Facebook encourages its users to personalize their profile URLs with unique usernames. This makes it easier for someone to find you. Instead of being another string of numbers, your Facebook username is a recognizable identifier your friends can type into a browser’s address bar. Here’s how to change your Facebook username.

How to Personalize Your Facebook Username

If your Facebook username is currently an unrecognizable string of numerals and special characters, personalize it by changing your account’s username to something recognizable, such as your name. Here’s how:

  • Select the drop-down arrow in the upper-right corner, then select Settings & Privacy > Settings.
  • Go to the Username field and select Edit.
  • Enter your new username. Facebook tells you if it’s currently available.
  • Select Save Changes.

Guidelines for New Usernames

Facebook usernames must follow certain guidelines, including:

Select the drop-down arrow in the upper-right corner, then select Settings & Privacy > Settings.

Go to the Username field and select Edit.

Enter your new username. Facebook tells you if it’s currently available.

Select Save Changes.

  • The new username must be at least five characters long.Special characters are not allowed. Any mixture of the letters a through z, the numerals zero through 9, and periods is acceptable. Uppercase and lowercase letters are acceptable but can’t be used to differentiate two accounts in a URL. John.Smith and john.smith are considered the same username.Facebook notes that your username should include your authentic name.You’re only allowed one username for your personal account.

If you have a relatively common name, your preferred username may not be available because someone else is using it. In that case, modify it, typically by appending a short number following your name, such as YourName09.

Examples of Facebook Usernames

The default Facebook format for a profile looks like this:

If you don’t have a Facebook account, use the signup screen and enter your information, including your first and last name. Facebook generates a personalized URL for you.

A new profile with a Facebook username looks like this:

Why Use a Facebook Username?

It’s better to send a URL with a Facebook username in it. You can send emails and text your friends with your new Facebook URL. It also gives you a personal space on the web where you can send your friends. From there, you can text and make voice and video calls.

Your Facebook URL is more likely to show up in search engines if it has a Facebook username in it (and if you allow it in your privacy settings).

It’s also possible to get a unique username for your Facebook business or interest page.

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