Where to find your username setting on Facebook

Your Facebook username is the custom web address that appears in your profile URL — the part after facebook.com/. To change it, open Facebook on a computer (the mobile app does not have this option), go to your profile, and click the three dots next to your name. Select "Edit profile," then look for the username field near the top of the page, just below your profile picture.

If you do not see a username field, you may not have created one yet. Facebook assigns you a default ID number instead. In that case, click "Create a username" and follow the same steps below. You can only create or change your username once every 60 days, so choose carefully before you confirm.

Key Takeaways

  • You can only change your Facebook username once every 60 days, so plan your new name before you click save.
  • Your username must be between 5 and 50 characters long and can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.
  • Facebook will not let you use a username that is already taken, too similar to another account, or contains offensive language.
  • Changing your username does not affect your friends list, messages, or any other account data — only the web address people use to find you.
  • If you change your mind within 60 days, you cannot change it again until the waiting period ends.

What characters and words Facebook allows in a username

Facebook usernames must be between 5 and 50 characters long. You can use lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), periods (.), and underscores (_). You cannot use spaces, capital letters, or special characters like hyphens, @ symbols, or emoji.

Facebook will reject a username if it is already taken by another person, if it is too similar to an existing account (even with slight variations), or if it contains words Facebook flags as offensive or impersonating. You also cannot use certain reserved words that Facebook reserves for its own pages, like "facebook," "help," or "settings." If your chosen name is rejected, try adding a number or underscore to make it unique.

Steps to change your username

Open Facebook in a web browser on a computer. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select "Profile" from the menu. Once on your profile page, click the three dots next to your name (or next to the "Add story" button if you see that instead). A menu will appear — select "Edit profile."

In the Edit Profile window, scroll to find the username field. It will show your current username or a button that says "Create a username" if you have not set one yet. Click on the username field to edit it. Type your new username in the text box. Facebook will show you a preview of your new profile URL as you type, so you can see exactly what it will look like.

Once you are happy with your choice, click the checkmark or "Save" button next to the field. Facebook will confirm the change and show you your new profile URL. The change takes effect immediately, and your old username becomes available for someone else to use after a short delay.

What happens to your old username and profile links

When you change your username, your old one becomes inactive and unavailable to you for 60 days. During that waiting period, anyone who tries to visit your old profile URL will be redirected to your new one, so your friends and followers will not lose access to your profile. After 60 days, your old username becomes available for someone else to claim.

All your existing profile links, messages, and friend connections remain the same. Your friends do not need to re-add you, and any messages you have sent or received stay in their inboxes. The only thing that changes is the web address people use to visit your profile. Posts you have shared, photos, and your friends list are all unaffected.

Why Facebook might reject your username choice

If you see an error message when you try to save a new username, it is usually for one of these reasons: the name is already taken, it is too similar to an existing account, it contains characters Facebook does not allow, it is shorter than 5 characters or longer than 50, or it includes words Facebook has flagged as offensive or impersonating.

The most common issue is that the username is already taken. Try adding a number at the end, using an underscore between words, or choosing a different name altogether. If Facebook says the name is "too similar" to another account, it means your choice is close enough to confuse people — try making it more distinct. If you believe your username was rejected in error, you can contact Facebook through the Help Center, though Facebook rarely overturns these decisions.

Changing your username on mobile devices

The Facebook mobile app does not have a username editing feature. If you want to change your username, you must use a computer and open Facebook in a web browser. You can access the full desktop version of Facebook on a phone by opening your browser, going to facebook.com, and requesting the desktop site from your browser menu (usually under "View" or "Settings").

Once you have made the change on a computer, it will be reflected everywhere — on the app, on mobile browsers, and on desktop. You do not need to make the change separately on each device.

The 60-day waiting period and what to do if you made a mistake

After you change your username, you cannot change it again for 60 days. This rule applies whether you are changing it for the first time or updating an existing username. If you realize you made a typo or chose a name you do not like, you will have to wait the full 60 days before you can change it again.

The only way around this is to contact Facebook Support and explain that you made a genuine mistake — for example, you typed your username wrong by accident. Facebook may make an exception in rare cases, but there is no may provide. It is better to double-check your new username before you confirm the change. Use the preview that Facebook shows you to make sure the spelling and format are exactly what you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Yes, but only after 60 days have passed since you changed it. Your old username becomes available again after that waiting period, and you can claim it like any other username. If someone else takes it first, you cannot get it back.

Does changing my username affect my Facebook page or business account?

If you have a Facebook Page (separate from your personal profile), you can change that username the same way. Pages have their own username settings in the Page Settings menu. Business accounts and Creator accounts follow the same 60-day waiting period rule.

What if someone else is using the username I want?

You cannot use a username that is already taken. Try adding numbers, periods, or underscores to make it unique. If the account using that name appears to be inactive or impersonating you, you can report it to Facebook through the Help Center.

Will my friends be able to find me after I change my username?

Yes. Your friends list does not change, and anyone who searches for your name will still find you. The old profile URL redirects to your new one for 60 days, so old links still work. After that, only your new username works.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my username?

No. Facebook only allows lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Spaces, capital letters, hyphens, and other special characters are not permitted in usernames.