How to Change Your Facebook URL to a Custom Username

What you're changing and why it matters

Your Facebook URL is the web address people use to find your profile — it looks like facebook.com/yourname. Facebook lets you create a custom URL instead of the default numbers-and-letters string, and you can change it once every 30 days. This is different from your display name, which is what appears above your posts and in search results. Your URL is what you share when you want someone to visit your profile directly.

The custom URL you choose becomes permanent for 30 days after you set it, so you cannot change it again until that period passes. If someone else claims the username you want before you do, you will have to pick something different. Facebook does not hold usernames in reserve.

Key Takeaways

You can set a custom Facebook URL only if your account is at least 30 days old and has a confirmed name and profile picture.
Your chosen URL must be between 5 and 50 characters, contain no spaces, and cannot be changed again for 30 days after you set it.
The change takes effect immediately on desktop and mobile, and the old URL stops working right away.
If someone else takes the username you want, you will need to choose a different one — Facebook does not hold names in reserve.

Check that your account meets the requirements

Before you can set a custom URL, your account must be at least 30 days old. Facebook counts from the day you created the account, not from the day you first logged in. If you just made your account, you will have to wait until the 30-day mark passes.

You also need a confirmed name on your account — the name you use in real life or go by regularly — and a profile picture that is not a default image. If your profile picture is still the blank silhouette or a placeholder, upload a real photo first. Go to your profile, click the camera icon on your current picture, and select Upload Photo. You do not need a fancy photo; any clear image of yourself works.

Navigate to the URL settings on desktop

Open Facebook in a web browser and go to your profile by clicking your name in the top left corner. Once you are on your profile page, look for the three dots (more options menu) next to the Edit Profile button. Click those dots and select Settings and Privacy, then click Settings.

In the left sidebar, scroll down and click Personal Information. Look for the field labeled Username — this is where your current URL appears. If you have not set a custom URL yet, this field will show a string of numbers. Click in that field to edit it.

Create your custom URL

When you click the username field, a text box opens where you can type your new URL. Facebook will show you what the full address will look like as you type — it will display as facebook.com/yourname. The username you choose must be between 5 and 50 characters long, can include letters, numbers, and periods, but cannot include spaces or special characters like hyphens or underscores.

Type the username you want and watch for the green checkmark or red X that appears next to it. A green checkmark means the name is available. A red X means someone else has already claimed it, or the name violates Facebook's rules (for example, usernames that look like they are impersonating someone famous). If you see a red X, try a variation — add a number, use your middle initial, or add a descriptor like your city or profession.

Confirm and save your new URL

Once you see the green checkmark next to your chosen username, click the Review or Save button (the exact label depends on your Facebook version). Facebook will show you a confirmation screen with your new URL. Read it carefully to make sure there are no typos, then click Save Changes or Confirm.

The change takes effect immediately. Your old URL stops working right away, and anyone who tries to visit it will see an error. Your new URL is now active, and you can share it with people. If you change your mind within the 30-day window, you cannot change it back — you will have to wait until the 30 days are up to set a different one.

Change your URL on mobile

If you are using the Facebook app on your phone, tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy, then tap Settings. Tap Personal Information and then Username. The process from here is the same as on desktop — type your new username, wait for the green checkmark, and tap Save.

The mobile app sometimes takes a few seconds longer to confirm the change, so do not close the app immediately after you tap save. Wait for the confirmation message to appear on your screen before you navigate away.

What to do if your preferred username is taken

If the username you want shows a red X, that name is either already claimed or not allowed by Facebook's rules. You cannot reserve a username or get on a waiting list. Your only option is to choose a different one. Try adding numbers to the end (like yourname123), using your middle initial (like j.yourname), or adding a descriptor (like yourname.writer or yourname.chicago).

Some people try to contact the person who has the username they want and ask them to change it. Facebook does not mediate these disputes and will not force someone to give up a username. If the account holding the name appears to be inactive or abandoned, you can report it to Facebook, but there is no may provide they will take action or that you will get the username afterward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Facebook URL more than once?

You can change it once every 30 days. After you set a new URL, you must wait a full 30 days before you can change it again. The 30-day timer starts the moment you save your new URL, not from any other date.

What happens to my old URL after I change it?

Your old URL stops working immediately and anyone who tries to visit it will see an error page. If you shared your old URL with people, they will need the new one to find your profile. You cannot get your old URL back after you change it.

Can I use special characters like hyphens or underscores in my URL?

No. Facebook usernames can only contain letters, numbers, and periods. Hyphens, underscores, and spaces are not allowed. If you want to separate words, use a period instead (like your.name).

What if I see an error message when I try to save my new URL?

The most common errors are: the username is already taken, the username is too short (less than 5 characters), or your account does not meet the requirements yet. Check that your account is at least 30 days old, has a confirmed name, and has a profile picture. If all three are in place and you still get an error, try a different username.

Do I need to tell my friends my new URL?

Only if you shared your old URL with them and want them to keep using it. Your display name and profile do not change, so people who already know you or have you as a friend can still find you the same way. The URL mainly matters if you are sharing a direct link to your profile.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.