Ghost the Default: The 2026 Guide to Changing Your MacBook Name

Originally published by Nibir Kr Dutta in 2023 | Updated & Fact-Checked by the Arenaoftech Editorial Team on April 24, 2026

How to Change Your MacBook Name (2026 Guide): From Settings to Terminal 

Changing your MacBook’s name is the first thing everyone does after buying one; however, it often leaves people confused and frustrated, as it is not as simple as you’d expect from a Windows PC. 

I can understand that having a generic name is unprofessional, whether it be AirDropping or managing a local network. 

In 2026, although macOS now has a streamlined process of changing names, it has been tucked into different menus than it was in earlier versions of macOS.

Here’s how you can change the name in your MacBook.

1. The 2026 Standard Way (System Settings)

For users running macOS Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia, or the latest macOS Tahoe (2026), the path has changed from Preferences to Settings.

1. Click the Apple Logo in the top-left corner.
2. Select System Settings.
3. On the left sidebar, click General.
4. Select About on the right side.
5. Click directly on the Name field at the top, type your new name, and press Enter.

Note: After you follow the instructions mentioned above, your friendly name will be changed, the name that appears in Find My iPhone and iCloud. It doesn’t always change the Local Hostname (which is used for network sharing).

2. The Network Identity (Sharing Settings)

If you want to change the name that appears on networks, such as (e.g., tim-mac.local), then you need to head deeper into the sharing menu.

1. Go to System Settings > General > Sharing.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the window.
3. Look for Local Hostname and click Edit.

Enter your desired network name (no spaces allowed here; use hyphens).

Terminal Fix (Only if you don’t see changes) 

In some very rare cases, the sync doesn’t happen immediately, or it fails to sync. In such a situation, you can force a system-wide name change that works across all protocols.

Open Terminal (Cmd + Space, type “Terminal”).

Paste the following command to change your Computer Name:

sudo scutil --set ComputerName "YourNewName"

To change your Local Hostname (for the network):

sudo scutil --set LocalHostName "Your-New-Name"

Enter your password when prompted.

For Older macOS: Changing Your Name via the Legacy System Preferences Menu 

Note: The steps below apply to macOS Monterey and older versions using “System Preferences.”

Comprehensive Guide To Change MacBook Name

To change the name of your Mac, you just need to follow the steps that are provided below: 

• In the upper left corner, click on the Apple icon and select System Preferences in the dropdown menu.
• Now, click on the blue Sharing folder. 
• When opened, click inside the text box next to the Computer Name and enter your new Computer name. 

Now, once you exit from the Sharing Window, you’ll see that the computer’s hostname will change automatically to your new Computer name. 

Similarly, if you want to change the hostname of your Mac, follow the steps below: 

• In the same way, click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner and select System Preferences from the drop-down menu. 
• Now, click on the blue Sharing Folder.
• When opened, click on the Edit menu under the Computer name field and enter your new hostname. 

These are the simplest ways through which you can change your Mac’s name and hostname.