Quick answer
Open Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Profiles > your account > Name. Enter the new name, then tap Review change and Save changes. Meta says you can change your name every 60 days, and the name must follow its name policy: no symbols, numbers, unusual capitalization, titles or words instead of a name. Your Facebook name should also match the name on an ID. If you see Meta Account settings instead of Accounts Center, you’ve been moved to Meta Accounts and the place has a new name. If the change still won’t go through, Meta has a form to let it know (external site, opens in a new tab).
Does this match what you see?
- You can’t find where to change your name on your profile.
- You see Meta Account settings instead of Accounts Center.
- Facebook won’t save your new name, or says you can’t change it yet.
- You want to add a nickname or maiden name alongside your name.
- Your name changed, and you didn’t do it.
iPhone & iPadAndroidComputer (browser)
Meta is gradually moving people to Meta Accounts, so you may see Meta Account settings instead of Accounts Center. Meta’s steps describe Accounts Center; in Meta Account settings, look for Profiles or Name.
Why this happens: the possible causes
If your name change won’t go through, it’s usually one of these.
| What happens | Likely reason | Go to |
|---|---|---|
| Can’t find the Name option | It’s in Accounts Center now, not on your profile | Fix 1 (phone) or Fix 2 (computer) |
| You changed it recently | Meta allows a change every 60 days | Fix 4 |
| The new name isn’t accepted | It includes something Meta doesn’t allow, such as a title, number or symbol | What isn’t allowed |
| Your name changed by itself | Someone else may have access to your account | Fix 5 |
- The setting moved to Accounts CenterCheck this first
In Meta’s steps, name changes are made in Accounts Center (or Meta Account settings), under Profiles, not from your profile page.
- The 60-day limitCheck this first
Meta says you can change your name every 60 days. If you changed it recently, you’ll need to wait.
- The name breaks Meta’s name policyCheck this first
Meta doesn’t allow symbols, numbers, unusual capitalization, repeating characters or punctuation, characters from multiple languages, titles, words or phrases instead of a name, or offensive or suggestive words. See what isn’t allowed.
- Facebook asks you to confirm your namePossible
Meta says you may need to confirm your name if asked, and that your Facebook name should match the name on an ID.
What names Facebook doesn’t allow
Meta says Facebook is a community where people use the name they use in everyday life. That helps keep everyone safe from impersonation, scams and phishing. According to Meta, these aren’t allowed in a name:
- Symbols, numbers, unusual capitalization, repeating characters or punctuation.
- Characters from multiple languages mixed in one name.
- Titles of any kind, such as professional or religious titles.
- Words or phrases instead of a name.
- Offensive or suggestive words of any kind.
Meta also says your Facebook name should match the name that appears on an ID, and you may need to confirm your name if asked. For the full rules, see Meta’s page on what names are allowed on Facebook (external site, opens in a new tab).
Try these 60-second checks first
- Check when you last changed your name. Meta allows one change every 60 days.
- Read Meta’s name standards (external site, opens in a new tab) before you try a new name.
- Look for Accounts Center or Meta Account settings in Settings. Both are the same place.
How to fix it, step by step
Work through these in order. They start with the quickest, safest checks and only move to steps that sign you out or remove data later.
Fix 1: Change your name in the Facebook app (iPhone or Android)
These are Meta’s steps for the iPhone and Android apps.
- Tap ☰ Menu. Meta’s steps put it at the top left. On the Android phone we checked, it was at the top right.
- Scroll down and tap Settings & privacy, then Settings.
- Tap Accounts Center.
- Tap Profiles, then your account.
- Tap Name.
- Enter your name and tap Review change.
- Tap Save changes.
Did it work? Your new name shows on your profile.
Did Fix 1 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 1. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
Fix 2: Change your name on a computer
On a computer, the route starts from your profile picture instead of the menu.
Computer (browser)
- Click your profile picture at the top right of Facebook.
- Select Settings & privacy, then click Settings.
- Click Accounts Center.
- Click Profiles, then your account.
- Click Name.
- Enter your name and click Review change.
- Click Save changes.
In a mobile browser or Facebook Lite, Meta says to tap Menu at the top right, then follow the same steps from Settings & privacy.
Did it work? Your new name shows on your profile.
Did Fix 2 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 2. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
Fix 3: Add a nickname or maiden name instead
If you want people to find you by another name, you don’t always need to change your main name. Meta says you can add an additional name, such as a nickname or maiden name.
- Meta says you can add an additional name, as long as your profile meets its guidelines.
- Meta’s name help page doesn’t give the steps for adding one. If you can’t find the option, use Meta’s name help form (external site, opens in a new tab).
Did it work? Your additional name is saved.
Did Fix 3 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 3. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
Fix 4: Facebook won’t let you change your name
Meta’s help pages give these reasons: you can’t change your name again for 60 days, the name must follow its name policy, and you may be asked to confirm your name.
- Changed it recently? Wait until 60 days have passed since the last change.
- Name not accepted? Check it against what isn’t allowed. Remove numbers, symbols, extra capitals, titles (such as Dr or Pastor) and any words that aren’t part of your name. Use characters from one language only.
- Asked to confirm your name? Meta says you may need to, and that your Facebook name should match the name on an ID. See which IDs Meta accepts.
- Still stuck? Meta says to let it know (external site, opens in a new tab) if you’re having trouble changing your name.
