Change your Mac's name for AirDrop, Finder and the network

Why it happens

When you set up a Mac it's often named after you, like "Sam's MacBook Air", and that name is what nearby devices see. AirDrop, the Finder sidebar on other Macs and your home network all show it. Changing it is safe and doesn't affect your files or account.

How to fix it

1. Click the Apple menu, choose System Settings, then click General in the sidebar and choose About.

2. Click the Name field at the top of the page, delete the old name and type the new one. Press Return to save it.

   General›About

3. Pick something you're happy for strangers to see in AirDrop, like "Studio Mac" rather than your full name.

4. Give other devices a minute to catch up. Your iPhone, iPad or another Mac may show the old name until it refreshes its list.

Still not fixed?

1. If some places still show an old name ending in .local, that's the local hostname, a separate network address. Open Sharing, click Edit next to Local hostname and type the new name there too.

   General›Sharing›Local hostname

2. If another device still lists the old name, turn its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on again, or restart it. Restarting your Mac helps as well.

3. If the Name field is greyed out, your Mac may be managed by a school or company that sets the name for you. Ask whoever looks after it.

4. If the new name won't save, or goes back to the old one after a restart, contact Apple Support.