Your Facebook name is typically the first piece of information people learn about you online. It’sessentially a part of your identity, whether you’re communicating with friends, connecting with groups, ornetworking for professional purposes. Ifyour name isn’t stableor it appears some what inconsistent, it could puzzle other people who are attempting to contact you.
I recall having a friend who spelled her own name wrong on Facebook because she was in such a hurry, and no one could find her later.
Understanding Facebook’s Name Policy
Facebook does want you to use the name you’re known by in real life. It doesn’t need to be your precise legal name, but near enough so people will know who you are. Then there is a list of things you may not do:
- No unusual punctuation or symbols. Ifyoutry “J@ne” or “John!!” it won’twork.
- No titles, e.g., Dr. or Prof.
- No unwarranted capitalization. sAmAnThA is not the correctway of writing your name.
- Nick names are fine, as long as they are associated with your actual name. Liz for Elizabeth is acceptable.
Sometimes if you push the limits too aggressively, Facebook will prompt you to confirm your identity, andthat can seriously slow you down.
Why You May Want to Change Your Name
Thereare a multitude of reasonsthatindividualschangetheir Facebook names. Maybeyouarerebrandingyourselfforprofessionalreasons, oryoujustgotmarriedordivorced. I had a friendwhochanged his name because he wasusing a nicknamefromchildhoodthat he had beenusing since highschooland it seemed a littleridiculous in a professionalsetting. Also, ifyouhave a typo in therefromyearsago (like I did), youmightjustwanttofix it onceandforall.
Main Restrictions
Beforeyoudive in, remember:
- Your name can only be updatedonce a 60-day period.
- Ifsomething’sfishy, Facebook willpromptyoutoconfirmwhoyouarebyconducting an ID check.
- Youhave a smallchance of gettingyouraccountsuspendedorlocked, particularlyifyournew name is verydifferentfromthepreviousone.
I’ve had a friendstrandedformorethan a weekbecausesheemployed a creativespelling of her name thatwas not on her school ID.
How to Legally Change Your Name
Alright, here’s how you do it (justdouble-checkeverythingbeforeyousave, trust me):
- Gotoyour profile and tap on thedropdown in theupperright-handcorner.
- Tap Settings&Privacy, thenSettings.
- SearchforPersonalandAccount Information (or General ifusingtheolder format).
- Choose Name.
- Fill in yournewfirst, middle (ifapplicable), andlast name.
- Hit ReviewChangetosee a preview.
- EnteryourpasswordandclickSaveChanges.
Come on, justtakethe time tomake sure youspelled it correctly. Youdon’twanttohavetowait two monthstofix a littleerror.
Security and Privacy Stuff
Renaming can make it moredifficultforsomeindividualstolocateyouif they knowyouonlybyyourold name. Also, beware of:
- Yourprivacysettings, toensurethingsremainthewayyouprefer.
- Services orappsyousignintousing Facebook (they’lloftendefaulttousingyournew name).
- AnyGroupsorPagesthatyoumanage. Userswill be puzzledif they notice a different name on thesameoldposts.
When I wanted to update the name of my personal brand, it took me an hour to go through different pages and apps just to make sure everything was appearing identical. You can click here formore details about making consistent updates across your platforms.
Common Issues (And How You Can AssistThem)
Occasionally, even if you do everything correctly, you have problems:
- Facebook does not accept your change: chances are you violate done of their name rules (like putting an odd symbolor a title on it).
- Name under review: when the system suspects your name may be fictitious. You generally just have to let it go for a day or so.
- Locked account: extremely uncommon, but if this occurs, you’ll be asked to send Facebook a photo of your identification.
- Still having trouble? You can reach out to Facebook Support in Help Center. Just bear in mind it may take some time for them to get back to you.
SomeAdditionalTipsfor a SmootherExperience
- Select a name you can livewithfor a whilesothatyouwill not be forcedtowaitanother 60 daystochange it again.
- Ensure it is a truerepresentation of yourself in life (noonelikesconfusion).
- Have an ID handy in caseyouneedtoproveyouare a genuineperson.
- ReviewFacebook’srevisedpolicies in their Help Center ifyou’re not sure. One of myfriendsattemptedtoswitchto an old name frompriortoadoption, and he wasunawarethat Facebook recentlyalteredtheir name policysomewhat. Thiscreated drama until he resolved it withsupport.
FAQs
Can I use my nickname instead of my full name?
Okay, if it’s a common variation. If your actual name is Benjamin and you go by the nickname Ben, that’s fine, but don’t expect “SuperStar Ben” to fly.
How quickly does the new name show up?
It’s generally quite quick, in a matter of minutes, but sometimes it takes an entire day before it arrives for everyone.
Can I use my professional designation?
No way, Facebook doesn’t want titles in the name field. Put them in your bio or in the About section.
