Changing Mac Hostnames
🛠️ 1. Open the Terminal
To start, open the Terminal app on your Mac:
- Press Cmd + Space to open Spotlight.
- Type Terminal and press Enter.
🌐 2. Change the Primary Hostname
The primary hostname is your Mac’s fully qualified domain name (FQDN), used for network communications.
Command:
sudo scutil --set HostName <new-host-name>
Example:
sudo scutil --set HostName myMac.domain.com
After running the command, you’ll be prompted to enter your admin password.
📡 3. Change the Bonjour Hostname
The Bonjour hostname is the name visible on the local network and typically ends with .local.
Command:
sudo scutil --set LocalHostName <new-host-name>
Example:
sudo scutil --set LocalHostName myMac
This name will be visible to other devices on your local network.
💻 4. Change the Computer Name
The Computer Name is the user-friendly name that appears in Finder and system preferences.
Command:
sudo scutil --set ComputerName <new-name>
Example:
sudo scutil --set ComputerName My MacBook Pro
🧹 5. Flush the DNS Cache
After making these changes, it’s recommended to flush your DNS cache to ensure that network services recognize the new names.
Command:
dscacheutil -flushcache
🔄 6. Restart Your Mac
To apply all changes, restart your Mac:
- Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner.
- Select Restart.
✅ Summary of Commands
Here’s a quick reference of all the commands:
| Action | Command |
|---|---|
| Set primary hostname | sudo scutil --set HostName <new-host-name> |
| Set Bonjour hostname | sudo scutil --set LocalHostName <new-host-name> |
| Set computer name | sudo scutil --set ComputerName <new-name> |
| Flush DNS cache | dscacheutil -flushcache |
📝 Notes
- The primary hostname is used for external network identification (e.g., remote SSH connections).
- The Bonjour hostname is used on the local network (e.g., for AirDrop or file sharing).
- The computer name is the friendly name visible in Finder and System Preferences.