Key Points
Facebook allows users to change their first or last name, but it must be a real name and not a username or handle. Changing your name on Facebook can lead to security issues and may require identity verification. To change your name on Facebook, you must go through the Meta Accounts Center, either on the website or mobile app. The process to change your name on Facebook is different on the website and mobile app, but both require multiple steps.
Is it time to revamp your Facebook image? Perhaps you just got married or prefer to be called something other than the name you used when opening your account. No worries. Facebook lets us change our name, and I‘ll show you how to do it!
Unlike Twitter and Instagram, most people use their first and last names on Facebook. Whereas other social media promotes usernames and handles, Facebook doesn‘t. For reference, we aren‘t choosing a Facebook username per se when changing names. We‘re updating your first or last name in this tutorial.
What Happens When You Change Your Name on Facebook?
Changing your Facebook name is a simple process, but the rules are a tad overwhelming. Before we start our tutorial, I‘ll cover some must-have information about the policies and procedures.
Choosing Your New Name
First, as mentioned above, you aren‘t choosing a Facebook username. The site is designed for us to use our real first and last names. If you were planning on going by "CoolKid777," you‘ll soon find out that won‘t work. Moreover, don‘t try to use "Cool Kid," either. According to Facebook‘s policies, your name must match your state-issued ID.
However, there are exceptions for nicknames. For example, if your name is Robert, you can change your name to Rob. You can also use your middle name.
Name Changes and Facebook Security Rules
Furthermore, changing your name on Facebook can also lead to issues with your account security. Meta tracks account changes to prevent breaches. Be prepared to verify your identity or complete an authentication process to complete the steps below.
If Facebook tags your account after a name change, you may have to undergo a lengthy verification process to keep your profile active. You may run into issues if you can‘t pass this process.
You can view Facebook‘s specific rules for name changes here.
The Name Change Process
Unfortunately, Meta doesn‘t make it easy to change your name. Whereas most users would assume you can update names in the Edit Profile section, Facebook‘s developers didn‘t set it up that way.
Instead, you must make name changes in the Meta Accounts Center. You have to go through an entirely different process. Fortunately, you can access the Meta Account Center on a web browser or in the mobile app.
The following sections will show you how to change your Facebook name both ways. Scroll to the one that meets your needs and perform the steps. The website is faster, so that‘s the better route if you‘re in a hurry and have a computer handy.
How to Change Your Name on Facebook: Website
We‘ll start by teaching you how to change your Facebook name on the Meta Account Center website. Open a web browser and go to this website. Then, log into your account and follow these steps:
Note: We aren‘t going to the Facebook website. Instead, we‘re going directly to the Meta Account Center. If you want to access the Account Center from Facebook, click your Profile icon and Settings & Privacy. Then click Settings and Personal Details in the menu to the left.
Step 1: Click Profiles
The Profiles option is in the menu to the left. Ensure that Profiles is highlighted. If not, click the option to select it.
Step 2: Click Your Facebook Profile
Your Meta profiles appear in the menu on the right. Select your Facebook profile, which is typically at the top.
Step 3: Click Name
A new pop-up window appears after choosing your Facebook profile. Click Name near the top to keep moving forward.
Step 4: Change Your Name
Finally, update your first, middle, and/or last name in the form provided. Then click Review Changes at the bottom and complete any additional steps.
How to Change Your Name on Facebook: Mobile App
Now we‘ll cover the process in the Facebook mobile app:
Step 1: Tap the Menu Icon
iOS users, tap your profile icon. Android users tap the three-line menu icon.
Step 2: Tap Settings & Privacy
Scroll down and tap the Settings & Privacy option.
Step 3: Tap Settings
The menu expands with more options. Select Settings.
Step 4: Tap Personal Details
This opens the Meta Accounts section. Tap Personal Details at the top.
Step 5: Tap Profiles
The Meta Account Center opens in the app. Tap Profiles at the top.
Step 6: Tap Your Facebook Profile
Select your Facebook profile from the list shown.
Step 7: Tap Name
Choose the Name option at the top of the screen.
Step 8: Change Your Facebook Name
Type your new name and tap Review Change. Finish any additional steps.
New Facebook, New You
Meta links all your accounts yet makes simple tasks more difficult. Something like a name change can create issues if you don‘t follow the rules.
But the process becomes easier if you understand the policies and steps involved. If you love Facebook and want to update your image, use the guide above to change your name successfully.
