Your Facebook username is the custom web address you can create for your account

Your Facebook username is a personalized web address — something like facebook.com/yourname — that makes it easier for people to find your profile without needing your full name or account number. Facebook assigns you a default username when you create an account, but you can change it to something shorter or more memorable. Unlike your name, which can be anything, your username must be unique across all of Facebook and can only be changed once every 60 days.

Many people confuse their username with their display name. Your display name is what appears on your posts and comments — you can change it as often as you want. Your username is the permanent web address, and changing it affects the link people use to visit your profile.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Facebook username is the custom web address (facebook.com/yourname) that lets people find your profile directly.
  • You can create or change your username once every 60 days through your account settings under "Username".
  • Usernames must be at least five characters long and can include letters, numbers, and periods — no spaces or special characters.
  • If you have not created a custom username yet, Facebook has assigned you a default one based on your account number.
  • You can see your current username by visiting your profile and looking at the web address in your browser's address bar.

Where to find your current username

The quickest way to see your username is to open your profile and look at the address bar at the top of your browser. If your username is set, the address will read facebook.com/yourname. If you see a string of numbers instead (like facebook.com/100012345678), you have not yet created a custom username — Facebook is using your account ID.

You can also find your username by going to your profile, clicking the three dots or menu icon near your cover photo, and selecting "About." Scroll down to the "Contact Information" section, and your username will appear there if you have created one. If the field is empty or shows only numbers, you have not yet set a custom username.

How to create or change your username

Open Facebook and click the downward arrow in the top right corner. Select "Settings and privacy," then "Settings." On the left side, click "Personal information." Look for the "Username" field and click "Edit." Type in the username you want to use — it must be at least five characters long and can include letters, numbers, and periods, but not spaces or special characters.

Facebook will tell you when ready whether the username is available. If someone else has already taken it, you will need to choose something different. Once you find one that is available and click "Review," Facebook will confirm the change. Remember that you can only change your username once every 60 days, so choose carefully.

If you have never created a custom username, the same steps explore — just follow the "Edit" option and enter your choice. If you have changed your username before, you will see the date you can change it again displayed on the same screen.

Rules for choosing a valid username

Facebook usernames must follow specific rules. They must be at least five characters long and can contain letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and periods (.). You cannot use spaces, hyphens, underscores, or other special characters. Usernames are not case-sensitive, so "JohnSmith" and "johnsmith" are treated as the same username.

You also cannot use a username that is already taken, that impersonates someone else, or that violates Facebook's policies. If you try to use a name that belongs to a public figure or brand, Facebook will reject it. The username you choose becomes part of your public profile web address, so avoid anything you might regret later.

What to do if your desired username is taken

If the username you want is already in use, you have a few options. You can add numbers to the end — for example, "john.smith42" instead of "john.smith." You can also try adding a period in the middle, like "john.smith" instead of "johnsmith." Many people add their birth year, initials, or a meaningful number to make their first choice unique.

If someone is using a username that belongs to you or impersonates you, you can report it to Facebook. Go to their profile, click the three dots, and select "Report." Choose the reason that best fits the situation, and Facebook will investigate. However, Facebook will not force someone to change their username just because you want it — they have to be violating a policy.

Sharing your username with others

Once you have created a username, you can share the full web address with anyone. The address is facebook.com/yourname. This is much easier to share than your account number or full name, especially if your name is common. You can include your Facebook username in your email signature, on your website, or in messages to friends.

Your username is public — anyone can see it and use it to find your profile. If you want to control who can contact you or see your profile, adjust your privacy settings separately. Your username itself does not control privacy; it just makes your profile easier to find.

Troubleshooting common username problems

If you cannot find the Username option in your settings, you may be using a very old account or a business account. Business accounts (Facebook Pages) have different settings than personal profiles. If you are trying to change your username and see a message saying you have to wait, you have already changed it within the last 60 days — you will have to wait until that period passes.

If you created a username but the web address is not working, wait a few minutes for the change to take effect across Facebook's servers. If it still does not work after an hour, try logging out and back in. If the problem continues, you can contact Facebook through the Help Center by searching for "Username" and selecting the option to report a problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my email address as my Facebook username?

No. Your username must be between five and fifty characters and can only contain letters, numbers, and periods. Email addresses contain the @ symbol, which is not allowed. You can use part of your email (the part before the @) if it meets the character and symbol rules.

What happens to my old username if I change it?

When you change your username, the old one becomes available for someone else to use. The old web address will no longer work. If you have shared your old username link with people, they will not be able to reach your profile using it anymore. Always update your links if you change your username.

Can I have the same username on Facebook and Instagram?

Yes, but they are separate accounts with separate usernames. Facebook and Instagram are owned by the same company, but changing your username on one does not change it on the other. You have to set each username independently through each platform's settings.

Is my username the same as my Facebook ID?

No. Your Facebook ID is a long number assigned to your account automatically. Your username is a custom text address you create. Some people have both — the ID is always there in the background, but the username is what you see in the web address and what you share with others.

What if I want to go back to my old username?

You cannot reclaim an old username you previously used. Once you change your username, the old one enters a waiting period and then becomes available to anyone. If you want to use it again, you have to wait until someone else claims it and then changes it themselves — which may never happen.