Changing your Facebook username on Android is a simple process that can be done right from the Facebook app. Your username is the name that comes after facebook.com/ and identifies your profile. While you can only change your username a limited number of times, it’s easy to do when needed.
Why Would You Want to Change Your Facebook Username?
There are a few key reasons why you may want to change your Facebook username:
- Your current username is outdated or doesn’t represent you anymore
- You want to use a more professional sounding username
- Your username contains your full name and you want more privacy
- Your username is difficult to spell or remember
- You want your Facebook profile to match usernames you use on other platforms
Having a clear, professional username makes it easier for people to find you on Facebook. It also allows you to shape how you present yourself on the platform.
How Many Times Can You Change Your Facebook Username?
Facebook allows you to change your username a maximum of 5 times every 60 days. This limit is in place to prevent abuse and confusion from people constantly changing their profile names.
When you hit the limit, you will have to wait 60 days before changing your username again. So make sure to choose a name you want to stick with for a while.
Requirements for Facebook Usernames
When selecting a new Facebook username, there are a few rules you need to follow:
- Must be between 5-50 characters
- Can only contain letters, numbers, periods, and underscores
- Must not contain spaces or special characters
- Cannot contain offensive or abusive words
- Cannot impersonate someone else
Facebook will check any new username against these requirements. If your desired name doesn’t meet the criteria, you’ll receive an error message and have to select a different username.
Step 1: Open the Facebook App on Your Android Device
To get started changing your username, first open the Facebook app on your Android phone or tablet. You’ll need to use the mobile app for this process – it cannot be done on the desktop website.
Once opened, log into your account by entering your email or phone number and password. This will bring you to your News Feed.
Step 2: Go to Your Profile Page
From your News Feed, tap on the three-line menu button in the top right corner. This will open the side menu.
From here, choose your profile by selecting your name and profile picture at the very top of the menu.
This will take you to your profile page, which displays your current username.
Step 3: Tap the Username
To change your username, you need to access the editing screen. To do so, tap directly on your current username at the top of your profile page.
This will open an editing screen that allows you to enter a new name.
Step 4: Enter Your New Username
On the editing screen, delete your current username and type in the new name you want to use.
Make sure the new name meets Facebook’s requirements for usernames listed above. If the name is taken or doesn’t meet the criteria, you’ll get an error message.
Once you’ve entered your desired new username, tap the blue Done button at the top right.
Step 5: Confirm the Change
Facebook will ask you to confirm the new username before changing it. Tap Confirm to verify that you want to change your profile name to the new username you entered.
This will immediately update your username across Facebook. You will also have to confirm it on your profile page.
Step 6: Confirm Again on Your Profile
When you return to your profile page, you will see a confirmation at the top of the screen.
Tap Confirm again on this pop-up message to verify the username change. This ensures you did not make the change by accident.
Once confirmed, your new username will be active on your Facebook profile.
What Happens When You Change Your Facebook Username
Here are some key things that happen when you change your username on Facebook:
- The username in your profile URL will update. So facebook.com/yournewname
- You will keep the same profile ID number.
- Friends will see your new username anywhere your old name was displayed.
- You may have to confirm it’s you when logging in again.
- Past posts and reactions will show your new username.
- Pages and groups you created or managed will not change.
In most cases, the change happens seamlessly. Friends will see your new name populate right away.
However, it can take a bit more time for your new username to fully propagate everywhere on Facebook.
Tips for Changing Your Facebook Username
Here are some tips to make the process go smoothly when you need to change your Facebook username:
- Check username availability first – try entering the desired name on a blank profile to see if it’s available.
- Use a consistent name across platforms so people can find you easily.
- Avoid changing your username too frequently so people don’t get confused.
- Customize your URL after changing your username for a cleaner profile link.
- Update your username on any connected apps and websites.
- Let friends know about your new username so they can still find you.
Taking these steps will help make your switch to a new Facebook username simple and hassle-free.
Common Questions About Changing Facebook Usernames
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about changing usernames on Facebook:
Does changing my Facebook username affect my profile link?
Yes, when you change your username it automatically updates the link facebook.com/yourusername. However, you can customize your profile link further in the settings.
Can I reuse an old username?
If you’ve changed your username in the past, you typically cannot reuse one of your previous names. Facebook user names are unique and cannot be claimed by multiple accounts.
Does my username change on Messenger too?
Yes, your Facebook username is connected to Messenger. So when you update your profile name, it will also change on Messenger for your contacts.
What happens to my old username when I change it?
Your old username becomes unavailable to anyone else once you change it. No other Facebook account can claim that name after you switch to a new one.
Can I change my username on desktop instead of mobile?
No, Facebook’s current process for changing your username requires you to do it through the mobile app on your Android device. There is no option to change your username on the desktop website.
Conclusion
Changing your Facebook username on Android is easy to do directly through the mobile app. Just open your profile, tap your current name, enter the new username, and confirm the changes.
Keep Facebook’s username rules in mind and double check that your new name is available. Changing it up can help craft your ideal profile as you shape how you want to represent yourself on the platform.