How to Change Your Nickname on Facebook

Facebook is a useful way to stay in touch with casual acquaintances, close friends and family. Many people prefer to be known by their nickname online, and including your nickname on Facebook might help people to find you and add you as a friend. Facebook allows users to include a nickname on profile pages, but all users must also include their full name. Changing or adding a nickname isn't automatic. Facebook staff will review your name change request after you apply through "Account Settings" on your profile page.

Instructions

1. Open the Web browser on your computer and navigate to Facebook.com.

2. Enter your Facebook username and password and click the "Log In" button. This displays your Facebook home page.

3. Click "Account" in the top menu and select "Account Settings" from the drop-down menu.

4. Click the "Name" link in the main window.

5. Find your current nickname in the "Alternate Name (Optional)" dialog box.

6. Highlight the current nickname and delete it. Type your preferred nickname into the box.

7. Click the "Include This Name on My Profile" check-box if you want the nickname displayed with your real name on your Facebook profile. If you don't click this, other users can still find your profile page by searching for your nickname, but the nickname won't appear on the page.

8. Click the "Save Changes" button under the dialog box.

9. Wait for Facebook staff to review and approve or decline the request. This usually takes around 24 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Facebook's naming policy insists that user nicknames should be based on first or last names.

References

• Facebook Help Center: How Do I Change My Name?