How to Change a Facebook Page Username

Changing your Facebook Page username seems like it should be simple, but it can quickly become frustrating if you don’t know the specific rules and common pitfalls. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from preparing for the change to updating your marketing materials and troubleshooting any issues that pop up along the way. We’re covering the step-by-step instructions for desktop and mobile, plus the best practices for picking a name that strengthens your brand.

What’s in a Name? Why Your Facebook Username Is a Big Deal

First, let’s get clear on the terminology. Your Page Name is the main-line title of your page (e.g., "The Friendly Cupcake Shop"). Your Username, also known as your "vanity URL," is the part that comes after `facebook.com/` (e.g., `@FriendlyCupcakeShop`). This creates a clean link: `facebook.com/FriendlyCupcakeShop`.

Without a username, your page’s URL is a messy string of automatically generated numbers, like `facebook.com/pages/The-Friendly-Cupcake-Shop/123456789012345`. A custom username is more than just a cosmetic upgrade, it’s a foundational piece of your digital brand for a few key reasons:

• Professionalism and Trust: A clean, recognizable URL looks far more professional and established than a generic one. It signals to visitors that you’ve taken the time to build a proper brand presence.
• Memorability and Shareability: Which one is easier to tell a friend? “Find us on Facebook at The Friendly Cupcake Shop!” or “Find us at… well, just search for us, I guess”? A username is easy to remember, say out loud, and type.
• Brand Consistency: In an ideal world, your @username is the same across all platforms - Instagram, TikTok, X, Threads, and Facebook. This consistency makes it instantly recognizable to your audience and reinforces your brand identity wherever they find you.
• Discoverability: Facebook's search function also uses usernames. Having a clear and relevant username can help people find your page more easily when they’re looking for your business or niche.

The Pre-Change Checklist: What to Know Before You Update Your Username

Before jumping into the settings, taking a few minutes to prepare can save you from a major headache. Facebook has specific rules around who can change a username and how often it can be done.

Eligibility Requirements: Are You Good to Go?

Not every page can change its username at will. Here’s what you need to have in order first:

• You Must Be an Admin: This is the most common reason people get stuck. If you're an Editor, Moderator, or another role, you won't even see the option to change the username. Only a user with full Admin privileges can make this change.
• Uniqueness: The username you want cannot be taken by any other active Page or profile on Facebook. It's an instant "no" if someone else has it.
• No Prior Claims: Even if a page is unpublished or deleted, its username may be held by Facebook for a period of time before being released. So, if your desired name appears to be unused but is still showing as unavailable, this might be why.
• Page History: If you’ve just recently changed your Page’s Name, Facebook may place a temporary hold on your ability to change the username. This is to prevent spam and identity confusion. Typically, you’ll need to wait at least 7 days after a name change.

Choosing the Perfect New Username: Best Practices

This isn’t a decision to take lightly, as you can't change it every day. Your new username should align with your long-term brand goals.

• Be Consistent: The absolute best-case scenario is using the exact same username you have on other social media platforms. Use a tool like Namechk to see where your brand name is available.
• Keep It Short & Simple: Avoid long, complex names. `NorthStateArtisanCoffee` is technically descriptive, but `@NorthStateCoffee` is better. Shorter is always easier to remember.
• Make It Recognizable: The username should instantly connect back to your brand name. If your business is "Bluebird Digital Marketing," try `@BluebirdDigital`.
• Avoid extraneous characters: Facebook usernames may only include alphanumeric characters (letters and numbers) and periods. Other punctuation is not allowed. Capitalization doesn't affect the URL but can improve readability when you display the @handle.
• Have a Backup Plan: Your first choice might be taken. Brainstorm a few variations ahead of time. You can add a clear qualifier like `HQ`, `_US`, `App`, `Co` or add a word that fits your business like 'Get' to make it unique ('getnameofapp.com').

The Main Event: Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Facebook Page Username

Okay, you’ve done the prep work and you have a new username ready to go. The process is most reliable on a desktop browser, as mobile app interfaces can change frequently and sometimes hide certain settings.

Changing Your Username on a Desktop (The Easy Way)

Stick with a desktop computer for this process if you can. It's the most stable and straightforward method available.

