Your Facebook username is the custom web address that points to your profile

Your Facebook username is a short, unique name you choose that becomes part of your profile's web address. If your username is "jane.smith", your profile URL becomes facebook.com/jane.smith. This is different from your display name — the name that appears on your posts and comments — which you can change anytime without affecting your username.

Facebook assigns you a default username based on your account number when you first sign up. You can replace it with something more memorable, but you get only one change. After you set a custom username, you cannot change it again unless you delete the account and start over.

The username serves two purposes: it makes your profile easier to find and share, and it gives you a stable web address even if you change your display name later. People can search for your username to find you, and you can include it in emails or messages as a direct link to your profile.

Key Takeaways

  • Your username becomes your profile's web address (facebook.com/yourname) and stays the same even if you change your display name.
  • You can set a custom username once during your account's lifetime; after that, you cannot change it without deleting and recreating your account.
  • Usernames must be at least five characters long and can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.
  • Your display name and your username are separate — you can change your display name as often as you want, but your username is permanent.

How to set or view your username

To set a username for the first time, go to your Facebook profile and click the three-dot menu in the top right. Select "Settings and privacy," then "Settings." On the left side, click "Personal information," then "Username." If you have not yet chosen a custom username, Facebook will show you the option to create one.

To view your current username, go to your profile page and look at the URL in your browser's address bar. If it shows facebook.com/yourname, that is your username. If it shows a long string of numbers, you have not yet set a custom username and are still using your default account ID.

You can also find your username by clicking your profile picture in the top right corner and selecting "See all profiles." Your username appears under your display name on the profile card.

Rules for choosing a username

Facebook usernames must be at least five characters long. You can use lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. You cannot use uppercase letters, spaces, or special characters like hyphens or exclamation marks. Facebook converts any uppercase letters you type to lowercase automatically.

Your username cannot be the same as someone else's, and it cannot contain certain words Facebook reserves (like "facebook" or "help"). If you try to create a username that is already taken or violates Facebook's rules, the system will tell you and ask you to choose a different one.

Usernames are public by default. Anyone can see your username and use it to find your profile, even if your profile is set to private. If you want to limit who can find you, adjust your privacy settings separately — those control who can see your posts and information, not who can see your username.

Username versus display name

Your display name is what appears on your posts, comments, and messages. You can change it as often as you want by going to Settings, clicking "Personal information," and selecting "Name." Facebook allows you to change your display name every 60 days.

Your username, by contrast, is permanent after you set it. It does not change when you update your display name. This means you can have a formal display name like "Jane Elizabeth Smith" but a casual username like "jane.smith.art," and people can still find you by either one.

If someone searches for your display name, Facebook will show your profile in the results. If they search for your username, they will also find you. But only your username becomes part of your profile's web address.

What happens if you do not set a username

If you have never chosen a custom username, Facebook still gives your profile a web address — it just uses a long number instead. Your profile URL might look like facebook.com/100012345678901. This works fine, but it is harder to remember and harder to share.

You can set a custom username at any time, even years after creating your account. Once you do, your old numbered URL stops working, and anyone who tries to visit it will be redirected to your new username-based URL.

Setting a username is optional. Some people prefer to keep their numbered URL private and only share their profile through the Facebook app or by sending a direct message. But if you want a clean, shareable web address, setting a username is the easiest way to get one.

Why your username matters for privacy and safety

Your username is public information. Anyone on Facebook or even people not on Facebook can see it if they visit your profile page. This means you should avoid using your full legal name, date of birth, or other sensitive personal details in your username.

A username like "jane.smith.1985" tells people your birth year. A username like "jane.smith.home" might suggest where you live. Usernames that are too specific can make it easier for strangers to piece together information about you or impersonate you elsewhere online.

Choose a username that is memorable to people who know you but does not reveal information you would not want public. A mix of your name and a hobby or number works well — something like "jane.smith.reads" or "jane.smith.42" is both personal and protective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username after I set it?

No. Once you set a custom username, you cannot change it. Your only option is to delete your Facebook account entirely and create a new one with a different username. This is why it is worth taking time to choose one you will be happy with long-term.

Is my username the same as my Facebook ID?

No. Your Facebook ID is a unique number assigned to your account automatically. Your username is a custom name you choose. You can have a username without ever knowing your ID number, and your ID never changes even if you delete your username.

Can someone find me if they only know my username?

Yes. Anyone can search for your username in Facebook's search bar and find your profile. Your username is public by default. If you want to limit who can find you, adjust your privacy settings to restrict who can see your profile, but that does not hide your username itself.

What if my username is taken?

If the username you want is already in use, Facebook will tell you when you try to set it. You will need to choose a different one. You can try variations like adding a number, a period, or an underscore — for example, "jane.smith.1" or "jane_smith" instead of "jane.smith".

Do I need a username to use Facebook?

No. You can use Facebook without ever setting a custom username. Your account will work the same way, and people can still find you by searching your display name. A username just makes your profile easier to share and remember.