Facebook username checker and rules

Setting up · Social media · Big sixGrowing Facebook →

Checked 25 Oct 2026, 05:20 UTC

Facebook has no public username lookup, so when our check isn't sure, it gives you a one-tap link to check on Facebook. How our checks work

CostFree

Age13 or older

Username lengthAt least 5 characters

CharactersLetters, numbers, periods

Holds the nameSetting it on your Page

Also used onMessenger

Sources ^{[1, 2, 3, 5]}

What can a Facebook username contain?

Letters, numbers and periods, at least 5 characters. Facebook doesn't publish a maximum.

Rule	What it means
Periods and capitals don't count	johnsmith55 and John.Smith55 are the same name
No generic terms	Not a generic word on its own
No web endings	No .com, .net or country endings
One each	One username per Page or profile
No impersonation	It can't pretend to be someone else

Sources ^{[1, 3]}

How do you set up a Page and its username?

Check the name above, with Instagram and the .com.
From your personal account, click Pages and create your Page.
In the Page, open Settings, then Name, and edit the username.

A business needs a Page: Facebook's Terms allow one personal account per person, in your everyday name. Only Page admins can set the username.^{[2, 4, 5]}

What should you know before you start?

Fact	What it means
First come, first served	Even a Page that isn't published yet can hold a name
New Pages may wait	Especially if you've created several Pages recently
Use it or lose it	A Page's username can be removed for inactivity
Changing is risky	You may not get your old username back
Page names	No single general word, broad place, slogan, symbols or ALL CAPS

Sources ^{[3, 5, 6, 7]}

What can go wrong, and how do you fix it?

Problem	Fix
Taken, but nobody seems to use it	An unpublished Page may hold it. Use a close version (what to do when your handle is taken)
Your new Page can't set a username	Wait and try again later
Page name rejected	Make it specific, without slogans, symbols or ALL CAPS
You can't edit the username	Only admins can; ask for access

Sources ^{[5, 6, 7]}

Which platforms should you claim with Facebook?

Instagram, the .com, X, the App Store and Google Play. Messenger comes with it.

Checks Facebook, Instagram, the .com, X, App Store and Google Play in one search.