What you can change and what stays fixed

Facebook lets you create a custom URL for your profile — the web address people use to find you — but only once every 30 days, and only if your account meets certain conditions. The URL appears as facebook.com/yourname instead of facebook.com/profile.php?id=123456789. Once you set it, you can change it again after 30 days have passed since the last change.

Your account must be at least 30 days old and have a confirmed name and profile picture before Facebook will let you create a custom URL. If your account is newer or missing either of those, you will see a message telling you to come back later.

The custom URL is different from your display name. You can change your display name whenever you want, but the URL follows the 30-day rule. If someone has already claimed the URL you want — even a business page or public figure — you cannot use it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your account must be at least 30 days old with a confirmed name and profile picture before you can create a custom URL.
  • You can change your custom URL once every 30 days, and the change takes effect immediately.
  • If someone else has already claimed the URL you want, you cannot use it, even if their account is inactive.
  • The custom URL is separate from your display name — changing one does not change the other.

Steps to create or change your custom URL

Go to facebook.com and log into your account. Click your profile picture in the top right corner, then select "Settings and privacy" and then "Settings." On the left side, click "Personal information."

Look for the section labeled "Username" or "Facebook URL." Click the pencil icon next to it to edit. Type the custom URL you want — Facebook will show you what the full address will look like as you type. The URL can contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but no spaces or special characters.

Click "Review" or "Save" (the button name varies by device). Facebook will confirm the change and show you your new URL. The change is live immediately, and the old URL stops working right away.

What to do if the URL you want is taken

If you see a message saying the username is unavailable, someone else has already claimed it. Facebook does not release usernames from inactive or deleted accounts, so you cannot wait for it to become available.

Try a variation: add a number, a period, or an underscore. facebook.com/yourname.1 or facebook.com/your_name are common alternatives. You can also use your middle name, a nickname, or your profession — facebook.com/yourname.photography works if yourname alone is taken.

If you want a URL that belongs to a business page or public figure and you believe it should be yours, you can report it to Facebook through their help center, but Facebook rarely transfers usernames between accounts.

Fixing problems after you change your URL

If you changed your URL and now your old links do not work, the old address will redirect to your new one for a short time, but not permanently. If you shared your old URL on a website, resume, or business card, update those links to your new custom URL so they do not break.

If you changed your URL by mistake and want to change it back, you must wait 30 days from the date of your last change. You cannot undo a change immediately. During that 30-day wait, your current URL remains active.

If you cannot find the option to change your URL at all, your account may not meet the requirements yet. Check that your account is at least 30 days old, that you have a confirmed name on file, and that you have uploaded a profile picture. If all three are in place and you still do not see the option, try logging out and back in, or try a different browser.

How your custom URL appears across Facebook

Your custom URL shows up in your profile header, in messages, and in search results. When someone searches for you by name, your profile appears with the custom URL displayed underneath. If you share a link to your profile, it uses the custom URL.

Your custom URL does not change your email address or the way you log in. You still log in with your email and password. The URL is only for how other people find and access your profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Facebook URL more than once every 30 days?

No. Facebook enforces a 30-day waiting period between changes. If you changed your URL today, you cannot change it again until 30 days have passed. After that period ends, you can change it as often as you want, but each new change resets the 30-day timer.

What happens to my old Facebook URL when I change it?

The old URL stops working immediately. Facebook may redirect the old address to your new one for a short time, but this is not permanent. If you shared your old URL anywhere — on a website, social media, or a resume — update those links to your new custom URL.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my custom URL?

No. Facebook custom URLs can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Spaces, hyphens, and other special characters are not allowed. If you want to separate words, use a period or underscore instead.

Why does Facebook say I cannot create a custom URL yet?

Your account must be at least 30 days old, have a confirmed name, and have a profile picture before you can create a custom URL. If any of these are missing, Facebook will not let you proceed. Check all three and try again after your account reaches 30 days old.

Can I claim a URL that belongs to an inactive account?

No. Facebook does not release usernames from inactive, deleted, or dormant accounts. Even if an account has not been used in years, the username remains reserved. You will need to choose a different URL.