When you first got your MacBook, you probably hurried to set it up and created a generic name for your Mac, such as “computer.” But now that you’ve had some time to get used to it, you may want to Change your Mac or MacBook Name. Even though there is nothing inherently wrong with doing that, you have most likely found out by now that it can be a little inconvenient if you need to access it on a local network.
we have a bad habit of rushing through the setup process, and the only time we realize we have made a mistake is when we need to transfer a file and find that there are multiple systems with the same name nearby. Your MacBook’s name can be changed with little effort and without the need for any significant adjustments, such as resetting the device to its factory settings. The procedure is identical for all Mac products, including the iMac, Mac Mini, Mac Computer, and MacBook Air, among others.
Reasons to change Mac name
- To make it easier to identify on a network. If you have multiple Macs on your network, it can be helpful to give them unique names so that you can easily tell them apart. This is especially useful if you are using AirDrop or other network-based features.
- To personalize it. Your Mac’s name is displayed in a number of places, such as the Finder, the System Preferences app, and the AirDrop interface. Changing its name is a simple way to make it feel more like your own.
- To troubleshoot problems. If you’re having problems with your Mac, changing its name can sometimes help to resolve the issue. For example, if you’re having trouble connecting to a network, changing your Mac’s name can sometimes force the network to reset.
- To protect your privacy. If you’re selling or giving away your Mac, it’s a good idea to change its name so that the new owner can’t easily track you down. This is especially important if you have any personal information stored on your Mac.
How to Change your Mac or MacBook Name
- Launch the Preferences System menu.
- Choose the Sharing option.
- To enter your computer’s name, select the field “Computer Name:” at the top.
- Under the current name, you can highlight it and enter a new one.
- To set the new name, either press enter on your keyboard or click anywhere in the window outside of the text field.
How to Change Your Mac’s Local Hostname
- You can find out what your Mac’s local hostname or local network name is by going to Apple > System Settings > General > Sharing. Scroll down to find out what your Mac’s local hostname is.
- Click Edit next to Local Hostname to give your Mac a new hostname. There can only be letters and hyphens in it.
Importance of a Unique Device Name
- To make it easier to find devices on a network and keep track of them. When devices have their own names, it’s easier to tell what they are and what their status is. This is especially important when there are a lot of devices on a large network.
- To find solutions to problems. If a device is giving you trouble, knowing its unique name can help you figure out what’s wrong. For example, if you can’t connect to a network, you can check to see if the name of the device is correct and if it is set up to connect to the network.
- So that your privacy is safe. If you use your device in a public place, having a unique name for it can help keep your information private. For example, if you are using your laptop at a coffee shop, you might not want to call it “Laptop” or “My Computer.” This will make it harder for someone to find your device or get to the information on it.
FAQs
Open “Users & Groups” by going to Apple > System Preferences > Users & Groups from the main menu. To open the preferences pane, click the lock icon in the bottom left corner and enter your password. Hold down the control button and click on the admin you want to rename from the list of users on the left side of the window.
Hold down the Command and R keys when you hear the tone that tells you to restart your Mac. Wait for the macOS Utilities screen to show up, and then click Disk Utility. Choose the system drive for your Mac, which is usually called Macintosh HD, and then click Erase. Choose Mac Extended (Journaled) or APFS from the Format menu.
If you want to sell, trade in, or give away your Mac, you should reset it to factory settings first. This will delete all of your personal information, making it impossible for the next person to see it. Resetting your Mac can also make it run faster and make it work like it did when you first got it.