1. Log into your Facebook account and switch to manage the Page you want to update. You can do this by clicking your profile picture on the top-right and selecting the Page from the list.
2. Once you're on your Page's feed, look for the menu on the left side of the screen. Click on "Settings."
3. You should land on the "General Page Settings" screen. The first two options will typically be "Name" and "Username."
4. Click the "Edit" link next to your current username (or lack thereof).
5. A box will pop up. Type your desired new username into the field. As you type, Facebook will check its availability in real-time.
6. If the username is available, you’ll see a green checkmark. If it says it’s unavailable, you'll need to try one of your backup options.
7. Once you have an available name you’re happy with, click "Save Changes." Facebook will likely ask for your password to confirm you have the authority to make the change.

That's it! Your username should update almost instantly. Your new URL is now live.

Changing Your Username on the Facebook Mobile App

While we recommend desktop, you can also get this done through the official Facebook mobile app. The steps may vary slightly between iOS and Android, but the general path is similar.

1. Open the Facebook app and switch to the profile for your Page.
2. Tap your profile icon in the corner to open the main menu.
3. Scroll down and tap "Settings &, Privacy," then tap "Settings."
4. Tap "Page Settings" at the top of the next screen.
5. On the Page Settings screen, tap "Name." The username setting should be located near the "Name" option. If you don't see it immediately, check both inside the "Name" section and on the main "Page Settings" screen, as its placement can vary in the mobile app.
6. Enter your new choice in the username field and check for availability.
7. If it’s available, save the changes. You will likely need to re-enter your password to confirm.

Hitting a Snag? Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Sometimes, Facebook will throw you an error message. Don’t panic. Most are easy to solve with a bit of troubleshooting and patience.

• Error: "This username isn't available."
  The Fix: This is the most common issue. The name is already in use by either an active or a deactivated account. Your only option here is to get creative. Try adding a location (`@BrandNameNYC`), a descriptor (`@BrandNameOfficial`), or a verb (`@GetBrandName`) to create a unique alternative.
• Error: "This Page isn't eligible to have a username."
  The Fix: This usually happens with very new Pages or those with few followers. There is no publicly stated minimum number of followers right now, but Facebook's systems may flag brand-new pages as potentially spammy. The solution is to focus on creating good content to build an authentic following over the coming weeks. Let your page "age" a bit, then try again.
• Observation: The option to change your username is missing.
  The Fix: This almost always means you don't have the right permissions. Double-check your Page Role under Settings > New Pages Experience. You need to be an "Admin." with full control. If you’re anything else, you'll need to ask an existing Admin to make the change for you or upgrade your access level.
• Observation: It just won't let you save, with no clear error.
  The Fix: If you recently changed the Page's main name, there’s likely an invisible cooldown period in effect. Facebook does this to prevent pages from changing their identity too quickly, which could confuse followers or be used for scams. The only solution is patience. Wait at least seven days and try making the change again.

You Did It! Now What? Your Post-Change Action Plan

Changing the username is just the first step. To get the full branding benefit, you need to update it everywhere the old link appears. Here is a simple checklist to run through.

1. Update Your Website and Blog

This is your top priority. Go through your website and update any links pointing to your Facebook Page. The most common places are the footer, the header, the contact page, and any social sharing icons on blog posts.

2. Update Other Social Media Profiles

Your "link in bio" is a valuable piece of real estate. Update the Facebook Page link on your Instagram, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, and any other profiles where you promote your Facebook presence.

3. Update Your Email Signature

It's a small detail that many people forget. Make sure the social icon in your email signature points to the brand new URL. While the old link will redirect, it's best practice to use the updated one.

4. Update Your Print Materials

For any upcoming print runs of business cards, brochures, or flyers, be sure to use the new, clean vanity URL. For existing materials, it’s not an emergency - the old numbered link will still redirect to your page.

5. Announce the Change

Make a quick, positive post informing your audience of the change! This avoids confusion and reinforces your new, easy-to-remember handle. It’s also a great, low-effort piece of content. Something simple like, "Hey everyone! We've made our Facebook Page even easier to find. You can now reach us directly at facebook.com/YourNewUsername!" works wonders.

Final Thoughts

Updating your Facebook Page username is a quick but powerful way to sharpen your brand identity, improve discoverability, and present a more professional image. While the process is mostly simple, knowing the right permissions, following the steps carefully, and having a plan for troubleshooting will ensure everything goes off without a hitch.

Once you’ve updated your username, brand consistency becomes the next priority. Juggling usernames, links, and content across multiple platforms can quickly become chaotic. That's why we built Postbase with a visual calendar that gives you a complete overview of your entire content strategy. We make it easy to see what’s publishing across all your channels - Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more - so you can ensure your branding is consistent and your schedule is locked tight, all from one place.