Each Page can have a username

You can personalize your Facebook URL (web address) by selecting a unique username. It will appear in the location bar of your browser after “http://www.facebook.com/” when you view your profile or Page.

An example of a username is the phrase “fbsitegovernance” as used in the web address http://www.facebook.com/fbsitegovernance.

All verified Facebook users are eligible to claim usernames. Verification may require mobile phone authentication. For more information on how to verify your account via Facebook Mobile, please visit the Mobile section of our Help Center.

Not at this time. Usernames can only contain alphanumeric characters (A-Z, 0-9) or a period (“.”). We’re looking at how we may potentially support non-romanized characters in the future.

Since your username is found in your profile URL, anyone that is able to navigate to your profile can see your username.

Yes — since your username replaces your UID in your profile URL, it’s also accessible through the Platform API if you interact with an application.

You can select a username at http://www.facebook.com/username. You may choose a username that Facebook suggests, or create your own. Select “Check availability” to check for available usernames. If the desired username is available, click “Confirm” in order to confirm your choice.

You may not be able to claim a username for several reasons. Usernames can only contain alphanumeric characters (A-Z, 0-9) or a period (“.”), for example — john.smith55. It is important to note that a period (“.”) does not count as a part of a username; therefore, names like johnsmith55, john.smith55, john.smith.55, etc. all constitute the same username. Usernames also must be at least 5 characters long. Usernames are not case sensitive. Facebook also prevents certain words from being included in usernames. It is not possible to copy a username that someone else has already claimed.

If Facebook has indicated that a username cannot be claimed, you will need to select a different one. You will see a green checkmark indicating that a potential username is available before you actually claim it.

We think there are many options for users to choose a username that represents their identity. But we also wanted to help our users avoid potential disputes concerning usernames that may be protected by intellectual property rights. In order to do that, we have encouraged rights owners to contact us if they want to reserve/protect certain names.

No. A period (“.”) does not count as a part of a username; therefore, names like johnsmith55, john.smith55, john.smith.55, etc. all constitute the same username.

Users can only have one username for their personal profile. Similarly, Facebook Page administrators can only have one username for each Page.

Usernames are available only for Facebook profiles and Pages. It is not possible to claim a username for a group or event created with these Facebook applications.

Facebook reserves the right to remove and/or reclaim any username at any time for any reason.

You can change your username from the Settings tab of the Account Settings page. Scroll down to “Username” and click “change.” Then follow the on-screen directions. Keep in mind you will only be able to change your username once.

People have to click on the “Confirm” button to finalize their selection. After that time, it cannot be changed.

Once you have claimed a username by clicking the “Confirm” button after checking for a username’s availability, it is not possible to transfer your username to a different account on Facebook. Additionally, when an account is removed from the site, its username will not be made available. Facebook does this for security reasons.

You should make sure it is something you like and that it’s appropriate for friends, family, co-workers, and anyone else who might use it to find you.

To prevent username squatting and other activities that would limit options for other users, we have a strict no transferability policy.

We’ve taken steps to limit this behavior. Users are required to have a verified Facebook account, which may require mobile phone authentication. This decision was made to prevent people from creating new accounts just to take advantage of reserving a username. In an effort to help third parties protect their intellectual property and other rights, we’ve also blocked certain names that were brought to our attention before usernames were made generally available. Additionally, we have a strict no transferability policy. If we determine that usage of a username is for squatting, that username will be reclaimed by Facebook.

Facebook encourages all users to utilize the “Report” links when they find abusive content. You can report an abusive username by selecting the “Report this Person” link located on the bottom left side of that person’s profile. This takes you to a form where you can specify the type of abuse and make a detailed report. Facebook investigates these reports and makes a determination as to whether or not the content should remain on the site. All abuse reports on Facebook are confidential.

A Facebook username should have a clear connection to one’s identity. Impersonating anyone or anything is prohibited by Facebook’s policies. To select a new username, please visit http://www.facebook.com/username.

If your account was compromised and you can no longer access it, click here.

If you have access to your account, please reset your Facebook password from the Account Settings page. Make sure to use a different password than you use for other sites or services, made up of a complex string of numbers, letters, and punctuation marks that is at least six characters in length.

Once you have secured your account, you can change your username from the Settings tab of the Account Settings page. Scroll down to “Username” and click “change.” Then follow the on-screen directions. Keep in mind you will only be able to change your username once.