How to change a Facebook group name
To change your Facebook group's name, open the group, click the three dots next to the group name at the top, select Edit Group Settings, find the name field, type the new name, and click Save Changes. The change takes effect when ready and all members see the new name right away.
You must be the group admin to change the name. If you are not the admin, you cannot make this change — you would need to ask the person who created the group or another admin to do it for you.
Facebook does not limit how many times you can change a group name, so you can update it whenever you need to. There is no waiting period between changes, though members may find frequent name changes confusing.
Key Takeaways
- Only group admins can change the group name; members cannot make this change.
- The name change appears when ready to all members and shows in search results within a few minutes.
- You can change the name as many times as you want with no restrictions or cooldown period.
- The group's URL and member list stay the same when you change the name — only the display name updates.
- If you change the name to something very different, consider posting an announcement so members understand why.
Step-by-step: accessing group settings on desktop
Open Facebook and navigate to your group. At the top of the group page, you will see the group name with a small icon next to it. Click the three dots (the menu icon) that appears to the right of the group name.
A dropdown menu will appear with several options. Look for Edit Group Settings — this is usually near the top of the menu. Click it. You will now see the group settings page, which shows all the fields you can change, including the name field at the top.
Click inside the name field, delete the current name, and type the new one. Make sure the new name is clear and reflects what the group is about. When you are done typing, scroll down and click the Save Changes button at the bottom of the page.
Step-by-step: accessing group settings on mobile
Open the Facebook app and go to your group. At the top of the group page, tap the three dots next to the group name. A menu will pop up with several options.
Tap Edit Group Settings. The settings page will open. The name field is at the top — tap it to select it, then delete the old name and type the new one. After you have entered the new name, scroll down and tap Save Changes.
The mobile version works the same way as desktop, just with touch controls instead of clicks. The change saves when ready once you tap the button.
What happens when you change the group name
The new name appears to all members when ready. They will see it the next time they refresh their page or reopen the app. The group's web address (URL) does not change — the group stays at the same link, only the display name updates.
The change also shows up in Facebook search results within a few minutes. If someone searches for the old name, they will not find the group anymore, but if they search for the new name, it will appear. All posts, photos, and member history stay exactly the same — only the name changes.
Members are not notified automatically that the name changed. If the new name is very different from the old one, consider posting a message in the group explaining the change so members do not get confused.
Reasons to change a group name
Groups often need name changes when their purpose shifts. A group that started as a neighborhood watch might expand to cover community events, or a hobby group might narrow its focus. Changing the name keeps it accurate and helps new members understand what the group is about.
Sometimes a name change is needed to fix a typo or spelling error in the original name. Other times, a group rebrands because the old name no longer fits the community that has formed. A group for a specific event might change its name after the event ends to reflect its new purpose.
You might also change the name if it was too vague or too long. A shorter, clearer name makes the group easier to find and easier for people to remember.
If you are not the group admin
If you are a member but not an admin, you cannot change the group name yourself. You will need to contact one of the group admins and ask them to make the change. Most groups have the admin listed on the group page — look for a section that shows who runs the group.
If you do not know who the admin is, you can send a message to the group asking an admin to change the name, or you can try to find the admin's profile and send them a direct message. Be clear about what name you are suggesting and why you think the change would help the group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can members see who changed the group name?
No, Facebook does not show members a notification or log of who changed the name. Members only see that the name is different when they look at the group. If you want them to know why it changed, you need to post an announcement in the group yourself.
What if I change the name and then want to change it back?
You can change it back anytime. There is no limit on how many times you can change the group name, and there is no waiting period between changes. Just go back to Edit Group Settings and type the old name again.
Does changing the group name affect the group's privacy settings?
No. The name change does not affect whether the group is public, private, or closed. It also does not change who can see posts, who can join, or any other privacy or permission settings. Only the display name updates.
Will the group URL change if I change the name?
No. The group's web address stays the same even after you change the name. Members who have bookmarked the group or saved the link will still be able to access it without any problem.
How long does it take for the new name to show up in search results?
The new name usually appears in Facebook search results within a few minutes. Members who are already in the group see the change when ready, but it may take a little longer for people outside the group to find it under the new name.