You can change the name you use to log into Facebook, but it's different from changing your display name

Facebook has two separate names: your display name (what friends see on your profile) and your username (what you type into the login field). Most people can change their display name whenever they want. Your username — the one you actually log in with — can only be changed once, and only if you've already set one. If you've never created a username, you can set one now. If you already have one and want to change it, you're limited to one change total.

The process takes about two minutes and happens entirely within your Facebook settings. You don't need to contact Facebook support or wait for approval — the change takes effect immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • Your username (login name) can be changed only once, so choose carefully before you make the switch.
  • If you've never set a username, you can create one now by going to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Username.
  • Your display name can be changed as often as you want and is separate from your login username.
  • After you change your username, your old one becomes available for someone else to claim after 30 days.

How to set or change your username on desktop

Open Facebook and click the downward arrow in the top right corner. Select Settings and Privacy, then click Settings. On the left side, look for Personal Information and click it. You'll see a field labeled Username.

If you don't have a username yet, you'll see a button to create one. Click it and type the name you want. Facebook will tell you immediately if it's taken. If you already have a username and this is your first time changing it, you'll see an Edit button next to your current username. Click it, type your new username, and click Review Change. Facebook will ask you to confirm — click Change Username and you're done.

Your new username takes effect right away. You can log in with it immediately. The old username becomes unavailable to you, but it won't be open for others to claim for 30 days.

How to set or change your username on mobile

Open the Facebook app and tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings and Privacy, then tap Settings. Tap Personal Information. You'll see Username listed there.

If you don't have one yet, tap the option to create a username. Type what you want and tap outside the field — Facebook checks availability as you type. If you already have a username and want to change it, tap the Edit button, type your new username, and tap Review Change. Confirm the change and you're finished. The new username works immediately.

What makes a good username

Your username becomes part of your Facebook profile URL. If your username is "jane.smith", your profile link will be facebook.com/jane.smith. This is the address you can share with people who want to find you. Usernames can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. They're case-insensitive — "JaneSmith" and "janesmith" are the same thing to Facebook.

Facebook won't let you use a username that's already taken, that looks like a real name without numbers or periods, or that violates their policies. If you see an error message, try adding a number or period to make it unique. Keep it something you won't mind sharing — it's public and permanent (or at least until you use your one change).

The difference between username and display name

Your display name is what appears on your posts, comments, and profile. You can change it as many times as you want by going to Settings and Privacy, then Settings, then Personal Information, then Name. This is purely for appearance and doesn't affect how you log in.

Your username is what you type into the login field. It's tied to your account and can only be changed once (unless you've never set one before). Don't confuse the two — changing your display name won't change your login username, and changing your username won't change what your friends see on your profile.

What happens if you forget your username

If you can't remember your username but you can still log in, go to Settings and Personal Information to see it. If you're locked out of your account, you can recover it by entering your email address or phone number on the Facebook login page. Facebook will send you a link to reset your password and regain access.

Once you're back in, you can see your username in Settings. If you want to change it at that point, you have one change available (assuming you haven't used it before). Write down your new username somewhere safe so you don't lose track of it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once?

No. You get one change total. If you've never set a username, creating one for the first time doesn't count against that change. But once you've changed it once, you're locked in. Choose carefully.

Will changing my username affect my friends' ability to find me?

No. Your friends can still find you by your display name, and any messages or tags won't break. Your old username will stop working for login purposes, but your profile stays the same.

What if the username I want is taken?

Try adding a number or period to make it unique — "jane.smith" instead of "janesmith", or "janesmith1" instead of "janesmith". If someone else is using it, you'll have to pick something different.

How long does it take for my old username to become available to others?

Thirty days. During that month, no one else can claim your old username. After 30 days, it opens up and someone else can take it.

Can I use my email address as my login instead of a username?

Yes. You can log in with either your username or the email address associated with your Facebook account. You don't have to use the username if you prefer your email.