Where your username appears on Facebook

Your Facebook username is the custom web address people use to find your profile — the part that comes after facebook.com/. By default, Facebook does not display your username prominently on your profile itself. Instead, your name appears at the top, and your username lives in the background as part of your profile URL and in your profile settings.

If you want visitors to see your username when they land on your profile, you have two main options: add it to your bio section, or include it in your "About" information where you can list contact details and other personal information. Neither method puts your username in a headline position, but both make it visible to anyone viewing your profile.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Facebook username is the custom web address (facebook.com/yourname) but does not automatically display on your profile page itself.
  • You can add your username to your bio or "About" section so visitors see it when they view your profile.
  • The bio section is the quickest place to mention your username if you want it visible at a glance.
  • Your username is different from your display name — your display name is what appears in posts and comments, while your username is your profile URL.

Adding your username to your bio

The bio section is the easiest place to display your username. Open Facebook and go to your profile by clicking your name or profile picture. Look for the "Bio" section — it usually appears near the top of your profile, below your cover photo and next to your profile picture.

Click "Edit Bio" or the pencil icon next to the existing bio text. Type your username into the bio field. You can write something like "Username: @yourname" or straightforward include it as part of a sentence about yourself. Click "Save" when you are done. Your bio now appears on your profile for anyone to see.

Adding your username to your About section

Your "About" section holds more detailed information and is another place to list your username. From your profile, click the "About" tab or section. Look for an "Edit" button or pencil icon. Scroll through the available fields — you may find sections for contact information, work, education, or a general notes area where you can add your username.

Type your username into whichever field makes sense for your situation. Some people add it under "Contact Information" with a label like "Username" or "Social Handle." Others add it to a general "About You" or "Bio" field within the About section. Save your changes when finished. The information you add here is visible to anyone who clicks the About tab on your profile.

Finding your username if you are not sure what it is

If you have not created a custom username or cannot remember it, you can find it in your settings. Click the downward arrow or menu icon in the top right corner of Facebook and select "Settings and Privacy," then "Settings." On the left side, click "Personal Information." Look for "Username" in the list — this shows your current custom username.

If you see only a number string instead of a custom username, you have not yet created one. Facebook allows you to create a custom username once, and you can change it later if needed. The option to create or edit your username is usually in the same Personal Information section of your settings.

The difference between username and display name

Your display name is what appears when you post, comment, or message someone — it is the name people see attached to your activity. Your username is the custom web address for your profile (facebook.com/yourname). They are separate things, and changing one does not change the other.

Many people confuse the two because Facebook uses both. Your display name can have spaces, special characters, and multiple words. Your username is simpler — usually lowercase letters and numbers, no spaces. If you want people to find you by typing a specific name into the Facebook search bar, your display name matters most. If you want to share a short, clean profile link, your username matters most.

Why you might want to display your username

Showing your username on your profile makes it easier for people to find and remember your profile link. If you use Facebook for business, content creation, or networking, a visible username helps people share your profile or visit it later. It also prevents confusion if your display name is common or changes frequently.

Some people add their username to their bio so followers on other platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Twitter) can find them on Facebook using the same handle. Others include it for professional reasons — a photographer or freelancer might list their username so clients can bookmark or share the profile easily.

Privacy and visibility settings for your profile

Before adding your username to your bio or About section, consider your privacy settings. If your profile is set to private, only your friends can see your bio and About information. If your profile is public, anyone on Facebook can see what you add there, including your username.

Check your privacy settings by going to Settings and Privacy, then Settings. Click "Privacy" on the left side. Look at "Who can see your posts?" and "Who can see your profile?" to understand who will see the information you add. If you want your username visible to everyone, keep these settings public. If you want only friends to see it, set your profile to friends-only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username after I create it?

Yes, you can change your username, but Facebook limits how often. You can typically change it once every 60 days. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information, and click on Username to edit it. Type your new username and save the change.

Will changing my username break my old profile link?

No. Your old username link will stop working, but your profile remains accessible through your numeric Facebook ID. Anyone who has your old link will see an error, so if you share your profile link often, tell people about the change so they can update their bookmarks.

Does my username have to match my display name?

No. Your username and display name are independent. Your display name can be "Sarah Johnson" while your username is "sarahjphoto." You can change your display name as often as you want, but your username has the 60-day change limit.

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 cannot use it. Try variations like adding numbers, initials, or a middle name. You can also search for the person using that username to see if their account is active or if they might be willing to discuss it.

Is it safe to put my username in my bio?

Yes, your username is already public — it is your profile web address. Adding it to your bio does not expose any new information. However, if your profile is public, anyone can see your bio. If you prefer privacy, keep your profile set to friends-only before adding your username anywhere visible.