Change your Mac name through System Settings in under a minute

Your Mac's name is the label that appears when you connect to Wi-Fi networks, share files, or use AirDrop. To change it, open System Settings, go to General, then About, and click the Edit button next to your computer name. Type the new name and press Return. The change takes effect when ready, though some services like file sharing may need a restart to reflect the new name across your network.

The process works the same way on any recent macOS version — Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, and Big Sur all use this same path. Older Macs running Catalina or earlier use System Preferences instead of System Settings, but the steps are nearly identical.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Mac's name is found in System Settings under General > About, where you can click Edit to change it when ready.
  • The new name appears on your network when ready, but Wi-Fi networks and file-sharing services may take a few seconds to update.
  • You do not need administrator permission to change your Mac's name, though you do need to be logged into your user account.
  • Changing your Mac's name does not affect your user account name, passwords, or any files stored on your computer.

Where to find the Mac name setting

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Settings. On the left sidebar, click General. At the top of the window, you will see a section called About. Your current Mac name appears next to "Computer Name" — this is the name that shows up when other devices search for your Mac on the network.

If you are using an older Mac with Catalina or earlier, the path is slightly different: click the Apple menu, choose System Preferences, then click Sharing. Your computer name is listed at the top of that window, and you can edit it directly by clicking in the field.

How to type in and save your new name

In System Settings on newer Macs, click the Edit button next to your computer name. A text field will appear with your current name highlighted. Delete the old name and type your new one. Mac names can include letters, numbers, spaces, and hyphens, but they cannot start with a number or contain special characters like @ or #.

Once you have typed the new name, press Return or click outside the text field. The change saves when ready — you do not need to click a separate Save button. Your Mac will use the new name right away on your local network.

What happens to your network after you change the name

Other devices on your Wi-Fi network will see your Mac's new name within a few seconds. If you have file sharing turned on, other computers may need a few moments to update their list of available shared folders. If a device still shows your old Mac name after a minute, try turning Wi-Fi off and back on, or restart the other device.

If your Mac is part of a workplace network or domain, changing the name may cause connection issues with network printers, shared drives, or authentication services. Check with your IT department before changing the name on a work computer.

Reasons to change your Mac's name

A clear, descriptive name makes it easier to find your Mac when connecting AirDrop files, joining a Wi-Fi network on another device, or sharing files over your home network. Generic names like "MacBook Pro" or "iMac" become confusing when multiple Macs are in the same household or office. Changing it to something like "Sarah's MacBook" or "Kitchen iMac" tells you at a glance which device you are connecting to.

You might also change your Mac's name if you inherited it from someone else, bought it used, or straightforward want a fresh start. The name change does not affect performance, security, or any of your files — it is purely cosmetic and network-related.

Your Mac name versus your user account name

Your Mac's computer name and your user account name are two separate things. The computer name is what appears on your network and in AirDrop. Your user account name is what appears in the login screen and in the Users folder. Changing one does not change the other, and you do not need to change both.

If you want to change your user account name instead — the name that appears when you log in — that requires a different process and is more involved. Your computer name is the quicker change if you just want your Mac to have a different identity on your network.

Troubleshooting if the name will not change

If the Edit button is grayed out or you cannot type in the name field, make sure you are logged into an administrator account. Standard user accounts can usually change the computer name, but some workplace networks restrict this permission. If you are on a work Mac, contact your IT support team.

If the name changes in System Settings but does not appear on your network, restart your Mac or toggle Wi-Fi off and on. Sometimes the network takes longer than expected to broadcast the new name. If you are trying to connect to a specific device and it still shows the old name, restart that device as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use spaces or special characters in my Mac's name?

You can use spaces and hyphens, but not special characters like @, #, $, or &. Your Mac name also cannot start with a number. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and hyphens for the smoothest compatibility with all devices and networks.

Will changing my Mac's name affect my passwords or files?

No. Your Mac's computer name is separate from your user account, passwords, and files. Changing it does not log you out, reset your password, or move or delete anything on your computer. All your data stays exactly where it is.

Do I need to restart my Mac after changing its name?

No restart is required for the name change itself. However, if other devices are not seeing the new name after a minute or two, restarting your Mac or toggling Wi-Fi off and on can help the network catch up.

What if my Mac is on a work network?

Check with your IT department before changing the name on a work computer. Some workplace networks use the computer name for authentication or device tracking, and changing it could disconnect you from shared drives, printers, or network services.

Can I change my Mac's name back to what it was before?

Yes. Follow the same steps — go to System Settings > General > About, click Edit, and type your old name or any new name you prefer. There is no limit to how many times you can change it.