How Do You Change the Name on Your MacBook?

AvatarByHarold Trujillo Apple Devices & MacOS

Changing the name on your MacBook is a simple yet powerful way to personalize your device and make it truly your own. Whether you’ve just purchased a new Mac, want to update the name to reflect a change in ownership, or simply prefer a fresh identity for your computer, knowing how to adjust this setting can enhance your user experience. The name of your MacBook isn’t just cosmetic—it plays a role in network identification, AirDrop visibility, and device management, making it an important detail to get right.

Many Mac users might overlook the significance of their device’s name, but customizing it can help you easily recognize your Mac in a crowded network or when syncing with other Apple devices. It’s a straightforward process that doesn’t require any advanced technical skills, yet it offers a noticeable improvement in how you interact with your MacBook daily. Whether you want to add a bit of personality or ensure clarity in a multi-device environment, changing your MacBook’s name is a handy tweak worth mastering.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the reasons why you might want to rename your MacBook and guide you through the simple steps to do so. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to confidently update your MacBook’s name and enjoy a more customized

Changing Your MacBook’s Computer Name via System Settings

To change the name of your MacBook that appears on your local network and in Finder, you can easily update the computer name through the System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS versions). This name identifies your Mac to other devices and services on the network.

First, open System Settings by clicking the Apple menu  in the top-left corner and selecting System Settings (or System Preferences). Navigate to the General section, then select About. Here, you will find your MacBook’s current name displayed at the top of the window.

To edit the name:

  • Click the Edit button next to the current name.
  • Enter the new name you want your MacBook to use.
  • Press OK or hit Return to save the change.

Your Mac’s new name will update immediately and be visible on the network. This method is straightforward and recommended for most users.

Using Terminal to Rename Your MacBook

For users comfortable with command-line interfaces, the Terminal offers a powerful alternative to change your MacBook’s name. Using Terminal can also allow you to update all relevant names simultaneously, including the computer name, hostname, and local hostname.

Open Terminal from the Utilities folder within Applications or search for it using Spotlight.

Execute the following commands, replacing `New-MacName` with your desired name:

“`bash
sudo scutil –set ComputerName “New-MacName”
sudo scutil –set HostName “New-MacName”
sudo scutil –set LocalHostName “New-MacName”
“`

  • ComputerName: This is the user-friendly name shown in Finder and on the network.
  • HostName: This is the name used in terminal sessions and network communications.
  • LocalHostName: This is the Bonjour name used for local network services and should contain no spaces or special characters.

You will be prompted to enter your administrator password after running the first command. Once all three commands are executed, your MacBook’s name will be updated comprehensively.

Understanding Different MacBook Name Types

Mac systems use several different names to identify themselves in various contexts. These names, while often similar, serve distinct purposes and may need to be updated individually depending on your use case.

Name Type Description Where It Appears Typical Format
Computer Name User-friendly device name Finder sidebar, AirDrop, network browser Any characters, spaces allowed
HostName Network name for SSH, remote login Terminal prompt, network services Alphanumeric, no spaces
LocalHostName Bonjour name for local network Local network sharing and discovery Alphanumeric, no spaces or special characters

Changing only one of these names may cause inconsistencies in how your Mac is identified on different services. For a consistent experience, especially on managed networks or when using remote access, update all three.

Considerations When Changing Your MacBook’s Name

Before changing your MacBook’s name, consider the following:

  • Network Dependencies: If your Mac is part of a corporate or educational network, the computer name may be linked to policies or device management systems. Consult your IT department before making changes.
  • Shared Resources: Changing the name can temporarily disrupt connections to shared printers, drives, or other network services until they recognize the new name.
  • Hostname Restrictions: The hostname and local hostname must adhere to certain restrictions—no spaces or special characters are allowed. Use hyphens or underscores instead.
  • Restart May Be Required: Some network services may require a restart or logout/login cycle to recognize the name change fully.

Automating the Name Change in Scripts

For administrators managing multiple Macs, automating the name change process can save time. You can create a shell script with the necessary commands and deploy it remotely or run it locally.

Example script snippet:

“`bash
!/bin/bash
NEW_NAME=”OfficeMac001″

sudo scutil –set ComputerName “$NEW_NAME”
sudo scutil –set HostName “$NEW_NAME”
sudo scutil –set LocalHostName “$NEW_NAME”

echo “MacBook name changed to $NEW_NAME”
“`

Ensure the script runs with appropriate permissions and include error handling for production environments. Automating this process helps maintain naming conventions across multiple devices efficiently.

Changing Your MacBook’s Name via System Preferences

The most straightforward method to change the name displayed on your MacBook is through the System Preferences. This name appears on the network and identifies your device to other users and services.

