Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over 2 billion monthly active users as of 2023. While many people use their real names on Facebook, the platform does allow users to create a unique username for their profile once certain eligibility requirements are met. This allows for more privacy and personalization in how you present yourself on Facebook.
So how do you become eligible to create a custom username on Facebook? There are a few key requirements:
Be at Least 14 Years Old
Facebook requires that users be at least 14 years old before creating an account and username. This is due to legal restrictions around data collection from children under 14. If you are under 14, you will not be able to create your own Facebook account and will need a parent or guardian to create it for you.
Have an Active Facebook Account for at Least 1 Month
To be eligible to create a username, your Facebook account needs to have been active for at least one month. This means you need to have been regularly logging in and using your Facebook account for a minimum of one month before you can claim a unique username.
Facebook instituted this requirement to prevent spam accounts and ensure username claims come from established users. If your account is brand new, you’ll need to wait at least 30 days before creating a username.
Have at Least 25 Friends
In addition to your account being over one month old, you also need to have a minimum of 25 friends connected on your Facebook profile. These can be any mix of accepted friend requests, followers, or people you follow.
Having an established network of connections prevents fake and bot accounts from claiming usernames. So be sure you’ve built up your friend list to at least 25 before trying to create your custom moniker.
Have a Profile Picture
To complete your Facebook profile and become eligible for a username, you need to add a profile picture. This ensures you have an identifiable presence on the platform tied to your account.
Your profile picture must be an actual photo of yourself (no logos, graphics, etc). Make sure to use a current, clear headshot to represent your identity on Facebook.
Use Your Real Name
Facebook requires users to register with their authentic first and last name as it appears on their legal identification. You cannot create an account using fake information or a pseudonym.
Using your real identity is important for building genuine connections and community on Facebook. It also allows friends to easily find and connect with you on the platform.
So be sure to use your real first and last name that matches your official documentation when signing up for Facebook. Nicknames and stage names are not permitted.
How to Create a Facebook Username
Once you meet all the eligibility criteria outlined above, creating your unique Facebook username is simple:
Step 1: Go to your Facebook Profile Page
On Facebook desktop, click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select “View Profile.” On mobile, this can be found by tapping the three-line menu icon and choosing “View Profile.”
This will bring you to your public profile page that displays your bio, posts, photos and more.
Step 2: Click “Add @Username”
On your profile page, you will see a box that says “Add @Username” if you are eligible to create one. Simply click on this box.
Step 3: Choose Your Username
Type in the username you want in the “Username” field. You can create just about any handle, as long as it:
– Has at least 5 characters
– Uses only numbers and letters
– Doesn’t contain “facebook” or any variations
– Isn’t already taken by another user
Check the availability by clicking the checkbox icon. If your desired username is taken, you’ll need to try another option.
Step 4: Complete the Security Check
To prevent bots and spam accounts, Facebook will prompt you to complete a simple security check. This usually involves typing in a series of letters and numbers displayed on-screen.
Complete the check successfully to prove you are a real person claiming the username.
Step 5: Agree to the Terms
Review and agree to the Facebook username terms and conditions. This covers appropriate usage of your username and display name.
Step 6: Click “Confirm” to Finish
Once you’ve chosen your username, passed the security check and agreed to the terms, click “Confirm” to make it official.
Your new custom username will now appear on your Facebook profile page and across the platform. You can also direct people to your profile using the vanity URL facebook.com/yourusername.
Tips for Choosing Your Facebook Username
When going through the username creation process, keep these tips in mind:
- Be consistent with other social profiles – If you use the same handle on Instagram or Twitter, do so on Facebook for easier discovery.
- Make it memorable – Choose a username that’s short, catchy and easy for people to recall.
- Keep it simple – Avoid underscores, hyphens and other characters that may complicate or confuse your name.
- Reflect your identity – Let your username speak to your personality, interests or purpose on Facebook.
- Don’t overthink it – Don’t obsess over finding the “perfect” name. Pick something you like and change it later if desired.
Aim for a Facebook username that feels authentic to you. This name will represent you publicly, so it’s ideal for it to align with your personal brand. But don’t stress yourself out striving for perfection.
Changing Your Facebook Username
If you create a username and later wish to change it, you can do so by:
Step 1: Going to Your Profile Page
Access your profile page and click on your current username shown at the top.
Step 2: Choosing “Change Username”
Select the option to change your username. This will only appear if you’ve had your current username for at least 14 days.
Step 3: Entering a New Username
Type in the new username you want and check availability.
Step 4: Confirming the Change
Agree to Facebook’s terms again and confirm the new username.
After making the change, your profile URL will update to reflect your new handle. But any tags of your old username will remain.
You can only change your username a couple times per year, so choose wisely!
What Happens When You Delete a Facebook Account
If at any point you decide to delete your Facebook account, your username will be removed as well. It will become available for other users to claim.
Keep in mind that deactivating your account temporarily hides it, but your username will remain reserved. Fully deleting the account is the only way to free up your custom handle.
Here’s an overview of what happens when you permanently delete a Facebook account:
- Your profile, posts, photos, videos and all other data are erased.
- Friends will no longer be able to search for or view your profile.
- You lose access to apps and services connected to your Facebook login.
- Your Messenger conversations and contacts are deleted.
- You can never reactivate the same account – all data is gone forever.
So be certain you are ready to let go of your account before deleting it. There is no going back after permanent removal.
Pros and Cons of Having a Facebook Username
Creating a unique username on Facebook comes with some advantages, but also a few drawbacks to consider:
Pros
- Increased privacy – A username makes you harder to find by strangers or search engines.
- Customizable profile – You can brand your profile and stand out with a fun, memorable name.
- Simpler profile link – Your vanity URL facebook.com/username is easy to share and remember.
- Personal expression – A unique name lets you showcase your personality vs using your real name.
Cons
- Less professional – Usernames may seem less formal than real names on a business or career-focused profile.
- Impersonators – It’s easier for others to imitate you with a made-up name.
- Difficult to change – You can only change your username a few times per year.
- Friends may not find you – Friends used to your real name may struggle searching for your new handle.
Weigh these factors when deciding if you should create a unique username or simply use your real name. Consider your goals, privacy needs and how you want to manage your identity.
Conclusion
Creating a custom username on Facebook allows you to cultivate your digital identity beyond just your real name. But there are specific eligibility requirements you must meet first:
- Be at least 14 years old
- Have an active account for 1+ month
- Have minimum 25 friends
- Add a profile picture
- Use your authentic first and last name
Once eligible, claim your unique handle through your profile settings. Pick something memorable and on-brand. Use your new username consistently across Facebook to maximize its impact.
While usernames offer more privacy and personalization, they also come with trade-offs to weigh. Determine whether using your real name or creating a custom moniker better fits your needs on Facebook.