Whether you’ve bought a second-hand MacBook or you just want to change your username, it’s easy to change the name on a MacBook.
This guide will show you how to change a MacBook name and username. Follow along below to learn.
Why You Should Change Your Mac Name
Knowing how you can change your MacBook name is handy. The real question is: why should you? Let’s take a few reasons why renaming your MacBook can be beneficial to you:
You Don’t Like Your Current Username: Often, when setting up a new computer, the name we choose for it is the least of our concerns. However, as we become more familiarized with our new Mac computer, that weird username sticks out like a sore thumb. Instead of getting annoyed or resetting your Mac, simply change the name.
AirDrop: AirDrop is one of the best features offered by Apple on its devices, allowing seamless transfer of files. Random usernames can confuse the receiver sending the files, and the sender can often find it difficult to know where they should send them. Using easy-to-distinguish names is a great solution for this.
System-Wide Name Change: Your username is shown everywhere, even the primary filesystem on your Mac. Using Terminal or type commands can be much easier when you have an easy-to-type username.
Bluetooth: When connecting a Bluetooth device to your Mac, the Mac address is often shown in the Bluetooth devices list. The Mac address can be hard to remember, which is why using a name for your computer is a smart option. It’s easier to copy and paste a simple name.
Multiple Users: If more than one person uses the same Mac, you might need to update the Mac name files to match each user so that each person has their own account.
Network:Â Oftentimes, your WiFi might start acting weird. At this time, you would likely want to check the WiFI options to look at the devices using them. You might remove access to your computer if you fail to recognize it. A simple name change ensures that you will know the name of the computers connected to the WiFi network.
How to Change the Name of a MacBook
As we discussed above, there are several reasons why you would want to rename your Mac to something different. Here are the steps to learn how to rename a MacBook:
- Click on the Apple symbol at the top left corner of the menu bar of your Mac. There, click on System Preferences.
- In the window that shows up, click on Sharing.
- Next to the Computer name label, type the new name for your computer in the textbox.
- Click outside the textbox to save the changes.
These are the steps you need to follow to rename your MacBook. Although the changes made are saved instantly, it’s a good idea to restart your Mac for the changes to be saved at a system level.
If you’re wondering how to change a MacBook pro name or how to change the name on a MacBook Air, it’s exactly the same process across all Mac devices. Except for Windows-based Mac alternatives.
How to Change the Username on Mac
Now, let’s take a look at the steps you need to follow to change the username for the main user of the Mac. Here are the steps you need to follow on how to rename your MacBook username:
- Click on the Apple symbol at the top left corner of the menu bar of your Mac then click on System Preferences.
- Select the Users and Groups option in the window that opens.
- Click on the lock icon and then enter your password.
- Now, hold the Control button and click on the main user account.
- Select the Advanced options
- Enter the new name beside the Full name textbox.
- Press the OK button to save the changes.
This will change the username throughout the system.
Related Content:Â How to Close Apps on a MacBook
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Name My Mac?
You should choose a name that is simple, easy to understand, and can differentiate your Mac from others. Using a combination of your name and the device name is the most common method of naming Macs. However, feel free to express yourself using the name of your Mac computer.
How Do I Change the Admin Name on My MacBook Pro?
Click on the Apple logo to open the menu. There, click on System Preferences and then click on Users & Groups. Click on the Padlock icon and input the admin name and password. Click on the Control button and then click on the Admin area. Select the Advanced Options button. Type in the new name in the Full name text field.
How Do I Name My MacBook Pro?
The name of your Machine is shown at the very top of the Sharing preferences menu. Click Sharing under System Preferences in the Apple menu on your Mac. To open the preference pane, click the lock if it is locked in the bottom left of the screen. Inside the Computer Name area, type a new name.
How Do I Change My Lock Screen Name on MacBook Air?
The lock screen name is the same as the account name. This can be changed by going to System Preferences and clicking on Users & Groups. Click on the Control button and then click on the Admin area. Select the Advanced Options button. Type in the new name in the Full name text field.
How Do I Rename My MacBook Pro on iCloud?
Click Sharing under System Preferences in the Apple menu on your Mac. To open the preference pane, click the lock if it is locked in the bottom left of the screen. Inside the Computer Name area, type a new name. The names will ultimately sync to iCloud if they are changed on the devices themselves.
Wrapping Up How to Change the Name of Your Macbook
Hopefully, the above guide helped you learn how to change a MacBook name. Please let us know in the comments if you have any further questions.
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Chris is a spreadsheet expert and content writer for Productivity Spot and Spreadsheet Point. He has a double Bachelor's Degree in Teaching and has been working in the education industry for over 11 years. His experience makes him adept at breaking down complex topics so that everyone is able to understand.
