How To Change Your Name On Facebook : A Complete Guide

How To Change your name on Facebook? It may seem like a simple task, but there are a few things to consider before making the change. In this article, we’ll go through the steps you need to take to change your name on Facebook, as well as some tips to make sure the process goes smoothly.

Why change your name on Facebook?

There are many reasons why someone might want to change their name on Facebook. Perhaps they got married and want to take their spouse’s last name, or they want to change their name to better reflect their identity. Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand the implications of changing your name on Facebook.

Firstly, it’s worth noting that you can only change your name on Facebook once every 60 days. This means that if you change your name and then decide you want to change it again, you’ll need to wait at least two months before making the change.

Secondly, changing your name on Facebook will also change your name on Messenger, Instagram (if your Facebook account is linked to it), and other Facebook-owned services. This can be both a good and a bad thing – on the one hand, it means you won’t need to change your name separately on each platform, but on the other hand, it means your new name will be visible to all of your Facebook friends and followers.

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Finally, it’s important to consider whether you want to change your name on Facebook for personal or professional reasons. If you’re using Facebook for business purposes, it may not be a good idea to change your name unless it’s absolutely necessary. Similarly, if you have a large following on Facebook, changing your name could confuse or alienate your followers.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the steps you need to take to change your name on Facebook.

Step 1: Go to your Facebook settings

To change your name on Facebook, you’ll need to start by going to your account settings. You can do this by clicking on the down arrow in the top right-hand corner of your Facebook homepage and selecting “Settings & Privacy” from the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Click on “Personal Information”

Once you’re in your account settings, you’ll see a list of options on the left-hand side of the screen. Look for “Personal Information” and click on it.

Step 3: Click on “Name”

Under “Personal Information,” you’ll see a list of options including “Name,” “Contact,” and “Basic Info.” Click on “Name.”

Step 4: Enter your new name

On the “Name” page, you’ll see your current name displayed at the top of the screen. To change your name, click on the “Edit” button to the right of your name.

You’ll then be taken to a page where you can enter your new first name, middle name (if you have one), and last name. You can also choose to display your first name and last initial instead of your full last name, if you prefer.

Step 5: Review Facebook’s name policy

Before you save your new name, it’s important to review Facebook’s name policy to make sure your new name meets their requirements. Facebook has strict guidelines around what names are allowed on the platform, and they may ask you to provide documentation to prove your identity if they suspect your name is not real or if it violates their policies.

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According to Facebook’s name policy, your name should:

• Reflect your real name or the name you’re commonly known by in everyday life
• Not include any symbols, numbers, or unusual capitalization
• Not include any titles (such as “Dr.” or “Sir”)
• Not include any offensive or suggestive language

If you’re changing your name for a professional or business-related reason, you may also want to add

your professional name to your Facebook profile. This is different from changing your name on Facebook – it simply allows you to add a professional name (such as a stage name or a maiden name) to your profile so that people can find you more easily.

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To add a professional name to your Facebook profile, simply go to your Facebook profile and click on “Edit Profile” under your name. Scroll down to the “Details About You” section and look for “Professional Name.” Click on “Add a professional name” and enter your professional name. You can also choose to display your professional name alongside your real name on your profile.

Step 6: Save your new name

Once you’ve reviewed Facebook’s name policy and entered your new name (and professional name, if applicable), click on “Review Change” to review your new name before saving it. Facebook will show you how your new name will appear on your profile, and you can make any necessary changes before saving it.

If Facebook asks you to provide documentation to prove your identity, you’ll need to follow the instructions they provide to do so. This may include uploading a government-issued ID, a utility bill, or other documentation that shows your name and address.

Once your new name is saved, Facebook will update your name across all of its platforms (including Messenger and Instagram, if your accounts are linked). Your friends and followers will be notified of your name change, and your old name will no longer be visible on Facebook.

Tips for changing your name on Facebook

Now that you know how to change your name on Facebook, here are a few tips to make the process go smoothly:

1. Make sure your new name meets Facebook’s name policy. If your new name violates Facebook’s policies, you may be asked to provide documentation to prove your identity, which can be a hassle. Review Facebook’s name policy before changing your name to avoid any issues.
2. Let your friends and followers know about your name change. Changing your name on Facebook will notify your friends and followers, but it’s a good idea to post a status update letting them know about the change. This will help avoid confusion and ensure that people can still find you on Facebook.
3. Update your email signature and other online profiles. If you use your Facebook name for other online profiles (such as LinkedIn or Twitter), be sure to update those profiles as well. You may also want to update your email signature to reflect your new name.
4. Be patient. It can take a few days for Facebook to update your name across all of its platforms, so be patient if your new name doesn’t appear right away.
5. Consider the implications of changing your name. Changing your name on Facebook can have personal and professional implications, so make sure you consider the potential consequences before making the change.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about changing your name on Facebook:

1. How often can I change my name on Facebook?

You can change your name on Facebook once every 60 days. If you’ve recently changed your name, you’ll need to wait 60 days before you can change it again.

2. Will changing my name on Facebook affect my account?

Changing your name on Facebook will not affect your account or your posts. Your account and posts will still be visible to your friends and followers, but they will see your new name instead of your old one.

3. Do I have to provide documentation to change my name on Facebook?

In some cases, Facebook may ask you to provide documentation to prove your identity. This can include a government-issued ID, a utility bill, or other documentation that shows your name and address. If Facebook asks for documentation, you’ll need to follow the instructions they provide to provide it.

4. What if I can’t change my name on Facebook?

If you’re having trouble changing your name on Facebook, make sure you’re following Facebook’s name policy and that you’ve waited at least 60 days since your last name change. If you’re still having trouble, you can contact Facebook’s support team for assistance.

5. Will my friends and followers be notified when I change my name on Facebook?

Yes, your friends and followers will be notified when you change your name on Facebook. They’ll see a notification in their newsfeed that you’ve changed your name, and they’ll see your new name on your profile.

6. Can I change my username on Facebook?

Yes, you can change your username on Facebook separately from your name. Your username is the unique identifier that appears at the end of your Facebook profile URL (e.g., facebook.com/username). To change your username, go to your Facebook profile and click on “Edit Profile” under your name. Scroll down to the “Username” section and click on “Edit” to change your username.

7. Can I change my name on Facebook without anyone knowing?

No, when you change your name on Facebook, your friends and followers will be notified of the change. However, you can choose to keep your new name from appearing in search results or on your profile by adjusting your privacy settings.

Conclusion

Changing your name on Facebook is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to make sure your new name meets Facebook’s policies and to consider the implications of the change. By following the steps outlined in this article and keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure that your name change goes smoothly and that your friends and followers are able to find you on Facebook.