Where to Find the Username Setting

Your Facebook username is the custom web address that appears in your profile URL — the part after facebook.com/. To change it, you need to go to your Settings and Privacy menu, then select Settings. From there, click Personal Information in the left sidebar, then look for Username. This is where you can see your current username and edit it.

The username field will show your current address. Click the pencil icon next to it to open the editing box. Facebook will show you what your new profile URL will look like as you type, so you can see the change in real time before you save it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your username is the custom part of your Facebook profile URL that comes after facebook.com/, and you change it through Settings and Privacy > Settings > Personal Information > Username.
  • You can change your username once every 60 days, so choose carefully before you save the change.
  • Your new username must be between 5 and 50 characters long and can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.
  • Changing your username does not affect your account security, password, or any of your posts or photos — only the web address people use to find your profile.

What Characters and Lengths Are Allowed

Facebook has specific rules about what you can use in a username. 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 or symbols.

If you try to enter a username that breaks these rules, Facebook will show an error message and prevent you from saving. The preview of your new URL updates as you type, so you can check whether your choice works before you click Save.

The 60-Day Waiting Period Between Changes

Once you change your username, you cannot change it again for 60 days. This rule exists to prevent spam and account takeovers. If you try to change it before 60 days have passed, Facebook will tell you when you can make your next change and will not let you proceed.

Because of this waiting period, take time to think about your new username before you save it. If you realize you made a typo or do not like your choice, you will need to wait two months before you can change it again. Write it down or test it in a new browser tab before you confirm the change.

Usernames Versus Display Names — What Is the Difference

Your username and your display name are two separate things. Your display name is what appears at the top of your profile and on your posts — you can change this as often as you want. Your username is the web address, and it has the 60-day restriction. Many people confuse the two because they often look similar, but they work differently.

If you want to change how your name appears on your profile without waiting 60 days, change your display name instead. Go to Settings and Privacy > Settings > Personal Information > Name, and you can update it right away. Your username will stay the same, but your profile will show your new display name to other people.

What Happens to Your Old Username

When you change your username, your old one becomes available for someone else to claim after a short period. Facebook does not hold old usernames in reserve for you. If you change from facebook.com/jane.smith to facebook.com/jane.s, someone else could eventually register jane.smith.

Your old profile links will not work anymore. If you shared your old Facebook URL with people or posted it on other websites, those links will break. Before you change your username, update any places where you have shared your old profile link — your email signature, your website, your other social media bios, or anywhere else people might click to find you.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If you see a message that your username is unavailable, it means someone else already has it or Facebook has reserved it for a public figure or brand. Try a variation — add a number, a period, or an underscore. If Facebook says your username contains words that violate its policies, choose a different combination of characters.

If you cannot find the Username field in your Settings, make sure you are logged into the right account and using a current version of Facebook. On mobile, the Settings menu may look slightly different — tap the three horizontal lines (the menu icon) at the bottom right, scroll down to Settings and Privacy, then tap Settings. The Personal Information section should be visible in the same place.

If you have changed your username within the last 60 days and want to change it again, Facebook will show you the exact date when you can make another change. You cannot bypass this waiting period, so mark the date on your calendar if you know you want to change it again soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Not when ready. If you change your username and then want to switch back, you have to wait 60 days from your most recent change. After 60 days have passed, you can change it back to your old username if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. If someone else registered it, you cannot use it again.

Does changing my username affect my password or login?

No. Your username is only the web address of your profile. You log into Facebook with your email address or phone number, not your username. Changing your username does not change your password, your login method, or your account security in any way.

Will my friends lose access to my profile if I change my username?

No. Your friends can still find you by searching your display name, and your profile will still appear in their friends list. Old links to your profile will not work, but your account itself remains the same. Your posts, photos, and messages are not affected.

What if I see a username I want but it says it is unavailable?

It means someone else has it or Facebook has reserved it. You cannot claim a reserved username. Try adding a number, period, or underscore to make it unique. For example, if jane.smith is taken, try jane.smith1 or jane_smith instead.

Can I use my real name as my username?

Yes, as long as it follows Facebook's character rules — 5 to 50 characters, letters, numbers, periods, and underscores only. If your real name is longer than 50 characters or contains characters Facebook does not allow, you will need to shorten it or use a variation.