Where to find your username on Facebook

Your Facebook username is the custom web address that appears in your profile URL — the part after facebook.com/. You can find it by going to your profile, clicking the three dots next to your cover photo, and selecting "Copy profile link". The link will show your username or your user ID number if you have not set a custom username yet.

If you see a string of numbers instead of a name (like facebook.com/100087654321), that is your user ID, not your username. You can create a custom username from the same menu by clicking "Copy profile link" and looking for an option to edit it, or by going to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Username.

The easiest method is to visit your own profile on Facebook, look at the web address in your browser's address bar, and write down what comes after facebook.com/. That is your username or ID.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Facebook username is the custom web address after facebook.com/ in your profile link, different from your display name.
  • You can view your profile link by clicking the three dots next to your cover photo and selecting "Copy profile link".
  • If you see only numbers in your profile link, you have not yet created a custom username and are using your user ID instead.
  • You can create or change your custom username once from Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Username.

The difference between username and display name

Your display name is what appears on your posts and comments — the name your friends see. Your username is the web address people use to find your profile directly. You can change your display name as often as you want, but you can only set or change your custom username once.

Many people confuse the two because Facebook does not always make the distinction clear. If someone sends you a link to your profile and it shows facebook.com/yourname, that is your username. If it shows facebook.com/100087654321, you have not set a custom username yet and Facebook is using your user ID instead.

Creating a custom username if you do not have one

If your profile link shows only numbers, you can create a custom username. Go to Settings and Privacy, select Settings, then click Username on the left side. Facebook will show you available options based on your name, or you can type in a custom one you prefer.

Choose something you recognize and can remember, because you can only change it once. After you set it, your profile link will be facebook.com/yourchosenuserame, and that becomes your permanent web address. If you change your display name later, your username stays the same.

Facebook may suggest usernames based on your current name, or it may tell you that your preferred choice is already taken. If your first choice is unavailable, try adding a number or a short word that relates to you.

Why you might need your username

You need your username when you want to share your profile link with someone, when you are setting up a business page that connects to your personal profile, or when you are troubleshooting account issues with Facebook support. Some third-party apps and services also ask for your Facebook username to connect to your account.

Keeping your username somewhere safe — like in a password manager or a notes file — makes it easier to find later without logging into Facebook every time. Your username is not sensitive information like your password, so writing it down is safe.

What to do if you cannot find your profile link

If you are having trouble accessing your profile, try logging out and logging back in. Sometimes a browser cache issue prevents the profile link from displaying correctly. Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then log back into Facebook.

If you still cannot see your profile, go directly to facebook.com/me — this shortcut takes you to your own profile no matter what. Once you are there, look at the address bar to see your username or user ID.

If your account has been restricted or disabled, you may not be able to view your profile link normally. Contact Facebook support through the Help Center to report the issue.

Keeping your username find

Your username itself is public information — anyone can see it by visiting your profile. However, you should still protect the email address and phone number connected to your account, because those are what someone would need to take over your profile.

Check your Settings and Privacy regularly to make sure the email and phone number on file are ones you still use and recognize. If you see an email or phone number you do not recognize, change your password when ready and remove the unknown contact information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Facebook username more than once?

No. Facebook allows you to set or change your custom username only one time. After that, it is permanent. If you made a mistake, you would need to contact Facebook support to request a change, though they rarely grant these requests outside of special circumstances.

Is my username the same as my email address on Facebook?

No. Your email address is what you use to log in, and it is private. Your username is the web address for your profile, and it is public. You can have a completely different username from your email.

What if someone else has the username I want?

Usernames are first-come, first-served on Facebook. If the username you want is taken, you can try adding numbers, periods, or underscores to make it unique. For example, if "john.smith" is taken, you could try "john.smith1" or "john_smith".

Do I need my username to log into Facebook?

No. You log in with your email address or phone number, not your username. Your username is only for sharing your profile link or connecting with other services.