How to Change Your Name on Facebook: A Step-by-Step Guide

Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. Millions of people use it every day to connect with friends and family, share news and updates, and stay informed about the world around them. If you are one of those people, you may be wondering how to change your name on Facebook. Whether you recently got married, legally changed your name, or simply want to use a different name on the platform, changing your name on Facebook is a quick and easy process.

 In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing your name on Facebook, step by step.

Why Change Your Name on Facebook?

There are many reasons why you might want to change your name on Facebook. Maybe you got married and want to take your spouse’s last name. Perhaps you changed your legal name and want to use that name on Facebook as well. Or maybe you just want to go by a different name on the platform. Whatever your reason, changing your name on Facebook is a simple way to ensure that the name you use on the platform is up-to-date and reflects your current identity.

What You Need to Know Before You Change Your Name on Facebook

Before you change your name on Facebook, there are a few important things you should know, such as:

Facebook’s Name Policy

Facebook has a strict name policy that requires users to use their real names on their accounts. This is to ensure that people are using the platform authentically and to help prevent fraud and impersonation. If you violate this policy, Facebook may ask you to provide additional documentation to verify your identity or may even suspend or disable your account.

Name Change Limitations

Facebook also limits the number of times you can change your name on the platform. You can only change your name every 60 days, so make sure you’re happy with your new name before submitting your request.

By understanding Facebook’s name policy and the limitations that come with changing your name on the platform, you can ensure that your name change request is approved without any issues.

Quick Overview of Facebook’s Name Policy

Facebook has certain guidelines for the names that are allowed on its platform. 

  • Names that contain symbols, numbers, unusual capitalization, repeating characters or punctuation are not allowed. 
  • Names that include characters from multiple languages or titles of any kind, such as professional or religious titles, are also not allowed. 
  • Additionally, words or phrases cannot be used in place of a name, and offensive or suggestive words of any kind are not allowed.
  • It is important to keep in mind that the name on your Facebook profile should be the name that your friends call you in everyday life and should also appear on an ID or document from Facebook’s ID list. 
  • It is important to note that Facebook profiles are for individual use only, for business purposes, you can go for Facebook business page.

How to Change Your Name on Facebook on a Computer

  • Log in to your Facebook account on your computer.
  • Click on the down arrow icon at the top right corner of the screen.
  • Click on “Settings & Privacy” and then select “Settings.”
  • Click on “Personal Information” from the left-hand menu.
  • Click on “Name” and enter your new name.
  • Click on “Review Change” and then enter your password.
  • Click on “Save Changes” to complete the process.

How to Change Your Name on Facebook on an Android Device

  • Open the Facebook app on your Android device.
  • Tap on the three horizontal lines icon in the top right corner of the screen.
  • Scroll down and tap on “Settings & Privacy” and then select “Settings.”
  • Scroll down and tap on “Personal Information.”
  • Tap on “Name” and enter your new name.
  • Tap on “Review Change” and then enter your password.
  • Tap on “Save Changes” to complete the process.

How to Change Your Name on Facebook on iOS – iPhone and iPad

  • Open the Facebook app on your iOS device.
  • Tap on the three horizontal lines icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.
  • Scroll down and tap on “Settings & Privacy” and then select “Settings.”
  • Tap on “Personal Information.”
  • Tap on “Name” and enter your new name.
  • Tap on “Review Change” and then enter your password.
  • Tap on “Save Changes” to complete the process.

How to Change Your Name on Facebook Lite App

  • Open the Facebook Lite app on your device.
  • Tap on the three horizontal lines icon in the top right corner of the screen.
  • Scroll down and tap on “Settings.”
  • Tap on “Personal Information” and then select “Name.”
  • Enter your new name and then tap on “Save” to complete the process.

Changing name on Facebook FAQs

How many times can I change my name on Facebook?

You can change your name on Facebook as many times as you want, but you may be limited on how frequently you can do so.

How long does it take for Facebook to approve my name change request?

Facebook usually approves name change requests within 24-72 hours, but it can take longer or no time in some cases.

What happens if Facebook rejects my name change request?

If Facebook rejects your name change request, you will be prompted to provide a different name or submit documentation to support your request.

Can I use a fake name on Facebook?

No, Facebook’s terms of service require users to use their real names on the platform.

Will changing my name on Facebook affect my friends and followers?

Changing your name on Facebook will not affect your friends or followers unless they have specifically chosen to be notified of your name change. However, they may be confused if they see a new name appear in their newsfeed and not recognize it.

Will my friends be notified when I change my Facebook name?

Facebook does not notify your friends when you change your name on Facebook. However, your friends can see the change when they visit your profile. The only way your friends will receive a notification is if you post something new on your profile, such as a profile picture, cover photo, status update, photo, or life event.

Can I change my Facebook name to a business name or a nickname?

Yes, you can change your Facebook name to a business name or a nickname, as long as it complies with Facebook’s policies.

Will my Facebook username change when I change my name?

No, your Facebook username will not change when you change your name. Your username is a unique identifier that you choose when you create your Facebook account, and it cannot be changed once it is set.

What happens to my old Facebook posts when I change my name?

Your old Facebook posts will still be visible, but they will be listed under your new name.

Do I need to provide proof of my new name when I change it on Facebook?

Facebook does not always require proof of your new name when you change it, but they may request it in certain cases. For example, if you have recently legally changed your name, Facebook may require that you provide documentation such as a marriage certificate, court order, or government-issued ID to verify your new name. Additionally, if Facebook suspects that your name may be fake or fraudulent, they may also ask for documentation to verify your identity. It’s important to note that providing false information or using a fake name on Facebook is against their terms of service and can result in account suspension or removal.

Can I revert to my old Facebook name after changing it?

If you have changed your Facebook name, you can revert to your old name within 60 days of making the change. After that 60-day window, you will not be able to change your name again for another 60 days. This is to prevent people from constantly changing their name and potentially using fake or misleading information.

Why was my Facebook name change request denied?

Facebook may deny your name change request if it violates their policies or community standards.

Conclusion

Facebook offers an easy way to make the change. Just make sure to follow the guidelines and requirements set by Facebook to avoid any issues with your account.

Remember that your new name will be visible to your friends and followers on Facebook, so choose a name that best represents you and your online persona. You can also consider adding a personal touch, such as a nickname or a maiden name, to make it more unique and memorable.

Overall, changing your name on Facebook can be a fun and exciting way to update your profile and connect with others online. Just take your time and follow the steps carefully to ensure a smooth and seamless transition. 

Happy Facebooking!

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Bibek Sapkota

I'm Bibek | Tech Enthusiast & Lifelong Learner. | Playing on the Web for the Past Few Years as a Full-Time Tech Blogger. At TechnoBite, I curate insightful content ranging from how-to guides to in-depth tech reviews. Passionate about continuous learning and sharing knowledge, my mission is to empower my audience with valuable information to navigate the ever-evolving world of technology.

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