How to Change Your macOS Username

Changing your username on macOS isn’t as simple as just typing a new name. It involves a few steps, and you have to be careful to avoid messing up your files or your login. Whether you want a fresh start or you just made a typo when you first set up your Mac, here’s how you can change your macOS username safely.

Before You Start:

• Backup your Mac. Use Time Machine or your favorite backup method. If something goes wrong, you’ll want to be able to restore your data.
• Log out of the account you want to rename. You’ll need to use a different admin account to make these changes. If you only have one account, create a new admin account first.

Step 1: Log In with Another Admin Account

You cannot change your username while logged into the account you want to rename. So:

1. Log out of your current account.
2. Log in to another admin account.

Step 2: Rename the Home Folder

1. Open Finder and go to the Users folder (/Users).
2. Find the folder with the name you want to change.
3. Rename this folder to the new username you want. You’ll need to enter your admin password.

Step 3: Update the User Account Name

1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS).
2. Go to Users & Groups.
3. Click the lock and enter your admin password.
4. Right-click (or Control-click) the user you want to rename and select Advanced Options.

Caution: Do not change anything except the fields mentioned below.

5. Change the Account Name field to match the new name of your home folder (the one you just renamed).
6. Change the Home Directory field to the new path (/Users/newusername).

Step 4: Restart and Log In

• Restart your Mac.
• Log in with your new username.
• Check that all your files and settings are there.

Troubleshooting

If you see errors or can’t log in, restore your backup. Changing your username is risky if you skip steps or make mistakes. If you’re not comfortable, consider reaching out to Apple Support or a trusted technician.

Final Tips

• Your display name (what shows on the login screen) is different from your account name. You can change it in Users & Groups without these extra steps.
• Be careful with permissions. If you have problems accessing files, you might need to fix permissions using the Terminal or Disk Utility.

Changing your macOS username isn’t hard, but you have to get it right. Follow these steps, double-check your work, and you’ll have a new username in no time.

Have questions or ran into issues? Drop a comment below!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!