app on your iPhone or Android device.
2. Open the Menu:
Tap the Menu icon, which is typically located at the bottom-right corner for iPhones and the top-right corner for Android devices. It usually looks like three horizontal lines.
3. Access Settings & Privacy:
Scroll down the menu list until you find “Settings & Privacy”. Tap on it to expand, and then select “Settings”.
4. Go to Accounts Center:
In the “Settings” section, scroll down and tap on “See more in Accounts Center.” This option is usually under the “Account” section.
5. Select Your Profile:
In the Accounts Center, tap on “Profiles”, and then select your Facebook profile from the list.
6. Edit Your Name:
Tap on “Name”. You will be taken to a screen where you can change your first, middle, and last name. Enter your desired new name.
7. Review and Save Changes:
After entering your new name, tap “Review Change”. Facebook may prompt you to choose how your name will appear. Once you’ve made your selection, tap “Save Changes” to finalize the name change.
How to Use a Nickname on Facebook
If you wish to add a nickname to your Facebook profile without changing your primary name, Facebook provides a specific setting for this. Here’s how to add a nickname:
1. Access Settings & Privacy:
Follow steps 1-5 from the “On Mobile App” section above to reach the “Name” settings in the Accounts Center through your Facebook mobile app.
2. Manage Other Names:
Once you are on the “Name” settings page, tap on “Manage other names.” This option allows you to add nicknames, birth names, or other names to your profile.
3. Add Nickname:
On the “Other Names” screen, you will see a dropdown menu labeled “Name Type”. Choose “Nickname” from the options. Then, enter your desired nickname in the provided field.
4. Save Your Nickname:
After entering your nickname, you have the option to choose whether to display this nickname at the top of your profile, next to your primary name. Check the box next to “Show at top of profile” if you want your nickname to be visible to everyone on your profile. Finally, tap “Save” at the bottom of the screen to save your nickname settings.
By following these steps, you can easily change your name or add a nickname to your Facebook profile. Remember to adhere to Facebook’s name policies and be mindful of the 60-day waiting period between name changes. Keep your profile updated and represent yourself authentically on Facebook!
