How to Find and Change Your Facebook Username:
Facebook assigns unique usernames to every user, enabling easy identification and interaction. These usernames form part of your profile URL, offering a simple way for others to connect with you. This article covers everything you need to know about finding your username, locating others’ usernames, and changing usernames on Facebook.
How to Find Your Facebook Username on the Web
To retrieve your Facebook username on a desktop browser:
- Open Facebook and log in.
- Click your name in the top-left corner to access your profile.
- In the browser’s address bar, locate the URL:
https://www.facebook.com/yourusername
. - The text following
facebook.com/
is your unique username.
This process offers a quick and reliable way to retrieve your username. If your account is deactivated, the username remains inaccessible until reactivation.
Finding Your Username via the Facebook Mobile App
If you use the mobile app on iPhone or Android, follow these steps:
- Open the Facebook app and log in.
- Tap the three-line menu (on Android) or the Profile icon (on iPhone).
- Select your name to open your profile.
- Tap the three-dot icon to open more options.
- Scroll down to find Your profile link—the username appears after
facebook.com/
.
The steps are consistent across iOS and Android, simplifying the process for mobile users.
How to Find Someone Else’s Username on Facebook
Locating someone else’s username is equally simple, even if their profile is private.
On Desktop Browser:
- Open Facebook and log in.
- Enter the person’s name in the search bar.
- Click their profile from the search results.
- Check the browser’s address bar— the username follows
facebook.com/
.
On Mobile App:
- Open the Facebook app and tap the search icon.
- Search for the person’s name and select their profile.
- Tap the three-dot icon to view profile options.
- The username will display as part of the profile link.
This method works regardless of the user’s privacy settings, as the username is always embedded in the URL.
How to Change Your Facebook Username
Changing Username on the Web
If you want to update your Facebook username:
- Open Facebook and log in.
- Click your profile picture at the top-right corner.
- Select Settings & privacy > Settings.
- In the left pane, click See more in Account Center.
- Select your profile from the list of connected accounts.
- Click Username and enter a new one.
- Click Done to save changes.
The username update will reflect immediately. Facebook permanently disables the old username after this change to avoid reuse.
Changing Username on iPhone or Android
The process is similar on mobile devices:
- Open the Facebook app and log in.
- Tap the Profile icon (on iPhone) or the three-line menu (on Android).
- Select Settings & privacy > Settings.
- Tap See more in Account Center > Profiles.
- Select your profile and choose Username.
- Input a new username and tap Done.
Changing usernames via the mobile app is quick and syncs with your account in real time.
Restrictions on Facebook Usernames
Facebook enforces certain rules to maintain consistency and reduce abuse:
- Alphanumeric only: Usernames can only contain letters and numbers.
- No spaces or special characters: Symbols like
$
,@
, or#
are not permitted. - Minimum length: Usernames must be at least five characters long.
- Unique usernames: Each username is unique and cannot be duplicated across accounts.
These rules help ensure the integrity of the platform and prevent impersonation or confusion.
Can You Transfer a Username to Another Account?
Facebook currently does not support the transfer or sharing of usernames between accounts. This policy aims to reduce fraudulent behavior and prevent misuse of identity. Once a username is changed, the old one becomes inaccessible to other users.
Business Page and Custom Usernames
Businesses can assign custom usernames to enhance discoverability and branding. To create or modify a page’s username, follow these steps:
- Open the Facebook page you manage.
- Go to Settings > Page Info.
- Click Username and enter a new one.
- Save changes.
Facebook recommends updating all external links to ensure smooth access to the page after rebranding. A username that reflects the brand name improves visibility in search results.
Safety Tips When Changing or Sharing Usernames
Changing usernames can affect how others find you on the platform. Here are a few considerations:
- Update your friends: Inform your contacts if you’ve changed your username to avoid confusion.
- Check links: Ensure any personal links you shared before (on websites or other social platforms) are updated.
- Avoid frequent changes: Facebook limits how often you can change usernames to prevent misuse.
These measures ensure you maintain accessibility and credibility with your contacts.
FAQs
What happens when I change my Facebook username?
When you change your username, the old one becomes unavailable and cannot be reclaimed by anyone, including yourself.
Can businesses or pages create custom usernames?
Yes, Facebook allows businesses to create custom usernames for branding purposes. Ensure all links are updated after the change.
Can I transfer my Facebook username to another account?
No, Facebook does not support transferring usernames between accounts to prevent fraud.
Are there restrictions on username creation?
Yes, usernames must be alphanumeric and at least five characters long. Special characters and spaces are not allowed.
What should I do if I forget my username?
You can find your username by visiting your profile and checking the URL. The part after facebook.com/
is your username.
Conclusion
Your Facebook username plays a significant role in your digital presence, acting as both an identifier and a link to your profile. Whether you need to find or update your username, the process is straightforward on both desktop and mobile platforms. Custom usernames also provide businesses with opportunities for better branding. Understanding the platform’s policies and following safety measures ensures smooth interactions across the platform.