Change your account picture or full name on a Mac

Why it happens

Your Mac keeps your account picture and full name in Users & Groups, and the login screen shows both. The full name is only a label, so changing it is safe. The account name and home folder sit underneath it, and changing those can make your files seem to disappear.

How to fix it

1. Open the Apple menu, choose System Settings and click Users & Groups in the sidebar.

   Users & Groups

2. Click your picture at the top of the page. Pick a new image from the choices that appear, such as an emoji, a monogram, one of your photos or a camera shot, then save it.

3. To change your name, Control-click your account in the list and choose Advanced Options. Your Mac asks for your password or Touch ID first.

   Users & Groups›Advanced Options…

4. Change only the Full name box, then click OK. Leave Account name and Home directory exactly as they are.

   Users & Groups›Advanced Options…

5. Restart your Mac. The login screen then shows your new picture and name.

Still not fixed?

1. If Advanced Options asks for a name and password you don't have, your account isn't an administrator. Ask the person with an admin account to sign in and make the change.

2. The name at the top of System Settings is your Apple Account name, which is separate. Change it in Apple Account > Personal Information. It doesn't change the name on the login screen.

   Apple Account›Personal Information

3. On a school or work Mac, the organisation may set the name and picture for you. Ask whoever manages the Mac.

4. If you changed the account name or home directory by mistake and your files seem to be gone, stop and contact Apple Support before trying anything else. The files are usually still on the Mac, but putting things back needs care.