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How to add nicknames and modify your name on Facebook on a desktop or mobile device


  • You can change your name on Facebook in the Settings section of the website or mobile app.
  • You can only change your Facebook name once every 60 days.
  • Nicknames can be used if they adhere to Facebook's community standards.

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Changing your name on your Facebook profile is an easy, straightforward process, whether you've recently changed your last name or want to add a fun nickname.

Here's what you need to know about Facebook's name change policy and how to change your name on a desktop browser or the Facebook mobile app. 

What is Facebook's name change policy?

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Jacob LE

While you don't have to use your full legal name on Facebook, there are rules as to what types of names you can and cannot use.

Facebook prefers its users to use the name they go by in everyday life. Facebook names cannot include the following:

  • Symbols, numbers, unusual capitalization, repeating characters, or punctuation
  • Characters from more than one language
  • Titles of any kind (whether professional, religious, or something else)
  • Words or phrases instead of a name
  • Offensive or suggestive words

As far as nicknames go, Facebook allows them for first or middle names as long as they are a variation of your actual name (like Abby instead of Abigail). Impersonating other users is not allowed on Facebook.

Facebook says that profiles are for individual use only, and businesses should create a separate business page.

How to change name on Facebook

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How To Guru

You can change your name on Facebook desktop or the Facebook mobile app once every 60 days. Here's how it's done.

On desktop browser:

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Processing Brains

1. Log in to Facebook. Click the down arrow at the top-right of the screen.

2. Click Settings & Privacy, then Settings.

Facebook homepage with the Settings & Privacy option highlighted

Navigate to "Settings" to change your Facebook name.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest

3. Select "See More in Accounts Center" from the left-hand menu.

A screenshot of Facebook shows where to find the Account Center area

Insider

4. Select your Facebook profile. If you have an Instagram account, it will also show up here.

Facebook screenshot with a pink circle around a selected icon

Insider

5. Click "Name" and update your name.

On mobile app:

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Foxy Tech Tips

1. Open the Facebook app for iPhone or Android.

2. Tap the Menu icon at the bottom-right of the screen for iPhone, top-right of the screen for Android.

3. Scroll down the list. Tap Settings & Privacy, then Settings.

Screenshot of Facebook app Menu page with Settings & Privacy highlighted

"Settings & Privacy" is at the bottom of this page.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest

4. Tap Settings.

5. Tap "See more in Accounts Center." 

6. Select your Facebook profile from "Profiles."

7. Tap "Name," and enter your new name. Tap "Review Change."

8. Tap "Save Changes."

How to use a nickname on Facebook

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GuideRealm

1. Open the Facebook app for iPhone or Android.

2. Tap the Menu icon at the bottom-right of the screen for iPhone, top-right of the screen for Android.

3. Scroll down the list. Tap Settings & Privacy, then Settings.

4. Tap "See more in Accounts Center." 

5. Select your Facebook profile from "Profiles."

6. Tap "Name," then select "Manage other names."

7. Choose a Name Type (nickname, maiden name, married name, alternate spelling, etc.), enter your name, then tap Save.

Screenshot of Facebook app Nickname page with Name Type highlighted

Set a name type and a secondary name for your Facebook profile.
Abigail Abesamis Demarest

Abigail Abesamis Demarest is a contributing writer for Insider based in New York. She loves a good glazed donut and nerdy deep dives into the science of food and how it's made. 

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