Changing your name on Facebook might be necessary for various reasons. Whether it’s a legal name change after marriage, adopting a nickname you prefer, or simply correcting a typo, Facebook allows you to update your profile name. This guide will walk you through the straightforward process of how to edit your name on Facebook using both a desktop browser and the mobile app.
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to understand Facebook’s name policy to ensure your change is accepted and adheres to their guidelines.
Understanding Facebook’s Name Policy
Facebook encourages users to use the name they are commonly known by in real life. While you’re not obligated to use your full legal name, there are restrictions to maintain authenticity and prevent impersonation. Here’s what Facebook prohibits in profile names:
- Symbols, Numbers, Unusual Capitalization, and Punctuation: Avoid using excessive punctuation, symbols, numbers, or inconsistent capitalization within your name.
- Characters from Multiple Languages: Stick to characters from a single language to ensure readability and consistency.
- Titles of Any Kind: Do not include professional, religious, or any other type of titles (e.g., Dr., Rev., Mr., Ms.) in your name field.
- Words or Phrases Instead of Names: Your name should be a personal identifier, not a generic word or phrase.
- Offensive or Suggestive Words: Names that are considered offensive, obscene, or suggestive are not allowed.
Regarding nicknames, Facebook permits them as part of your first or middle name, provided they are recognizable variations of your actual name. For example, “Beth” for “Elizabeth” or “Alex” for “Alexander” are acceptable. Impersonating others is strictly against Facebook’s community standards, and profiles are intended for individual use only, not for businesses. Businesses should create dedicated Facebook Pages.
How to Change Your Name on Facebook – Desktop
You can easily change your name on Facebook using a desktop browser. Remember that Facebook only allows name changes once every 60 days, so make sure your desired name is accurate before saving.
Here’s how to do it on a desktop:
1. Access Settings & Privacy:
- Log into your Facebook account on your desktop browser.
- In the top-right corner of the page, click the down arrow icon.
2. Navigate to Settings:
- From the dropdown menu, select “Settings & Privacy” and then click on “Settings.”
3. Go to Accounts Center:
- On the left-hand menu, find and click “See More in Accounts Center.” This will open Facebook’s Accounts Center in a new tab or window.
4. Select Your Profile:
- In the Accounts Center, you’ll see your profile listed under “Profiles.” Click on your Facebook profile. If you have linked Instagram, it will also be displayed here.
5. Edit Your Name:
- Click on “Name.” You will now be able to edit your First name, Middle name, and Last name fields.
6. Review and Save Changes:
- Enter your desired new name in the respective fields.
- Click “Review Change” at the bottom.
- You may be prompted to choose how your name will appear publicly (e.g., First and Last name, or First name and initial of Last name).
- Once you are satisfied, click “Save Changes.”
Your Facebook name will now be updated. Keep in mind that it might take a few moments for the changes to reflect across all of Facebook.
How to Change Your Name on Facebook – Mobile App
Changing your name on the Facebook mobile app is just as simple as on desktop. The steps are slightly different due to the app interface.
Follow these steps to change your name using the Facebook mobile app (for both iPhone and Android):
1. Open the Facebook App and Access Menu:
- Open the Facebook app on your smartphone.
- Tap the Menu icon. This is typically located at the bottom-right corner for iPhones and the top-right corner for Android phones (it looks like three horizontal lines).
2. Go to Settings & Privacy:
- Scroll down the menu list and tap “Settings & Privacy” to expand it.
- Then, tap on “Settings.”
3. Access Accounts Center:
- In the Settings menu, scroll down until you find “See more in Accounts Center” and tap on it.
4. Select Your Profile:
- Under “Profiles,” tap on your Facebook profile.
5. Edit Your Name:
- Tap on “Name.” This will allow you to edit your first, middle, and last names.
6. Review and Save Changes:
- Enter your new name.
- Tap “Review Change.”
- Choose your preferred name display option if prompted.
- Finally, tap “Save Changes” to update your name.
Your name change on Facebook will be saved, and it will be visible to others shortly.
How to Use a Nickname on Facebook
If you want to add a nickname to your profile without changing your primary name, Facebook provides a specific setting for this. Nicknames are displayed in parentheses next to your name on your profile.
Here’s how to add a nickname:
1. Follow Steps 1-5 of “How to Change Your Name on Facebook – Mobile App”
- Navigate to the “Name” settings within your Facebook profile in the Accounts Center, just as you would for changing your main name.
2. Manage Other Names:
- Once you are in the “Name” settings, instead of editing your primary name, look for and tap “Manage other names” (or a similar option like “Add or change other names”).
3. Add Nickname Details:
- On the “Other Names” page, you’ll see a dropdown menu labeled “Name Type.” Tap on this and select “Nickname” (or the type of name you want to add, such as Maiden Name, Married Name, etc.).
- In the text field below, enter your desired nickname.
- You can also choose whether you want your nickname to be displayed at the top of your profile next to your name by checking the box next to “Show at top of profile.”
4. Save Your Nickname:
- Tap “Save” in the top right corner of the screen.
Your nickname will now be added to your profile according to your chosen settings.
Changing your name or adding a nickname on Facebook is a simple process that can be done in just a few minutes through either the desktop site or the mobile app. Just remember Facebook’s 60-day waiting period between name changes and their name policies to ensure a smooth update to your profile. Always double-check your new name before saving to avoid any errors!
