how to change your name in facebook

You can change your name on Facebook in about a minute, but there are several restrictions to mind.
Facebook prohibits the use of pseudonyms, but it does allow you to use common nicknames, such as Bill in place of William.
Changing your Facebook name will not alter anything else about your account, and it will not remove the tags applied to your previous name.
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There are any number of good reasons to change the name on your Facebook account.

Maybe you're taking on a new spouse's surname and want your profile to reflect your new name. Or maybe you've outgrown your childhood nickname — Billy, let's say — and want to start going by William instead. Or maybe you just need some change to spice things up.

Why you want to change your name on Facebook is your business, but here's how to do it.

How to change your name on Facebook

Head to the Facebook website and make sure you're logged in.

1. Click on the downward-facing arrow at the top right of the page.

2. In the dropdown menu that appears, click "Settings & privacy," then "Settings."

After clicking "Settings & privacy" in the dropdown menu under the arrow icon, click "Settings."

3. You should now be on the General Account Settings page. Next to your name, click the word "Edit."

4. In the boxes at the top of the page, type in the new name you wish to use.

5. Click "Review Change."

6. In the pop-up, check the new name to make sure you're satisfied, then type in your password and click "Save Changes."

Choose which display name you'd like, and click "Save Changes" to put it into effect.

You now have a brand new name on Facebook with an otherwise unaffected account.

What to know about changing your name on Facebook

Some social media platforms let you change your name as often as you want. Not so much with Facebook: they only allow for one name change in a 60-day period. And if you change your name too often, that can extend to 120 days.

Also, unlike other platforms, Facebook wants you to use your real name. They allow for common derivative names, like Bob for Robert, Liz for Elizabeth, and Larry for Lawrence, but they don't want pseudonyms or nonsense names.

If you use a fake name, you risk being banned from Facebook. The company's own stated policy on the matter reads, in part: "Facebook is a community where everyone uses the name they go by in everyday life. This makes it so that you always know who you're connecting with."

The good news is that as long as your name change complies with Facebook's policies, it won't have any negative impact on your account. Your friends will still be able to interact with you in all the same ways, no new connections needed, and any pictures or posts in which your former name was tagged will now show your new name.

Related coverage from Tech Reference:

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How to contact Facebook for problems with your account and other issues
How to change your Facebook password to help keep your account secure
How to unfriend and unfollow people on Facebook

Steven John

Freelance Writer

Steven John is a freelance writer living near New York City by way of 12 years in Los Angeles, four in Boston, and the first 18 near DC. When not writing or spending time with his wife and kids, he can occasionally be found climbing mountains. His writing is spread across the web, and his books can be found at www.stevenjohnbooks.com.