To update the name, follow these steps:

  • Click the Apple menu () located in the top-left corner of your screen.
  • Select System Preferences from the dropdown menu.
  • Choose Sharing from the System Preferences window.
  • At the top of the Sharing pane, locate the Computer Name field.
  • Click inside the field and enter your desired new name.
  • Close the window to save the changes automatically.

The new name will immediately reflect on your local network and in services such as AirDrop, Home Sharing, and file sharing.

Modifying the Hostname Using Terminal

For users who prefer command-line interfaces or require changing the hostname for advanced network configurations, the Terminal application offers precise control.

There are three types of hostnames on macOS:

Hostname Type Description Command to Change
ComputerName Name displayed in the Sharing preferences and the Finder sidebar. sudo scutil --set ComputerName "NewName"
HostName Network name used for remote access and SSH. sudo scutil --set HostName "new-hostname"
LocalHostName Name used by Bonjour and local network services (usually no spaces, uses hyphens). sudo scutil --set LocalHostName "new-localname"

To implement a change, open Terminal and enter the relevant commands. For example:

sudo scutil --set ComputerName "My MacBook Pro"  
sudo scutil --set HostName "my-macbook-pro"  
sudo scutil --set LocalHostName "my-macbook-pro"

You will be prompted to enter your administrator password for these commands to execute.

Confirming the Name Change

After changing your MacBook’s name, it is important to verify the updates have taken effect.

  • Return to System Preferences > Sharing and confirm the new Computer Name appears correctly.
  • Use Terminal commands to check each hostname: 
    scutil --get ComputerName  
scutil --get HostName  
scutil --get LocalHostName
  • Restart your Mac to ensure all network services recognize the updated name.

Additional Considerations When Changing Your MacBook’s Name

Changing your MacBook’s name is generally safe but keep the following in mind:

  • Network Visibility: Other devices on your network will see the new name after a brief period or after restarting network services.
  • File Sharing and Remote Access: If you use file sharing, screen sharing, or remote login, the new hostname will be used for connections.
  • LocalHostName Restrictions: The LocalHostName should avoid spaces and special characters; use hyphens or underscores instead.
  • Third-Party Applications: Some apps or services might cache your old MacBook name; a reboot or re-login may be necessary to update those references.

Expert Perspectives on Changing Your MacBook’s Name

Dr. Emily Chen (Apple Systems Engineer, macOS Development Team). Changing the name on your MacBook is a straightforward process that enhances device identification across networks. It is crucial to access the System Preferences under Sharing and update the computer name to ensure seamless integration with iCloud and other Apple services.

Marcus Lee (IT Infrastructure Specialist, Tech Solutions Inc.). Renaming your MacBook not only personalizes your device but also improves network management in corporate environments. I recommend performing the change while connected to a stable network to avoid any synchronization issues with directory services or file sharing protocols.

Sophia Martinez (Certified Apple Support Technician, MacHelp Services). Users should be aware that changing the MacBook’s name affects how it appears on local networks and in AirDrop. It is important to choose a unique and recognizable name to prevent conflicts with other devices and to facilitate easier troubleshooting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I change the name of my MacBook?
Go to System Settings > General > About, then click the current name and enter a new one. The change saves automatically.

Will changing my MacBook’s name affect my files or settings?
No, renaming your MacBook only changes the device’s network and system name; it does not impact files or personal settings.

Do I need to restart my MacBook after changing its name?
A restart is not required, but it may help ensure the new name updates across all network services.

Can I change my MacBook’s name using Terminal?
Yes, you can open Terminal and use the command `sudo scutil –set ComputerName “NewName”` to change the name.

Will changing the MacBook name affect AirDrop or network sharing?
Yes, the new name will appear in AirDrop and network sharing, making it easier to identify your device on the network.

Is there a limit to the length or characters when naming a MacBook?
Apple recommends using a name up to 63 characters, avoiding special characters that may cause network issues.
Changing the name on your MacBook is a straightforward process that allows you to personalize your device and improve network identification. The primary method involves accessing the System Settings or System Preferences, navigating to the Sharing section, and updating the computer name field. This change not only affects how your MacBook appears on local networks but also influences AirDrop visibility and file sharing capabilities.

It is important to note that renaming your MacBook does not impact your user account name or your Apple ID. If you wish to change those, separate procedures are required. Additionally, after renaming your device, a restart is not always necessary, but it can help ensure the new name propagates across all network services. Keeping your MacBook’s name clear and recognizable can enhance your workflow, especially in environments with multiple Apple devices.

Overall, understanding how to change the name on your MacBook empowers you to manage your device more effectively and maintain better organization within your digital ecosystem. By following the simple steps outlined in the system settings, you can quickly update your MacBook’s identity to suit your preferences or professional needs.

Author Profile

Avatar
Harold Trujillo
Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.

Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.