How to Change Your Facebook Username

Your Facebook username is the custom handle in your profile URL (facebook.com/yourname) and the tag people use to find or mention you. Changing it lets you correct a typo, rebrand, or simplify an old handle. You can do it from the mobile app or desktop in about a minute, but Facebook limits how often you can make changes.

What You’ll Need

• A logged-in Facebook account (you cannot change a username while logged out).
• Access to the email or phone number linked to your account, in case Facebook asks you to confirm your identity.
• A new username that is not already taken and follows Facebook’s naming rules (letters, numbers, and periods only; no spaces or special characters).

Step-by-Step

1. Open your profile. On the mobile app, tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner (iOS) or top-left menu (Android). On desktop, click your name or profile picture in the top-right corner of the page.
2. Tap or click “Edit Profile.” Look for the pencil icon or the “Edit Profile” button near your name and cover photo. On mobile, it is usually directly under your profile picture.
3. Find the “Username” field. Scroll down in the edit screen. The field is labeled “Username” and shows your current handle. On desktop, it appears below your bio and other details; on mobile, it is further down the list.
4. Type your new username. Delete the old one and enter the new handle. Use only letters, numbers, and periods. Do not include spaces, underscores, or symbols. Facebook will show a green checkmark if the name is available, or a red error if it is taken or invalid.
5. Save your changes. Tap “Save” (mobile) or “Save Changes” (desktop) at the bottom of the edit screen. Facebook may ask you to re-enter your password to confirm the change—do that if prompted.
6. Check your new URL. Go back to your profile and look at the address bar (desktop) or tap the three-dot menu and select “Copy link” (mobile). It should now show facebook.com/yournewname.

Common Mistakes

• Using an unavailable username. If someone else already has the name you want, Facebook will not let you take it. Try adding a middle initial, a number, or a period (e.g., jane.doe instead of janedoe).
• Including invalid characters. Spaces, underscores, hyphens, and emojis are not allowed. Facebook only accepts letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and periods.
• Changing it too often. Facebook restricts username changes to once every 14 days. If you just changed it, you will have to wait before changing it again.
• Forgetting to save. On mobile, if you tap the back arrow instead of “Save,” your changes are discarded. Always confirm the save button.
• Using a name that violates policy. Facebook blocks usernames that impersonate brands, contain offensive words, or look like a URL (e.g., “facebook.com” or “www”).

Tips

• Keep it simple and memorable. A short username is easier for people to type and search. Avoid long strings of numbers unless they are meaningful to you.
• Use periods to separate words. Since spaces are not allowed, “john.smith” reads more clearly than “johnsmith” and is often still available when the plain version is taken.
• Check your current URL first. Write down your old username before changing it, in case you want to revert. Facebook does not always show the previous name after you save.
• Update your links. If you have shared your old profile link anywhere (email signature, business card, other social bios), update those links after the change. Old links may stop working or redirect to a “page not found” error.
• Do it on a device where you are already logged in. Switching devices or browsers can sometimes trigger extra security checks that slow down the process.

Troubleshooting

“Username is already taken.” Try a variation: add a period, include your middle name, or add a number at the end. If the name is very common, you may need to be creative.

“You changed your username recently.” Facebook enforces a 14-day waiting period between changes. Note the date you last changed it and try again after two weeks have passed.

“This username is not allowed.” This usually means the name contains forbidden characters or words. Remove any symbols, spaces, or anything that looks like a URL. Also avoid names that impersonate public figures or brands.

The save button does nothing. Refresh the page or close and reopen the app. If the issue persists, log out and log back in, then try again. A stale session can sometimes block updates.

You cannot find the username field. Make sure you are on your personal profile, not a Page. Pages have a different username setting under “Page settings.” Also, if you are using an older version of the app, update it first.

Facebook asks for ID or a security check. This can happen if you are changing the username on a new device or after unusual activity. Follow the on-screen prompts to verify your identity using the email or phone on your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Facebook username to something already in use?
No. Each username is unique across all of Facebook. If it is taken, you will see an error and must choose a different one.

Does changing my username affect my messages or friends?
No. Your friends, messages, and posts stay exactly the same. Only the URL and the @mention handle change.

Can I change my username on the mobile app?
Yes. The steps are the same as on desktop: go to your profile, tap “Edit Profile,” find the Username field, type the new name, and save.

How often can I change my Facebook username?
Facebook allows a username change once every 14 days. If you try sooner, you will see a message saying you changed it recently.

Will my old profile link still work after I change my username?
Usually not. The old link may show a “page not found” error or redirect to your profile depending on Facebook’s current behavior. Update any shared links to your new URL.

Can I use my Facebook Page username for my personal profile?
No. Page usernames and profile usernames are separate. You cannot use the same handle for both, even if you manage the Page.

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