You can change a Facebook group name from the group settings, and it takes about two minutes
To change your group name, open the group, click the three dots or gear icon in the top right, select "Edit group settings," find the name field, type the new name, and save. The change shows up immediately for all members. You need to be a group admin to do this — regular members cannot rename the group.
Facebook does not limit how many times you can change a group name, so you can update it whenever the group's purpose shifts or you want a fresh direction. There is no waiting period between changes, though members will see a notification each time you rename it.
Key Takeaways
- Only group admins can change the group name; members cannot.
- The change takes effect immediately and all members receive a notification that the name has changed.
- You access the name field through group settings, which you reach from the three-dot menu at the top of the group page.
- Facebook does not restrict how often you rename a group or require you to wait between changes.
Step-by-step: changing the group name on desktop and mobile
Open the Facebook group you want to rename. At the top of the group page, look for a three-dot menu icon (on mobile) or a gear icon (on desktop). Tap or click it and select "Edit group settings" or "Group settings" — the exact wording varies by device and which version of Facebook you are using.
In the settings menu, find the field labeled "Group name." Delete the current name and type the new one. Facebook allows group names up to 255 characters, though shorter names are easier for members to remember and search for. Click "Save" or "Done" when you finish typing.
The new name appears on the group page and in members' feeds within seconds. Every member of the group will see a notification saying the group name has changed, so there is no confusion about whether they are in the right place. If you want to explain the change to members, you can post a message in the group right after renaming it.
What happens to the group after you rename it
The group's URL (web address) does not change when you rename it. If members have bookmarked the group or shared a link to it, those links still work. The group's history, posts, photos, and member list all stay exactly the same — renaming only changes what the group is called.
Members who have the group pinned to their sidebar or saved in their groups list will see the new name update automatically. If the group was searchable under the old name, it becomes searchable under the new name instead. This means people searching for the old name may not find the group anymore, so if the name change is significant, letting members know helps them spread the word about the new name.
If you are not an admin and want the name changed
Contact one of the group admins directly through Messenger or a comment and explain why you think the name should change. Admins often welcome suggestions, especially if the group's focus has shifted since it was created or if a new name would help new members understand what the group is about.
If the current admins are inactive or unresponsive, you can request to become an admin yourself. Open the group, go to settings, and look for "Request admin role" or a similar option. The existing admins will see your request and can approve or decline it. If you become an admin, you will then have the ability to rename the group.
Common reasons to rename a group
Groups often get renamed when their purpose evolves — a neighborhood group might shift from "North Side Neighbors" to "North Side Buy Nothing" if it becomes focused on free items. A hobby group might narrow its focus, like changing from "Photography Enthusiasts" to "Film Photography Only" to set clearer expectations for what members should post about.
Some groups rename themselves to be more inclusive or welcoming, or to drop outdated language that no longer reflects the community. Others rename to fix a typo or spelling mistake that was in the original name. Since there is no penalty for changing the name, admins can adjust it whenever it stops matching what the group actually does.
How to communicate a name change to your members
After you rename the group, members will see a system notification, but that notification does not explain why you made the change. If the new name is significantly different from the old one, post a message in the group explaining the reason. This helps members understand the shift and reassures them they are still in the right place.
You can also update the group description at the same time you change the name. The description appears when people search for the group or when new members first join, so updating it to match the new name helps everyone understand what the group is for. This is especially useful if the name change reflects a change in the group's focus or rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can members see who changed the group name?
Members see a notification that the group name changed, but Facebook does not show them which admin made the change. If you want members to know why you renamed it, you can post an explanation in the group.
What if I change the name and members do not recognize the group?
Post a message in the group explaining the new name and why you chose it. You can also update the group description to clarify the group's purpose, which helps members understand the change and new people understand what the group is for.
Is there a character limit for group names?
Facebook allows up to 255 characters in a group name, though most groups use much shorter names. Shorter names are easier to remember, type, and search for, so most admins keep them under 50 characters.
Can I change the name back to what it was before?
Yes. There is no restriction on reverting to an old name or using any name you want. You can change it back anytime by following the same steps.
Does changing the group name affect the group's privacy settings?
No. Renaming a group does not change whether it is public, closed, or secret. Those settings stay the same, and only the name changes.