You can change your Facebook username once every 60 days through your settings

Your Facebook username is the custom web address that appears in your profile URL — the part after facebook.com/. It is different from your display name, which is what appears on your posts and comments. You can change your username by going to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then finding the Username field under Personal Information. Facebook lets you change it once every 60 days, and the change takes effect when ready.

The username you choose must be between 5 and 50 characters long, contain only letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, and cannot be the same as an existing Facebook username. If you try to change to a username that is already taken, Facebook will tell you it is unavailable and suggest alternatives. You do not need to wait for approval — the change happens right away.

Key Takeaways

  • Your username is the custom web address in your profile URL, separate from your display name.
  • You can change your username once every 60 days through Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information.
  • Usernames must be 5 to 50 characters and can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.
  • If your chosen username is taken, Facebook suggests alternatives when ready.
  • The change takes effect right away without any waiting period or approval process.

Where to find the username field in Facebook settings

Open Facebook on your computer or phone and click the downward arrow in the top right corner. Select Settings and Privacy, then click Settings. On the left side, you will see a menu — click Personal Information. The Username field appears in this section, and you will see your current username displayed there.

If you are on a phone, the layout is slightly different but the path is the same. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) at the bottom right, scroll down to Settings and Privacy, tap Settings, then scroll to Personal Information. The Username field will be visible in that section.

What happens when you change your username

When you change your username, your old web address stops working when ready. Anyone who tries to visit your old profile URL will see an error or be redirected. Your new username becomes active right away, and people can find you using the new web address. Your display name — the name that shows on your posts — does not change unless you change it separately.

If you have shared your old username with people or used it on other websites, you will need to update those links. Your friends can still find you by searching your display name, but the direct link will be broken. This is why many people keep the same username for a long time, even if they change their display name.

Rules for choosing a valid username

Facebook has specific rules about what characters and formats are allowed. Your username must be at least 5 characters long and no more than 50 characters. You can use lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), periods (.), and underscores (_). You cannot use spaces, capital letters, or special characters like hyphens, exclamation marks, or @ symbols.

Your username also cannot be the same as someone else's username, and it cannot be a username you have already used on your account. If you try to enter a username that breaks these rules or is already taken, Facebook will show an error message and suggest available alternatives that are similar to what you typed.

The 60-day waiting period between changes

After you change your username, you cannot change it again for 60 days. This rule applies whether you change it intentionally or if Facebook changes it for you due to a violation. The 60-day timer starts from the moment the change takes effect, not from when you request it.

If you make a mistake and want to change your username when ready, you cannot. You will have to wait the full 60 days. This is why it is worth taking a moment to make sure your new username is spelled correctly and is something you will be happy with for at least two months.

Difference between username and display name

Your username is the web address people use to visit your profile directly — for example, facebook.com/james.rodriguez. Your display name is what appears on your posts, comments, and profile header — for example, "James Rodriguez" or "JR". You can change your display name as often as you want, but your username is limited to once every 60 days.

People can search for you by either your display name or your username. If you change your display name but keep the same username, the web address stays the same and all your old links still work. This is why some people change their display name frequently but keep their username stable.

What to do if your desired username is taken

When you type a username into the field and it is already in use, Facebook will show a message saying the username is unavailable. Below that message, Facebook suggests similar usernames that are available. These suggestions usually add numbers, periods, or underscores to your original choice.

You can accept one of Facebook's suggestions, or you can try a completely different username. There is no waiting list or way to claim a username that is currently taken. If you really want a specific username, your only option is to check back later and hope the person using it changes theirs, which is unlikely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once every 60 days?

No. Facebook enforces a strict 60-day waiting period between username changes. The timer starts when your change takes effect, not when you request it. If you need to change it again, you must wait the full 60 days.

If I change my username, do my friends lose access to my profile?

No. Your friends can still find you by searching your display name or by going to your profile through their friends list. The old web address stops working, but your profile itself remains accessible. Anyone with the new username link can visit your profile.

Can I use capital letters or spaces in my username?

No. Usernames can only contain lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Capital letters and spaces are not allowed. If you type a capital letter, Facebook will convert it to lowercase automatically.

What happens to my old username after I change it?

Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it. Facebook does not hold it for you, and you cannot reclaim it later. Once you change your username, the old one can be taken by another user.

Does changing my username affect my Facebook page or groups I manage?

No. Your username is tied to your personal profile only. If you manage a Facebook page or group, those have their own separate usernames and web addresses that are not affected by changes to your personal profile username.