Changing your name on Facebook is a straightforward process, but knowing the right steps and understanding Facebook’s name policies can save you time and frustration. Whether you’ve recently married, want to update your display name, or simply feel like switching things up, this guide will walk you through the process. Let’s dive in!
Why You Might Want to Change Your Facebook Name
There are various reasons why you might want to update your Facebook name. Here are a few common ones:
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Personal Life Changes: You might have changed your surname after getting married or for other personal reasons.
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Rebranding Your Profile or Business: Maybe you want to shift the focus of your Facebook account or business page.
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Privacy and Security: If you’ve changed your identity or want to protect your privacy, updating your name might be necessary.
Regardless of your reason, changing your name on Facebook is easy once you understand the rules and steps involved.
How to Change Your Name on Facebook: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Change Your Name on Facebook via Desktop
Changing your name on Facebook is simple whether you’re on a computer or mobile device. Follow these steps:
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Log In: Open Facebook and log into your account.
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Go to Settings: Click on the downward arrow in the top-right corner of Facebook. Select Settings & Privacy, then click Settings.
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Edit Name: Under the General tab, you’ll see an option to edit your name. Click Edit next to your name.
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Update Name: Enter your new first name, middle name (optional), and last name. Facebook will show a preview of how your name will appear.
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Review and Save: After reviewing, click Review Change. You may be prompted to choose how your name will be displayed, such as showing your full name or using a nickname.
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Confirm Your Password: Facebook will ask for your password to finalize the change.
2. How to Change Your Name on Facebook on iPhone or Android
Changing your name on Facebook using the mobile app is just as simple:
On iPhone (or iOS devices):
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Open the Facebook App: Launch the app and log into your account.
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Go to Settings: Tap on the three horizontal lines (hamburger icon) in the bottom right corner of the screen.
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Settings & Privacy: Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings.
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Personal Information: Under Account Settings, tap Personal Information, then tap Name.
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Enter Your New Name: Type in your new name and tap Review Change.
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Confirm: After reviewing, tap Save Changes and enter your Facebook password to finalize the change.
On Android:
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Open Facebook: Open the app and log into your Facebook account.
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Access Settings: Tap the three horizontal lines in the upper-right corner and scroll down to Settings & Privacy, then tap Settings.
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Personal Information: Tap Personal Information and then tap Name.
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Edit Name: Enter your new first, middle, and last name.
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Review Changes: Once you’re satisfied, tap Review Change and confirm with your password.
How to Change Your Name on Facebook Business or Fan Page
If you manage a Facebook business page or fan page, you can change the name of the page separately from your personal account.
Steps for Changing the Name on a Facebook Page:
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Log In to Facebook: Go to your Facebook business page.
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Open Page Settings: On the left sidebar, click Settings.
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Edit Page Info: Click Page Info on the left side menu.
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Change Name: Under General, you’ll see the option to edit your page’s name. Type in your new name and click Continue.
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Review and Save: Follow the on-screen instructions, then click Request Change.
Keep in mind, page name changes are subject to Facebook’s approval, and they may take up to 3 days to process.
Things to Keep in Mind When Changing Your Name on Facebook
1. Facebook’s Name Policies
Facebook has strict guidelines when it comes to name changes. Your name must follow their naming standards, meaning:
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You must use the name you go by in everyday life.
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Nicknames or initials that are commonly recognized are allowed.
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Facebook prohibits the use of offensive words, symbols, or unusual capitalization.
2. Name Change Limitations
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You can change your name once every 60 days, so be sure you’re certain before submitting.
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Facebook doesn’t allow frequent name changes to avoid impersonation or confusion.
3. Display Name Options
You can choose how your name will appear to others. For example, you might want to display a full name but use a nickname in everyday life.
How to Change Your Name on Facebook on Mobile and Web
Whether you’re using Facebook on an iPhone, Android device, or desktop computer, the process remains simple. Be sure to follow the steps carefully and review Facebook’s name policies before submitting your change. This will ensure a seamless experience without any issues.
FAQs: Common Questions About Changing Your Name on Facebook
1. How often can I change my name on Facebook?
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You can only change your Facebook name once every 60 days. Make sure to double-check the spelling before submitting your request.
2. Why is Facebook not allowing me to change my name?
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Facebook may reject your name change if it violates their name policies. This includes the use of symbols, offensive words, or fake names. Review their guidelines before trying again.
3. Can I change my name on Facebook without uploading documents?
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For most name changes, no documents are needed. However, if Facebook requires verification, you may need to upload a government-issued ID.
4. How long does it take to change your name on Facebook?
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Name changes typically take up to 24 hours to process, but they can take longer in some cases, especially for Facebook business pages.
5. Can I change the name on my Facebook business page and personal profile at the same time?
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Yes, you can change both, but the process for each is separate. Make sure to follow the respective steps for each account type.
Conclusion
Changing your name on Facebook is a simple process, whether you’re on a computer, iPhone, Android, or managing a business page. By following the outlined steps, you’ll be able to update your name and keep your Facebook account up to date. Just remember to adhere to Facebook’s naming guidelines and policies to avoid any issues.
If you found this guide helpful, check out our other articles on optimizing your Facebook settings, improving your privacy, and customizing your profile to fit your needs!
