FHC- Facebook General Information

Username Basics

What are usernames and Facebook web addresses?

You can personalize the web address for your profile (timeline) or Facebook Page by selecting a unique username or extension. It will appear in the locati...

Who is eligible to participate?

All verified Facebook users are eligible to claim usernames. Verification may require mobile phone authentication. For more information on how to verify y...

Will username URLs be available in multiple languages?

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-rom...

Who can see my username?

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

Are usernames accessible through the Platform API?

Usernames are accessible through the Platform API. Since your username replaces your UID in your timeline URL, it's also accessible through the Platform A...

Selecting a Username

How do I customize my Facebook web address? Where can I claim a username or extension?

Customize the web address for your profile (timeline) or Facebook Page by choosing a username or extension. You can get one at: http://www.facebook.com/us...

The username I want is not available.

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...

Why have you restricted certain usernames?

We think there are many options for users to choose a username that represents their identity, but we also felt it was important to restrict access to cer...

Does a period (".") make a username unique?

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 us...

How many usernames does each person get?

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

Can I claim a username for a group or event?

Usernames are available for timelines and Pages. If you're an admin of a group, you can set a unique URL for that group by creating an email address. Learn...

Can Facebook take back a username that has already been claimed?

Facebook reserves the right to remove and/or reclaim any username at any time for any reason. Please read Facebook's Statement of Rights and Responsibilit...

What are the guidelines around creating a username?

Usernames were created to make it easier for you to identify your profile (timeline) and share it with others. Please consider the following guidelines wh...

I tried to claim a username, but I am being asked to verify my account.

Changing Your Username

How do I change my username?

To change your username: Open the Account dropdown menu at the top right corner of Facebook and choose Account Settings. Click the Edit link next to Usern...

What if I misspell my username?

If you misspell your username, you can change it once. To change your username: Open the Account dropdown menu at the top right corner of Facebook and cho...

Username Abuse

How does Facebook prevent username squatting?

Facebook continues to take steps to prevent username squatting. Username squatting is when people create new accounts just to take advantage of grabbing a...

Why was my username removed?

We regret any inconvenience. Your username may have been removed for not meeting one or more of the following guidelines: Your username should be as close...

Someone created a username for my account without my consent. How can I remove it?

First, secure your account to make sure that no one else has access to it. If you still have access to your account, please reset your password to secure...