Your Facebook name is an essential part of your online identity. It's how your friends, family, and colleagues recognize you on the platform. However, there may come a time when you want or need to change your name on Facebook. Maybe you're getting married, taking a new job, or simply want a fresh start. Whatever the reason, changing your Facebook name is a relatively easy process.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the steps on how to change your name on Facebook, whether you're using a computer or a mobile device. We'll also provide some helpful tips and troubleshoot common problems you may encounter along the way. So, whether you're ready to make a change or just want to learn more about the process, keep reading!
Now that you have an overview of the process, let's dive into the detailed steps on how to change your name on Facebook.
how to change your name on facebook
Follow these simple steps to change your name on Facebook.
- Access Facebook Settings
- Click on "Name"
- Enter New Name
- Review and Save Changes
- Wait for Approval
- Name Change Confirmed
Remember, you can only change your name on Facebook a few times within a short period.
Access Facebook Settings
To change your name on Facebook, you need to access your account settings. Here's how you can do it:
- Click the down arrow icon
In the top-right corner of your Facebook homepage, you'll see a down arrow icon. Click on it to reveal a drop-down menu.
- Select "Settings & privacy"
From the drop-down menu, select "Settings & privacy". This will open a new page with various settings options.
- Click on "Settings"
On the "Settings & privacy" page, you'll see a section called "Settings". Click on it to access your general account settings.
- Find the "Name" section
Scroll down the settings page until you find the "Name" section. This section allows you to change your name, username, and other related settings.
Once you've accessed the "Name" section, you can proceed to the next steps to change your name on Facebook.
Click on "Name"
Once you've accessed the "Settings" page and found the "Name" section, it's time to click on "Name" to proceed with changing your name.
- Click on the "Edit" button
Next to your current name, you'll see an "Edit" button. Click on it to open the name editing options.
- Enter your new name
A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to enter your new name. Make sure to enter your real name, as Facebook has a policy against using fake names.
- Select your preferred name format
Below the "New Name" field, you'll see a section called "Preferred name format". Here, you can choose how your name will be displayed on Facebook. You can select from various options, such as "First name and last name", "Last name and first name", or a custom format.
- Review the changes and click "Save Changes"
Once you're satisfied with your new name and the preferred name format, click on the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the pop-up window. Your name change request will be sent to Facebook for review.
After you click "Save Changes", Facebook will review your name change request. This process usually takes a few hours, but it can sometimes take up to 24 hours. Once your name change is approved, it will be visible to your friends and other users on Facebook.
Enter New Name
When changing your name on Facebook, it's important to enter your new name correctly and according to Facebook's guidelines.
- Use your real name
Facebook requires users to use their real names on the platform. This means you should enter your legal first and last name, as it appears on your government-issued ID.
- Avoid using symbols and numbers
Your name should not contain any symbols or numbers. This includes characters like periods, commas, hyphens, and underscores. However, you can use an apostrophe if it's part of your legal name.
- Keep it simple and easy to spell
Choose a name that is easy to spell and pronounce. This will make it easier for your friends and other users to find and remember you on Facebook.
- Consider your privacy settings
Before you change your name, make sure to review your privacy settings. Ensure that your new name is only visible to the people you want to see it.
Once you've entered your new name and reviewed your privacy settings, you can click on the "Save Changes" button to submit your name change request to Facebook for review.
Review and Save Changes
Before you submit your name change request to Facebook, it's important to review the changes you've made and ensure that everything is correct.
1. Check your new name: Make sure that you've entered your new name correctly and that it complies with Facebook's guidelines. Your name should be your real name, without any symbols or numbers. It should also be easy to spell and pronounce.
2. Select your preferred name format: Choose how you want your name to be displayed on Facebook. You can select from various options, such as "First name and last name", "Last name and first name", or a custom format. Consider which format is most appropriate for your personal or professional use.
3. Review your privacy settings: Ensure that your new name is only visible to the people you want to see it. Go to your privacy settings and check who can see your profile, posts, and other information. Adjust your settings accordingly to protect your privacy.
4. Click on "Save Changes": Once you're satisfied with your new name, preferred name format, and privacy settings, click on the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the pop-up window. Your name change request will be sent to Facebook for review.
After you click "Save Changes", Facebook will review your name change request. This process usually takes a few hours, but it can sometimes take up to 24 hours. Once your name change is approved, it will be visible to your friends and other users on Facebook.
Wait for Approval
Once you've submitted your name change request to Facebook, it's time to wait for approval. Facebook typically reviews name change requests within a few hours, but it can sometimes take up to 24 hours.
