What a Facebook web address is and why you might change it
Your Facebook web address is the custom URL that appears in your browser when someone visits your profile — something like facebook.com/yourname instead of facebook.com/profile.php?id=123456789. Facebook assigns you a default one based on your name, but you can change it to something shorter, easier to share, or more professional.
You might change it because your name has changed, you want something more memorable for work or a project, or you simply prefer a cleaner-looking link to share with people. Unlike your account name or email, this web address is purely cosmetic — it does not affect how you log in or how Facebook identifies your account.
The process is straightforward and takes about two minutes. You can change it once every 60 days, so if you make a mistake, you will have to wait two months before trying again.
Key Takeaways
- Your Facebook web address is the custom URL in your browser bar, separate from your login email or account name.
- You can only change it once every 60 days, so choose carefully before you confirm the change.
- The address must be between 5 and 50 characters, cannot contain spaces, and cannot be a name already in use by another account.
- After you change it, your old web address stops working and redirects to your new one for a short time.
How to find and change your web address
Open Facebook and go to your profile by clicking your name or profile picture in the top right corner. Click the three dots or the down arrow next to your cover photo, then select "Edit profile." On the left side of the screen, you will see a section labeled "Username" — this is your web address.
Click the edit icon (pencil) next to your username. A box will appear showing your current web address and a text field where you can type a new one. Type the new address you want, then click "Review" to see how it will look. If you are satisfied, click "Confirm" to save the change.
Facebook will show you a confirmation message that your username has been updated. Your new web address is live immediately, though it may take a few minutes to work everywhere on the platform.
Rules for choosing a new web address
Facebook has specific rules about what you can use. Your web address must be at least 5 characters long and no more than 50 characters. It can contain letters, numbers, and periods, but not spaces, special characters, or hyphens. If you want to separate words, use a period instead — like john.smith or jane.doe.photography.
The address cannot be a name that is already in use by another account, a Facebook page, or a reserved word. If you try to use something taken, Facebook will tell you immediately and suggest alternatives. You also cannot use your email address or phone number as your web address.
Your web address is public and visible to anyone who visits your profile, so choose something you are comfortable with long-term. You can change it again after 60 days, but frequent changes can confuse people trying to find you.
What happens to your old web address
When you change your web address, your old one stops working as a direct link. However, Facebook does not immediately delete it — instead, it redirects to your new address for a limited time. If someone tries to visit your old web address within a few days or weeks, they will be sent to your new one automatically.
This redirect does not last forever. After some time, the old address may stop working entirely. If you have shared your old web address widely — on a resume, business card, or website — you should update those places with your new address to avoid confusion.
Troubleshooting common problems
If you see an error message saying "This username is not available," it means someone else is already using it or it is a reserved word. Try adding a number, period, or variation. If you see "You have changed your username recently," you have hit the 60-day waiting period and will need to wait before trying again.
If your new web address is not working after you confirm the change, wait a few minutes and refresh your browser. Changes can take a short time to sync across Facebook's servers. If it still does not work after 15 minutes, try logging out and back in.
If you cannot find the username edit option, make sure you are on your own profile, not someone else's. You can only change your own web address. Also check that you are using the current version of Facebook — older versions or third-party apps may not show this feature.
Keeping your web address secure
Your web address is public information, so there is no privacy risk in sharing it. However, be cautious about who you give your full profile link to, since your profile contains other personal information. If you use your web address on a resume or business card, consider what information is visible on your profile to people you do not know.
If someone else is using a web address that looks like yours — for example, adding extra characters to impersonate you — you can report it to Facebook. Go to their profile, click the three dots, and select "Report." Facebook takes impersonation seriously and will investigate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my web address back to what it was before?
Not immediately. You have to wait 60 days between changes. If you change your address and then want to switch back, you will need to wait two months. After that, you can change it back if no one else has claimed that address in the meantime.
Does changing my web address affect my login or password?
No. Your web address is only the public link to your profile. You still log in with your email address and password, which do not change. Your account name and login credentials are separate from your web address.
What if the web address I want is taken?
Facebook will tell you it is not available and may suggest similar options. You can try adding a number, period, or variation of the name. If the address belongs to an inactive or fake account impersonating someone, you can report it to Facebook.
Can I use my business name as my web address?
Yes, as long as no one else is using it and it follows Facebook's character rules. However, if you are running a business, consider creating a Facebook Page instead of using your personal profile — Pages are designed for businesses and have different features.
Will my friends still be able to find me if I change my web address?
Yes. Your friends can find you by searching your name, and your old web address will redirect to your new one for a while. However, if you have shared your old address on external websites or documents, you should update those with your new address.