Changing your name on Facebook can be necessary for various reasons, whether it’s a personal preference, a change in your legal name, or simply updating a nickname. Facebook allows you to change your name, but there are specific guidelines and limitations you need to follow. This guide will walk you through the steps on how to change name on facebook using the desktop website, the mobile app, and also touch on the necessary guidelines.
Table of Contents
Things to Remember Before Changing Your Name on Facebook
Before you change your name on Facebook, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Name Standards: Your name should be the one you use in everyday life and must appear on a valid ID.
- Nicknames: These can be used as a first or middle name if they are a variation of your real name.
- Prohibited Elements: Your name cannot include symbols, numbers, unusual capitalization, repeating characters, punctuation, or offensive terms.
- Profile and Page Names: Profiles are for individual use; for businesses, organizations, or ideas, you should create a page.
- Frequency of Change: You can only change your name once every 60 days.
How To Change Name On Facebook Website
- Log In: Open Facebook in your preferred browser and log in to your account.
- Access Settings: Click on the downward arrow at the top-right corner of the homepage. From the menu, select “Settings & Privacy” and then “Settings”.
- Edit Name: Under General Account Settings, click on your name or the “Edit” button next to it.
- Enter New Name: Type your new first name, middle name (if any), and last name. Click “Review Change”.
- Review and Save: Facebook will display variations of your name. Choose the preferred one, enter your password, and click “Save Changes”.
Image credit: Howstuffworks
Changing Your Name Using the Facebook Mobile App
For Android Users:
- Open App: Launch the Facebook app and tap on the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) at the top-right corner.
- Navigate to Settings: Scroll down to the bottom, tap on “Settings & Privacy”, and then “Settings”.
- Personal and Account Information: Tap on “Personal and Account Information” and then tap on your name.
- Enter New Name: Enter your new first name, middle name, and last name. Tap “Review Change”.
- Confirm Changes: Select how your name will appear, enter your password, and tap “Save Changes”.
For iPhone Users:
- Open App: Launch the Facebook app and tap on the three horizontal lines at the bottom right corner.
- Settings & Privacy: Scroll down and tap “Settings & Privacy”, then “Settings”.
- Change Name: Under “Personal and Account Information”, tap your name.
- Review and Confirm: Enter your new name, tap “Review Change”, then select the preferred name order, enter your password, and tap “Save Changes”.
Changing Name on Facebook for Business Accounts
The process of how to change name on facebook for a business account is similar to a personal account but has additional considerations for business naming conventions.
- Open Facebook: Log in to Facebook from your browser.
- Access Page Settings: Click on your profile picture at the top right and select “See all profiles”. Choose the page you want to change the name of.
- Settings & Privacy: Follow the same steps as for a personal account to access the settings.
- Edit and Save: Click on the “Edit” button next to your page’s name, enter the new name, and follow the steps to save the changes.
FAQs
Q1. How often can I change my name on Facebook?
You can change your name once every 60 days.
Q2. What names are not allowed on Facebook?
Names with symbols, numbers, unusual capitalization, offensive words, or those impersonating others are not allowed.
Q3. Can I use a nickname on Facebook?
Yes, nicknames can be used if they are a variation of your real name.
Q4. What if my name change is not approved?
If your name change does not meet Facebook’s guidelines, it will not be approved. You can appeal or try a different name that complies with the standards.
Q5. Can I change my Facebook page name?
Yes, the process is similar to changing your personal profile name, but ensure it follows Facebook’s naming conventions for businesses.
Wrapping Up
Changing your name on Facebook is a straightforward process if you follow the guidelines and steps outlined above. Whether you are updating your personal profile or a business page, ensure that the new name complies with Facebook’s standards to avoid any issues. By following these instructions on how to change name on facebook, you can easily keep your Facebook profile up to date with your current name.
By following these steps and keeping Facebook’s guidelines in mind, you can successfully change your name on Facebook without any hassle.
