Changing your name on Facebook is a simple process, whether you’re updating your last name after getting married, adding a nickname, or simply want to use a different name on your profile. Facebook allows you to modify your name on both its website and mobile app, giving you flexibility and control over your online identity. However, it’s important to be aware of Facebook’s name change policy to ensure your update is accepted and adheres to their community standards.
This guide will walk you through the process of changing your name on Facebook, covering the policy guidelines and providing step-by-step instructions for both desktop and mobile platforms.
Understanding Facebook’s Name Change Policy
Facebook encourages users to use the name they are commonly known by in real life. While you are not required to use your full legal name, the name you choose must comply with certain rules. Names that violate Facebook’s policy will not be accepted. Here’s a breakdown of what is not allowed in a Facebook name:
- Symbols, numbers, unusual capitalization, repeating characters, or punctuation: Avoid using excessive punctuation, symbols, or numbers within your name.
- Characters from more than one language: Stick to a single language character set for your name.
- Titles of any kind: Do not include professional, religious, or any other titles (e.g., Dr., Rev., Mr., Ms.).
- Words or phrases instead of a name: Your name should be a personal identifier, not a generic word or phrase.
- Offensive or suggestive words: Names that are offensive, obscene, or violate community standards are prohibited.
Regarding nicknames, Facebook permits the use of nicknames as part of your first or middle name, provided they are a recognizable variation of your real name (for example, “Liz” for “Elizabeth” or “Tom” for “Thomas”). Impersonating others or misrepresenting your identity is strictly against Facebook’s terms.
It’s also important to remember that Facebook profiles are intended for individual use. Businesses and organizations should create dedicated Facebook Pages to represent their brands.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Name on Facebook
Facebook allows name changes once every 60 days. This policy is in place to prevent abuse and maintain the integrity of user identities on the platform. Here’s how to change your name on both desktop and mobile.
Changing Your Name on Facebook Desktop
1. Access Facebook and Navigate to Settings:
Begin by logging into your Facebook account on your desktop browser. Once logged in, locate the down arrow icon situated at the top-right corner of the screen. Click on this arrow to open a dropdown menu.
2. Go to Settings & Privacy, then Settings:
From the dropdown menu, select “Settings & Privacy”. This will expand another menu. From this expanded menu, click on “Settings”.
3. Access Accounts Center:
In the left-hand menu of the “Settings” page, you will see various options. Click on “See More in Accounts Center”. This will take you to Meta Accounts Center, which manages settings across Facebook, Instagram, and other Meta platforms.
4. Select Your Facebook Profile:
Within the Accounts Center, you will see your linked profiles. Select your Facebook profile from the list. If you have an Instagram account connected, it will also be displayed here.
5. Edit Your Name:
After selecting your profile, you will see several options related to your profile settings. Click on “Name”. This will open the name editing interface.
6. Enter Your New Name and Review Changes:
Enter your desired new first name, middle name, and last name in the respective fields. Once you have entered your new name, click on “Review Change”. Facebook might ask you to choose how your name will appear on your profile (e.g., first name first or last name first).
7. Save Changes:
Finally, after reviewing your new name and display option, click on “Save Changes” to update your name on your Facebook profile. Your name will now be updated, and this change will be visible to your friends and the public.
Changing Your Name on the Facebook Mobile App
1. Open the Facebook App and Access the Menu:
Launch the Facebook app on your iPhone or Android device. Locate the Menu icon. For iPhones, it’s typically located at the bottom-right of the screen, and for Android devices, it’s usually at the top-right. Tap on the Menu icon to proceed.
2. Navigate to Settings & Privacy, then Settings:
Scroll down the menu list until you find “Settings & Privacy”. Tap on it to expand the options, and then select “Settings”.
3. Go to Accounts Center:
On the “Settings” page within the app, scroll down and find the section labeled “Account”. Tap on “See more in Accounts Center”. This will direct you to the Meta Accounts Center, similar to the desktop version.
4. Select Your Facebook Profile:
In the Accounts Center, under “Profiles,” you will see your Facebook profile (and Instagram if connected). Tap on your Facebook profile.
5. Edit Your Name:
From the profile settings, tap on “Name”. This will take you to the name editing screen where you can change your first, middle, and last name.
6. Enter Your New Name and Review Change:
Type in your new first name, middle name, and last name. After entering the desired name, tap “Review Change”. Facebook might prompt you to select how you want your name to be displayed.
7. Save Changes:
After reviewing the change, tap on “Save Changes” to finalize the name update. Your Facebook profile will now display your new name.
How to Use a Nickname on Facebook
Adding a nickname to your Facebook profile allows you to display an alternate name alongside your primary name. This can be useful for nicknames, maiden names, or other names you are known by. Here’s how to add a nickname:
1. Follow Steps 1-5 of the “Changing Your Name on the Facebook Mobile App” section to reach the “Name” settings in Accounts Center.
2. Access “Manage other names”:
Once you are on the “Name” settings page, instead of directly changing your first, middle, or last name, look for and tap on “Manage other names”. This option might be located slightly below the name fields or as a separate link on the page.
3. Choose Name Type and Enter Nickname:
On the “Other Names” page, you’ll see a dropdown menu labeled “Name Type”. Tap on this menu to choose the type of name you want to add (e.g., Nickname, Maiden Name, Married Name, Alternate Spelling). Select “Nickname” from the options.
Then, in the text field provided, enter your desired nickname.
4. Save Your Nickname:
After entering your nickname and selecting the name type, tap on “Save”. You may also have the option to choose whether to display this nickname at the top of your profile next to your primary name. Select the option as per your preference and confirm.
Your nickname will now be added to your profile, and depending on your display settings, it might be visible to your friends and others viewing your profile.
By following these steps, you can easily change your name or add a nickname to your Facebook profile, keeping your online identity up-to-date and personalized while adhering to Facebook’s name policies.