1. Be patient: It's important to be patient during the review process. Facebook has a large number of users, and they need to review each name change request carefully to ensure that it complies with their policies.
2. Check your email: Facebook will send you an email notification once your name change request has been approved or denied. Make sure to check your email regularly, including your spam folder, in case the email ends up there.
3. Contact Facebook support: If you haven't received an email from Facebook after 24 hours, you can contact their support team for assistance. You can find the contact information on Facebook's Help Center.
In most cases, name change requests are approved without any issues. However, there are a few reasons why your request might be denied. For example, if you're trying to change your name to something that violates Facebook's policies, such as a fake name or a name that contains symbols or numbers, your request will likely be denied.
Name Change Confirmed
Once your name change request has been approved by Facebook, you will receive an email notification confirming the change. Your new name will also be visible to your friends and other users on Facebook.
1. Check your profile: To see your new name on your profile, go to your profile page and look at the top of the page. Your new name should be displayed next to your profile picture.
2. Update your other accounts: If you use your Facebook account to log in to other websites or services, you may need to update your name on those accounts as well. To do this, go to the website or service and look for the settings or account information section. You should be able to find a place to update your name.
3. Inform your friends and family: Let your friends and family know about your name change so they can update their contact lists and address books. You can do this by sending them a message on Facebook or by email.
Changing your name on Facebook is a relatively simple process, but it's important to follow the steps carefully and to be patient during the review process. Once your name change is approved, you'll be able to enjoy your new name on Facebook and across other platforms and services.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about changing your name on Facebook:
Question 1: How often can I change my name on Facebook?
Answer 1: You can change your name on Facebook once every 60 days.
Question 2: Can I change my name to anything I want?
Answer 2: No, you can only change your name to something that is your real name. Facebook does not allow users to use fake names or names that contain symbols or numbers.
Question 3: What happens to my old name after I change it?
Answer 3: Your old name will no longer be visible on your Facebook profile or in search results. However, your old name may still appear in some places, such as in comments or messages that were posted before you changed your name.
Question 4: Do I need to change my name on all of my other social media accounts?
Answer 4: It's not necessary to change your name on all of your other social media accounts, but it's a good idea to do so if you want your name to be consistent across all of your online profiles.
Question 5: What should I do if my name change request is denied?
Answer 5: If your name change request is denied, you can contact Facebook support for assistance. You can find the contact information on Facebook's Help Center.
Question 6: Can I change my name back to my old name?
Answer 6: Yes, you can change your name back to your old name. However, you will need to wait 60 days after changing your name before you can change it back again.
If you have any other questions about changing your name on Facebook, you can visit Facebook's Help Center for more information.
Now that you know how to change your name on Facebook and have answers to frequently asked questions, let's move on to some additional tips to help you make the most of your name change.
Tips
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your name change on Facebook:
Tip 1: Choose a name that you're comfortable with and that reflects your identity.
Your name is a big part of your online identity, so it's important to choose a name that you feel good about and that represents who you are.
Tip 2: Keep your name simple and easy to remember.
A long or complicated name can be difficult for people to remember and pronounce. Choose a name that is easy to spell and say.
Tip 3: Consider your privacy settings.
Once you change your name on Facebook, it's important to review your privacy settings to make sure that your new name is only visible to the people you want to see it. You can adjust your privacy settings in the "Settings" section of your Facebook account.
Tip 4: Update your other online accounts.
If you use your Facebook account to log in to other websites or services, you may need to update your name on those accounts as well. To do this, go to the website or service and look for the settings or account information section. You should be able to find a place to update your name.
By following these tips, you can make sure that your name change on Facebook goes smoothly and that you're able to enjoy your new name without any problems.
Now that you know how to change your name on Facebook, have answers to frequently asked questions, and have some tips for making the most of your name change, you're all set to update your name and start fresh on Facebook.
Conclusion
Changing your name on Facebook is a relatively simple process, but it's important to follow the steps carefully and to be patient during the review process. Once your name change is approved, you'll be able to enjoy your new name on Facebook and across other platforms and services.
Here are the main points to remember:
- You can change your name on Facebook once every 60 days.
- You can only change your name to something that is your real name.
- Your old name will no longer be visible on your Facebook profile or in search results.
- You may need to update your name on other social media accounts and online services.
- If your name change request is denied, you can contact Facebook support for assistance.
Whether you're changing your name for personal reasons, professional reasons, or simply because you want a fresh start, following these steps will help you make the change smoothly and easily.
So, if you're ready to change your name on Facebook, just follow the steps outlined in this guide and you'll be good to go. Remember to choose a name that you're comfortable with and that reflects your identity, and don't forget to update your other online accounts accordingly.