Change your MacBook name in System Settings in under two minutes
Your MacBook's computer name is the identifier that appears in Finder, on your network, and when you share files with other devices. To change it, open System Settings, go to General, then About, and click the Edit button next to the computer name field. Type your new name and press Return. The change takes effect immediately.
The name can be up to 63 characters and should avoid special characters like @ or #, which can cause problems on networks. Most people use their own name, a location, or a descriptive term — "James's MacBook" or "Kitchen iMac" are common choices.
Key Takeaways
- Your MacBook's computer name is found in System Settings under General > About and can be changed by clicking the Edit button next to it.
- The new name takes effect immediately and will appear in Finder, on your network, and when sharing files with other devices.
- Computer names can be up to 63 characters but should avoid special characters like @, #, or spaces at the beginning or end.
- If you share your MacBook with other users, changing the computer name affects all accounts on that machine.
Where to find the computer name setting on newer macOS versions
Open System Settings by clicking the Apple menu in the top-left corner and selecting System Settings. On the left sidebar, click General. At the top of the General pane, you'll see "About" — click it. The computer name appears near the top of the About window, listed as "Computer Name."
This path works on macOS Ventura and later. The location is consistent across these newer versions, so once you know where to look, you can find it quickly on any recent MacBook. The About section also shows your macOS version, serial number, and other hardware details if you need them for troubleshooting or support.
Finding the computer name on older macOS versions
If you're using macOS Monterey or earlier, the path is different. Go to System Preferences instead of System Settings, then click Sharing in the left sidebar. The computer name field appears at the top of the Sharing pane. The process for editing is the same — click the field, type your new name, and press Return.
The reason for this change is that Apple reorganized its settings interface in Ventura. If you're unsure which version you have, click the Apple menu and select About This Mac. The macOS version appears at the top of the window. Knowing your version helps you navigate to the right location without guessing.
Entering and saving your new name
Click the Edit button next to your current computer name. A text field will become active and the existing name will be highlighted. Delete the text and type your new name. You don't need to click a Save button — just press Return or Enter, and the change is saved automatically.
Your MacBook will use the new name immediately. You may notice a brief pause if you have iCloud or network services running, but this is normal. The name will update across all your devices if you use the same Apple ID on multiple Macs, though this can take a few minutes to sync.
Naming rules and what to avoid
Computer names can include letters, numbers, and hyphens. Avoid starting or ending with a space, and don't use special characters like @, #, !, or &. These characters can interfere with network protocols and file sharing. Periods are technically allowed but can cause confusion, so most people skip them too.
Keep the name short and memorable — something you'll recognize when you see it in a list of devices on your network or when troubleshooting. "MacBook-James" is clearer than a 63-character string of random characters. If you have multiple Macs, consider naming them by location or purpose: "Office-MacBook" and "Living-Room-iMac" make it obvious which device is which.
What happens when you change the computer name
The change affects how your MacBook appears to other devices on your network. If you use AirDrop, file sharing, or screen sharing with other Macs or iPhones, they will see the new name in their device lists. Any network printers or shared drives you've connected to will also recognize the new name.
If you're connected to a workplace network or domain, changing the computer name may require IT approval or cause temporary connection issues. Check with your IT department before changing the name on a work MacBook. For personal machines, the change is harmless and takes effect right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing the computer name affect my files or accounts?
No. Your files, user accounts, and data remain unchanged. The computer name is only a label that identifies your device on a network. Changing it does not delete anything or require you to log in again.
Can I use spaces or emoji in the computer name?
Spaces are technically allowed, but they can cause problems with some network services and file sharing protocols. Emoji are not supported and will be rejected or converted to text. Stick to letters, numbers, and hyphens for the most reliable results.
What if I can't find the Edit button next to the computer name?
Make sure you're in the About section under System Settings > General (or System Preferences > Sharing on older versions). If the Edit button still doesn't appear, try clicking directly on the computer name text itself — sometimes it becomes editable without a separate button. If that doesn't work, restart your Mac and try again.
Does changing the computer name affect my Wi-Fi network name?
No. Your computer name and your Wi-Fi network name (SSID) are separate settings. Changing the computer name does not change what network name other devices see when they search for Wi-Fi. If you want to change your Wi-Fi network name, that's a different setting in System Settings under Wi-Fi.
How long does it take for the new name to show up on other devices?
The change is immediate on your MacBook itself. Other devices on your network may take a few seconds to a few minutes to recognize the new name, depending on how often they refresh their device lists. Restarting the other device or toggling Wi-Fi off and on can speed this up.