- Never pay anyone who offers to change or “unlock” your name. Only Meta can change it.
Did it work? Your new name is saved, or you’ve contacted Meta through its form.
Did Fix 4 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 4. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
Fix 5: Name changed without you? Secure your account
Meta lists a changed name or birthday among the signs that an account has been hacked.
- If you can still log in, change your password and tick Log out of other devices: Accounts Center > Password and security > Change password.
- Check Where you’re logged in and remove devices you don’t recognize, then turn on two-factor authentication.
- Change your name back (see Fix 1 or Fix 2). If you can’t change it back, tell Meta through its name help form (external site, opens in a new tab).
- If you can’t log in, follow Facebook hacked.
Did it work? Your name is back, and only your devices are logged in.
Did Fix 5 solve it?
Great, you fixed it with Fix 5. Tell us it worked, or bookmark this page in case it happens again.
Accounts Center or Meta Account settings?
Meta says it’s gradually updating people to Meta Accounts. Until that reaches you, you’ll see Accounts Center. Afterward, the same settings appear under Meta Account settings. Meta’s steps describe Accounts Center. In Meta Account settings, look for Profiles or Name.
Meta also notes that if your Facebook and Instagram accounts in Accounts Center use the same first and last name, it could help people find you through recommendations.
Changing a Page name instead?
These steps are for your personal profile. Pages work differently: you request a new Page name from the Page’s own settings. See How to change your Facebook Page name.
Error messages and what they mean
There’s no fixed wording for these messages in Meta’s help, so we describe them. Match the meaning to what you see.
A message that you can’t change your name yet- What it usually means
- Most likely you changed it within the last 60 days.
- What to do
- Wait until 60 days have passed. Fix 4
A message that the name isn’t allowed- What it usually means
- The name includes something Meta doesn’t allow.
- What to do
- Check what isn’t allowed and try again.
A request to confirm your name- What it usually means
- Meta wants to check your name matches who you are.
- What to do
- Follow the steps; your name should match an ID. See Confirm your identity.
Your name changed and you didn’t do it- What it usually means
- Someone else may have access to your account.
- What to do
- Fix 5
How to know it worked
- Your new name shows on your profile.
- You know when you can change it again (60 days later).
Still not working? Your next steps
- Use Meta’s name help form (external site, opens in a new tab).
- If you can’t log in at all, see Can’t log in to Facebook.
- If you think someone else changed your name, see Facebook hacked.
Official help routes
SocialAppFix can’t see or change your account. For account decisions, recovery and appeals, only the platform’s own tools can help. These links go to the official sites.
- Facebook Help: how to change your nameFacebook Help Center (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Facebook Help: reasons you can’t change your nameFacebook Help Center (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Facebook Help: name standardsFacebook Help Center (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Facebook Help: trouble changing your nameFacebook Help Center (external site, opens in a new tab)
Frequently asked questions
How do I change my name on Facebook?
Go to Settings & privacy > Settings > Accounts Center > Profiles > your account > Name. Enter the new name, then tap Review change and Save changes.
How often can I change my name on Facebook?
Meta says you can change your name every 60 days.
Why can’t I change my name on Facebook?
Common reasons: you changed it in the last 60 days, or the new name includes something Meta doesn’t allow, such as numbers, symbols, unusual capitals or a title. If neither applies, Meta has a form to let it know you’re having trouble.
Can I use a title like Dr or a nickname as my name?
Meta doesn’t allow titles of any kind, including professional or religious titles, or words and phrases instead of a name. You can add a nickname as an additional name.
Does my Facebook name have to match my ID?
Meta says your name on Facebook should match the name that appears on an ID, and you may need to confirm your name if asked.
Can I add a nickname or maiden name?
Yes. Meta says you can add an additional name, such as a nickname or maiden name, as long as your profile meets its guidelines.
Where is Accounts Center? I only see Meta Account settings.
Meta is gradually moving people to Meta Accounts. If you see Meta Account settings, that’s where your name settings are now.
Did this solve your problem?
Your answer stays in your browser — nothing is sent or stored. The “tell us” link opens your own email app.
Out of date or didn’t work? Email us — never include passwords or codes.
Sources and how we checked this guide
We base steps on the platforms’ own help pages and the phone makers’ official guides. Menu names change often and can differ by device, app version and region. Where a platform page could not be independently read, we link it so you can check the current wording yourself.
- How to change your name on Facebook (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Reasons why you can’t change your name on Facebook (external site, opens in a new tab)
- What names are allowed on Facebook (name standards) (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Block someone on Facebook (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Types of ID Facebook accepts (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Trouble changing your name (contact form) (external site, opens in a new tab)
- About Meta Accounts (external site, opens in a new tab)
- How do I secure a hacked account? (Meta Business Help) (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Change or reset your Facebook password (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Recover your Facebook account if you were hacked (external site, opens in a new tab)
- Why Facebook Pages get taken down or have limits placed on them (external site, opens in a new tab)
Last reviewed 21 October 2026 by the SocialAppFix editorial team against the sources above. Next scheduled review: 19 April 2027. How we write and review guides.
What changed
- 21 October 2026: Added Meta’s list of names that aren’t allowed, the ID-match rule and name confirmation (help/448505685205813).
- 21 October 2026: First published.
SocialAppFix is an independent guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Meta or Facebook. We never ask for passwords, login codes or payment to fix an account.