How to Change Your Username on Facebook
Facebook gives you more control over your identity than most people realize — including the ability to change the name others see on your profile and the custom URL (username) that appears in your profile link. These are two distinct things, and understanding the difference is the first step to making the right change.
Username vs. Display Name: What's the Difference?
Before diving into steps, it's worth clarifying what you're actually changing.
- Display name — This is the name shown on your profile, in search results, and in posts. It's what your friends see when you comment or send a message.
- Username (Profile URL) — This is the unique handle that appears in your Facebook web address, like
facebook.com/yourname. It's sometimes called a vanity URL or @username.
Both can be changed, but they live in different settings and have different rules attached to them.
How to Change Your Facebook Display Name
On Desktop
- Log into Facebook and click your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings & Privacy, then Settings.
- In the left menu, click Personal Information.
- Click Name.
- Enter your updated first, middle, or last name.
- Enter your Facebook password to confirm and save.
On Mobile (iOS or Android)
- Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the top-right (Android) or bottom-right (iOS).
- Scroll down and tap Settings & Privacy, then Settings.
- Tap Personal and Account Information, then Name.
- Make your changes and confirm with your password.
⚠️ Facebook typically enforces a 60-day waiting period between display name changes. You won't be able to change it again until that window has passed.
How to Change Your Facebook Username (Profile URL)
Your username is what personalizes your profile link. If you haven't set one yet, your URL may contain a long string of numbers. Setting or updating it makes your profile easier to share and find.
On Desktop
- Go to Settings & Privacy → Settings.
- Click Personal Information in the left menu.
- Click Username.
- Type in your desired username and check availability.
- Save the changes.
On Mobile
- Open the Facebook app and go to your profile.
- Tap Edit Profile.
- Scroll down to find the Username field.
- Enter a new username and tap Save.
Facebook's Username Rules 🔍
Not every username combination is available or allowed. Facebook enforces specific guidelines:
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Character types | Letters, numbers, and periods only |
| Minimum length | At least 5 characters |
| Periods | Can be used but don't create distinct usernames (john.smith = johnsmith) |
| Unique requirement | No two accounts can share the same username |
| Impersonation | Usernames that mislead or impersonate others are not permitted |
| Change frequency | Usernames can be changed, but not repeatedly in quick succession |
Generic terms, trademarked names, and usernames that don't reflect your actual identity may be rejected or removed by Facebook's enforcement systems.
What Happens After You Change It
When you update your username, your old profile URL stops working immediately. Anyone using a saved link or bookmark to your old URL will hit a dead end — so it's worth giving people your updated link if it matters for your personal brand, group, or page.
Your display name change rolls out across Facebook fairly quickly, though it may take a short time to fully propagate across Messenger, Groups, and search results.
Special Cases: Facebook Pages and Linked Profiles
If you manage a Facebook Page (for a business, creator account, or organization), the username process is separate from your personal profile. Pages have their own username field under Page Settings, and the same uniqueness rules apply.
Some accounts — particularly older ones or those created without a verified identity — may have restrictions on username changes. Facebook occasionally limits changes if the account has been flagged, is relatively new, or hasn't been verified via phone or email.
Why You Might Not See the Option
A few common reasons the username or name change option may be grayed out or missing:
- Recent change lock — You've already changed it within the 60-day window.
- Account restrictions — The account is under review or has violated community standards.
- Age of account — Very new accounts sometimes have limited editing capabilities.
- Admin lock (Pages) — On Pages with multiple admins, certain roles can restrict who can edit the username.
The Variables That Shape Your Experience 🛠️
What seems like a simple settings change carries more nuance depending on your situation. Someone with a long-standing personal account will have a different experience than someone who just created theirs last week. A creator managing multiple Pages faces a different set of constraints than someone just updating their personal name after a life change like a marriage or legal name update.
The platform version you're using — desktop web, iOS app, or Android app — can also change where settings live, since Facebook periodically updates its navigation structure. If you can't find an option where this guide says it should be, checking Settings from a desktop browser often surfaces options that are buried or missing in the mobile app.
Your account's history, verification status, and any prior policy interactions all factor into what Facebook will or won't let you change, and how quickly.