Buzz
Changing your name on Facebook is quick and easy. Photo by Lars K. Jensen/Flickr (CC By 2.0)Do you recall the early days of Facebook, before the timeline, news feeds, and the constant comments from your relatives? Back then, it was more fun to go by an alias rather than your real name, and updating your Facebook name was a simple task.
Now that Facebook has evolved, you might find yourself Googling 'how to change my Facebook name' when navigating through the more complex settings and personal information sections of the app.
Review Facebook's Name Guidelines
Times have changed. Facebook has grown into a global giant, and with its massive influence, it carries significant responsibilities toward its users and shareholders. As a result, there is a greater need for security and consistency, which has reduced the flexibility of the app.
This means that Facebook is more stringent when it comes to changing your profile name. To get started, you must review their name standards to ensure your new name adheres to their extensive guidelines.
Here's what you cannot do:
- No symbols, numbers, unusual capitalization, repeating characters, or punctuation.
- No mixing of characters from different languages.
- No titles of any kind.
- No replacement of your name with words or phrases.
- No offensive or inappropriate words or phrases.
How to Update Your Facebook Name Using the Desktop App
If you're using a PC, you can install the Facebook app from the Windows app store. For those who regularly use this app to access Facebook, follow the steps below to change your name.
- Locate the downward arrow button. It's positioned in the top-right corner of the window.
- Navigate to account settings. In the drop-down menu, select 'Privacy and Settings,' then click on 'Settings.'
- Access Accounts Center. Look for this option in the left-hand menu and click on 'See More in Accounts Center.'
- Choose your profile. Here, you'll see your Meta profiles like Instagram; select your Facebook profile.
- Edit your name. Simply tap 'name' and change your Facebook profile name as needed.
How to Change Your Facebook Name on a Desktop Browser
If you're using a browser like Firefox, Safari, or Chrome to visit Facebook, the process is very similar to the one described above.
- Launch your web browser. If you are already logged into Facebook, simply navigate to the Facebook homepage. If you're not logged in, enter your username and password to log in.
- Click your profile picture. You can find it in the upper right-hand corner of your browser.
- Access settings. From the dropdown menu, select "Settings and Privacy," then choose "Settings."
- Go to Accounts Center. On the left side of the page, select "Accounts Center" to proceed.
- Choose your profile. You will see an option labeled "Profiles." Click on it, then select your Facebook profile.
- Edit your name. Here, you will have the option to update your name. Once you choose your new name, enter it and click "Save Changes."
Changing Your Facebook Name on Mobile
You can change your Facebook name directly from the Facebook app on your Android or Apple phone.
- Tap the menu icon. On Android, you’ll find it at the top right, while iPhone users will see it at the bottom right. It is represented by a profile picture with three horizontal lines.
- Go to Settings. Look for and tap on "Settings & Privacy," then tap "Settings."
- Access Accounts Center. Scroll to find and select "Accounts Center."
- Select your profile. Choose your Facebook profile from the available options.
- Update your name. You can modify your name to your preference after selecting your current name.
- Confirm changes. After reviewing the changes, click "Review Change." If everything looks correct, tap "Save Changes."
Why You Might Want to Change Your Facebook Name?
Your Facebook page can serve as a hub for both personal and professional activities. There are a variety of reasons you might choose to alter your name on Facebook, with security being one of the primary concerns.
If you're concerned about being hacked, using your correct name — possibly including your middle name — can help ensure that those looking for you are connecting with the authentic you.
Similarly, you may not want your full legal name to be available to everyone on the platform.
If you've changed your name, you likely want your Facebook profile to reflect that. This is common when people get married: some prefer to keep their maiden name, while others update their profiles with their married name.
Remember: Don't Give Up!
If you're finding Facebook's rules and regulations frustrating, remember that you must wait 60 days before you can change your name again. You also have the option to complete this form in an attempt to expedite the process.
According to DataReportal, the average time users spend on Facebook per month is 19.5 hours.
