How To Change Facebook Name: A Complete Guide

If you're wanting to update the name on your Facebook profile, you’ve come to the right place. This article will walk you through the process, step by step, so you can make the change quickly and without confusion. Whether you’re correcting a typo, adopting a new nickname, or reflecting a legal name change, the steps are the same.

When Should You Change Your Facebook Name?

Facebook’s Community Standards require that the name you use represents the name you’re known by in everyday life. You may need to change your name if:

Facebook may ask for documentation if the change is significant, so be prepared to upload a copy of a government‑issued ID if needed.

Step by Step Tutorial on Changing Your Facebook Name

  1. Log into your Facebook account. Use a web browser or the mobile app to access your profile.
  2. Navigate to Settings. On desktop, click the downward arrow in the top‑right corner, then select Settings & Privacy > Settings. On mobile, tap the three‑line menu, scroll down to Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings.
  3. Find the Name section. Under the General tab, locate the Name field and click Edit (or tap the pencil icon on mobile).
  4. Enter your new name. Type your first name, middle name (optional), and last name. Facebook allows you to add accents, hyphens, and apostrophes, but it does not permit symbols or numbers.
  5. Review Facebook’s naming guidelines. A short checklist appears below the fields. Ensure your new name complies with the rules: no titles, no profanity, no unusual capitalization, and no characters that aren’t part of a real name.
  6. Save your changes. Click Review Change and then Save Changes. If Facebook asks for a reason, select the most appropriate option from the dropdown menu.
  7. Confirm with ID if required. In some cases, a pop‑up will request a photo of a government ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID). Follow the instructions to upload a clear image, then submit.
  8. Wait for approval.