- Click on the Apple menu bar, select System Preferences, click on the Sharing option, and click the computer name option to edit it, enter your new name, and close the window. Restart your Macbook.
- Disable all connected devices to your network to check if any two devices are connected with the same name.
- Update your device to the latest version.

Changing your MacBook name is a necessary thing, especially for AirDrop and Bluetooth accessories to use on your Mac, no matter if you have MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, or Mac Mini. All of the Mac types have a name by default. Most of the users let the Mac as it is, but we need to change it when we use the AirDrop sharing process between multiple devices, it may be multiple devices around us have the same name by default. So we need to create a distinct name to make it recognizable.
What are the Reasons for changing your MacBook Name?
Before we dive into our main topic, we will discuss some main reasons that can cause changing your MacBook name;
- It’s a strange MacBook name that gives an annoying effect, so it is better to change it.
- AirDrop sharing process also requires you to change your MacBook name.
- Pairing your Mac with Bluetooth also demands an easy-to-read name for your Mac.
- A proper Mac name helps you to type commands on Terminal and other tasks quite easily.
- It is necessary to Change your Mac name, if multiple people use the Mac, it helps to create a separate account for every user.
- If multiple devices are connected to your Wi-Fi, it will help you to drop an unknown device by changing the password.
Table of Contents
How to Change Your MacBook Name
Are you also a new Mac user and want to change your MacBook name? You are in the right place, as we are going to discuss some simple ways of changing your MacBook name.
Method 1: How to Change your MacBook Name
Follow the given steps to change your MacBook name;
- Unlock your Mac, and click on the Apple logo from the Mac’s menu bar in the top left corner.
- Click on System Preferences, and you are directed to a new window.
- Select the Sharing option from the new window.
- Enter your new name in the Computer name by clicking it for editing.
- Close the window, and restart your system.
Method 2: Change the MacBook User Name
A username is a necessary part of our device, as it helps to log in to our device; it is a little different from changing the MacBook name. Follow the given steps;
- Unlock your Mac, and click on the Apple logo from the Mac’s menu bar in the top left corner.
- Click on System Preferences, and you are directed to a new window.
- Select the Users & Groups from the new window.
- Enter your password by clicking on the Lock icon on the bottom left of the screen, and unlock your system.
- Hold the Control button down from the left side and tap the main user’s account.
- Click on the Advanced Options, and change the name of the main user from under the ‘Full Name’ option.
- Click the OK button.
Method 3: Change Home Folder Name
You have to change the Home Folder Name to change the main User name of the Mac. Follow the given steps;
- Unlock your Mac, and head to the Finder app.
- Select the ‘Go’ option from the menu bar.
- Enter: /Users in the given entry field.
- Click on the ‘Go’ option.
- Select the user folder you want to rename and right-click it.
- From the drop-down menu, select the ‘Rename’ option.
- Type your preferred name in the given space.
- Restart your device.
What to do if you can’t change your Mac Name?
It is a common complaint by users that they can’t successfully change the Mac name. It is because of some system error. You can sort it out by following some given instructions;
#1 Restart your Device
The first and simple trick is to restart your system, click to refresh it, and then try to rename it.
#2 Disable Devices Connected to Network
If multiple devices are connected to the same network, there may be another Mac with the same name as your own can create conflict. To fix it, you need to disconnect all other connected devices and try to rename your Mac again.
#3 Create a New Account to change your Mac Name
It is also a simple solution that can help you to change your Mac name. You can create a new account via the System Preferences option.
# 4 Update your Mac
In the case of the old version of macOS, the issue can be created, it is better to update your macOS to the latest version and try to change your Mac name. Simply go to ‘System Preferences’, next to Software Update, and click Update Now.
Bottom Lines
All-in-all, changing the name of the Mac is a process that we need to operate very few times. You can change your Mac name to make it recognizable by giving it a distinct name. it will be understandable for your Mac, especially in case multiple Macs are connecting on the same network, or you are using your Mac for the AirPort sharing process. The process is very simple, and you can easily change your Mac name while following the instructions aforementioned.
FAQs
Q: What type of name should I give to my Mac?
The new name that we select for our Mac should be simple and containing the words that are identifiable such as Wamiq’s MacBook.
Q: Is the name of Mac viewable by others?
In Home Wi-Fi, the name of your Mac can be visible by only the family members, but in public Wi-Fi networks, everyone can see your Mac’s name, so it is better to give any vague name to your device.
Q: Is it possible to change the admin name of Mac?
When we start with our new device, we first create an admin name that tied our device to Apple account. But it is possible to make changes with admin account easily.