Your Mac’s name is more than just an identification number. It’s a component of your online identity that enables you to identify your gadgets and customize your computing time. However, have you ever wondered how to alter the name on your MacBook? If so, you should read this tutorial.
Your Mac’s name is a practical and individual decision as well as a technological one. To rename your Mac, there are many strong reasons. The default name given to your Mac, however, may reveal private information, such as your owner’s name or the make and model of your machine. This is one of the most important factors. So that your personal information is protected, you can alter the name.
Table of Contents
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE CHANGING A MAC’S COMPUTER NAME
The name of the computer cannot be changed without administrative access. Make sure you have the required authorizations.
Changes to the computer name may have an impact on iCloud services if your Mac is logged in with an Apple ID and uses those services. To ensure smooth integration, it’s a good idea to sign out of your Apple ID, change the name, and then sign back in.
A system restart is typically necessary to completely implement name changes. To prevent interruptions to workflow, schedule an appropriate time to complete this restart.
CHANGE MACBOOK NAME VIA SETTINGS
Step 1: Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner, and from the drop-down menu, select System Settings.
Step 2: In the System Settings modal, go to General.
Step 3: Under General, choose About.
Step 4: Click on the Name.
Step 5: When you see the cursor, edit the name or type a new one. Once done, hit the Return key on your keyboard to save.
Step 6: Finally, quit System Settings.
Your Mac will be updated with the new name everywhere. If you experience any problems, restarting your Mac once should fix them.
CHANGE COMPUTER NAME WITH TERMINAL
The Mac’s Terminal software can be used to set or modify your computer’s name in macOS if you are familiar with command lines. Please follow the guidelines below.
Step 1: Press the ‘Command + Space key’ on your keyboard, type Terminal, and hit the Return key.
Step 2: Once Terminal opens, type the below command and hit the Return key on your keyboard.
The passcode for your Mac will be requested from you, and then you’re done. Your computer’s name has successfully been changed. If you wish to modify the username on your Mac, keep reading.
CHANGING THE NAME OF A USER ON THE MAC
This process is comparable to renaming your machine on a MacBook, or more specifically, on macOS. However, keep in mind that while a Mac user’s display name is changeable, their username remains constant.
Step 1: From the drop-down menu, click on the Apple icon in the top left corner and choose System Settings.
Step 2: Select “Users & Groups” from the System Settings dialog.
Step 3: Select Advanced Options with a right-click on the user whose name you want to modify.
Step 4: Type the admin password into the pop-up box and press the Unlock button.
Step 5: Enter the new name in the text box next to Full Name in the modal by clicking on it.
CHANGING THE HOSTNAME OF YOUR MAC
Your Mac’s hostname, which differs slightly from the machine name in how your Mac is recognized on a local network, can be changed. In essence, you can have a unique hostname and computer name.
Step 1: From the drop-down menu, click on the Apple icon in the top left corner and choose System Settings.
Step 2: In the System Settings modal, go to General.
Step 3: Under General, choose Sharing.
Step 4: Locate the Local hostname by scrolling down and selecting Edit.
Step 5: In the pop-up, type the new hostname or edit the existing one and click OK.
