Change Your Account Display Name in System Settings

The name showing on your Mac lock screen comes from your user account settings, not from a separate lock screen configuration. To change it, open System Settings (the gear icon in your Dock or Applications folder), then click General in the left sidebar. Look for About near the top of the General section and click it.

In the About window, you'll see a field labeled Computer Name at the top. This is what appears on your lock screen and network. Click the edit button (pencil icon) next to it, type your new name, and press Enter. The change takes effect when ready—your lock screen will show the new name the next time you lock your Mac or it locks automatically.

Keep your computer name short and straightforward. Avoid special characters like @ or / because they can cause problems with network sharing and file transfers. Stick to letters, numbers, hyphens, and spaces.

Key Takeaways

  • Your lock screen name comes from the Computer Name field in System Settings > General > About, not from a separate lock screen menu.
  • You can edit the Computer Name directly by clicking the pencil icon next to it and typing a new name.
  • The change appears on your lock screen when ready after you press Enter.
  • Use only letters, numbers, hyphens, and spaces in your computer name to avoid network and file-sharing problems.
  • Your user account name (the short name you log in with) is separate from your computer name and does not change the lock screen display.

The Difference Between Computer Name and Account Name

Your Mac has two different names that can cause confusion. The Computer Name is what shows on your lock screen and what other devices see when you share files or connect to a network. The Account Name is the short username you type when you log in—for example, "jsmith" or "alex.torres"—and it controls which files and folders belong to you.

Changing the Computer Name does not change your Account Name, and vice versa. If you want to change your Account Name (the login name), that requires a different process and is more complicated because it affects file permissions throughout your system. Most people only need to change the Computer Name, which is what appears on the lock screen.

What Happens When You Change Your Computer Name

When you change your Computer Name, your Mac updates it across all connected networks and services within a few seconds. If you use AirDrop, file sharing, or screen sharing with other Macs or iPhones, those devices will see the new name the next time they search for your computer. Your printer, smart home devices, and other networked equipment may take a minute or two to recognize the change.

If you are connected to a company network or domain, changing your Computer Name might cause temporary connection issues. Your IT department may need to update their records. If you are unsure whether your Mac is on a managed network, check with your workplace before making the change.

Naming Tips to Avoid Problems Later

Choose a name that identifies your device clearly but keeps it brief. "MacBook-Kitchen" or "Jennifers-iMac" works well. Avoid names that are too long (over 15 characters can cause issues with some older devices) or names that include only numbers, which can confuse network discovery.

Do not use spaces at the beginning or end of your Computer Name, and avoid emoji or non-English characters unless you are certain all your devices support them. If you plan to use your Mac on a corporate network, check whether your IT team has naming standards you should follow.

Reverting to the Default Name

If you change your Computer Name and want to go back to the original, you can always return to System Settings > General > About and edit it again. Apple's default naming format is usually "[Your Name]'s Mac" or "[Your Name]'s MacBook Pro," but you can type anything you want. There is no penalty for changing it multiple times.

If you cannot remember what your original name was, it does not matter—pick any name you prefer. The Computer Name is purely for your convenience and network identification. There is no "correct" name you must use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my computer name affect my passwords or login?

No. Your login password and account name stay the same. Only the name your Mac displays on networks and your lock screen changes. You will still log in the same way you always have.

Can I use special characters like @ or # in my computer name?

It is best to avoid them. Special characters can cause problems with network sharing, printers, and some older devices. Stick to letters, numbers, hyphens, and spaces for the smoothest experience across all your devices.

Why does my lock screen still show the old name after I changed it?

Your Mac may need a few seconds to update. If the old name persists after a minute, try locking your screen (Control + Command + Q) and unlocking it again. If it still shows the old name, restart your Mac and the change should appear.

Does changing the computer name affect my iCloud or Apple ID?

No. Your iCloud account and Apple ID are tied to your email address, not your Computer Name. Changing the Computer Name does not affect your cloud storage, backups, or any Apple services.

What if I share my Mac with other users—will they see the new name?

Yes. The Computer Name is system-wide, so all users on that Mac will see it on the lock screen and in network settings. If you want different names for different user accounts, that is not possible—the Computer Name applies to the entire machine, not individual accounts.