Create a Custom Facebook Vanity URL
(Step-by-Step Guide, Updated for 2025)
When setting up a Facebook business page, claiming your custom Facebook URL (also known as your page username) is crucial.
June 23, 2024 • 3 min read
When meeting someone, it's natural to introduce ourselves by name. After all, no one would think of introducing themselves by their social security number or driver's license ID, right? Yet, many small businesses do just that when they set up their Facebook pages.
Instead of directing customers and followers to a simple and memorable, personalized URL link like facebook.com/OurBusinessName, many operate with their long and confusing, assigned username like facebook.com/profile.php?id=109571354868758.
Creating a personalized Facebook URL:
- Makes it easier for friends, followers, and customers to find and remember your page
- Helps promote and share your business more effectively online
- Enhances your page's credibility and your brand's professional image
Plus, claiming your custom Facebook page address is simple and free.
Steps to Claim Your Personalized Facebook Page URL (Username)
Click any of the screenshots to expand.
Step 1. Click your Facebook account picture in the upper right corner and select Settings and Privacy from the menu.
Step 2. Click on Settings to open the Settings & Privacy page.
Step 3. On the left-hand menu, click on Page Setup to find the option to choose your username.
Step 4. At the end of the Name row, click the View button to open the General Page settings.
Step 5. At the end of the Username row, click Edit.
Step 6. Enter your desired page username and click 'Check Availability.' If you see the 'Username is available,' message, simply click the blue 'Save Changes' button and that personalized Facebook username will be yours. If you see the red 'Username is not available' message, then try another variation. Either way, your custom URL will be better than a long string of random numbers.
When changing your Facebook username, keep these tips in mind:
Tips for changing your Facebook page URL (link address):
- You must be an admin to create or change the username for a Page.
- You can have only one username for your Page or profile, and you can't have a username that is already being used.
- Usernames can contain only alphanumeric characters (A–Z, 0–9) and periods ("."). They cannot contain generic terms or domain extensions (e.g., .com, .net), including country extensions (e.g., .ie, .de, .ca) .
- Usernames must be at least 5 characters long.
- Periods (".") and capitalization can't be used to differentiate usernames. For example, johnsmith55, John.Smith55, and john.smith.55 are all considered the same username.
- Usernames shouldn't impersonate someone else.
- A Page's username can also be removed because of inactivity.
- You can change your Page's username only once.
- Though this is off-topic for a USERNAME post, it deserves mentioning since it applies to all social media marketing. When typing the NAME, ADDRESS, and PHONE fields for your Facebook business, be sure to complete these fields exactly as you have them on your website and other social media properties. These are referred to as NAP in search engine optimization, and Google expects them to be identical in all instances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Claiming or Changing a Facebook Username (Custom Page URL)
How to See My Facebook Username on iPhone or Android:
- Open the Facebook app on your mobile device.
- Go to your Facebook Page and tap the "..." three-dot menu (see image 1).
- In the Page Settings window that opens, scroll to the bottom to view your username (see image 2).
Can I Change My Facebook Username on iPhone or Android?
Unfortunately, no. The mobile app doesn't provide access to the full range of admin tools that are available on a desktop browser. Facebook username changes can only be made using the desktop website.
Does Facebook Recycle Usernames? And If So, How Long Until the One I Want Might Become Available?
Yes, Facebook does recycle usernames. When usernames are abandoned, deleted, changed, or removed due to inactivity, they can be recycled. However, Facebook doesn't provide a timeline for when a username will become available again.
There is no guarantee that a particular username will ever be released. When desirable usernames are made available, they tend to be claimed quickly. So act fast if one becomes available!
Is My Facebook Username the Same as My Instagram Username?
If your desired username is available on both platforms, you can claim it on each. And we recommend that since using the same name helps with brand consistency. However, Facebook and Instagram are treated as separate platforms by Meta, so you are not required to have the same username on both.
Can You Offer Any Tips If My Facebook Username Is Not Available?
Here are some creative tips to help you find a unique username if your first choice is already taken:
- Add a prefix or suffix like "The," "Official," or "Real" (such as RealACMEServices or ACMEServicesCompany).
- Include your location to make it unique (such as ACMEServicesAsheville).
- Add an underscore or hyphen (such as ACME-Services).
Ready to get the most from your Facebook and other social media accounts?
Contact Joe Web site design in Asheville today for a free consultation! Let's talk about how we can help skyrocket your website traffic. Call us at 828-551-9761.
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