How to Change User Name on Mac

Changing your username on a Mac can seem like a daunting task, but it is a relatively straightforward process once you know the steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you rename your Mac user account and home folder.

Why Change Your Username?

You might need to change your username for various reasons, such as a name change, purchasing a pre-owned Mac, or simply preferring a different username. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition.

Step 1: Create an Additional Admin Account

You need another admin account to make these changes. If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to create a new admin user.

  • Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Users & Groups.
  • Click the lock icon at the bottom left corner and enter your password to unlock the pane.
  • Click the + button at the bottom left corner.
  • Select Administrator from the drop-down menu.
  • Enter the full name, account name, and password for the new user. Repeat the password in the Verify field.
  • Click Create User.

Step 2: Log Out and Log In to the New Admin Account

Log out of the account you want to rename and log in to the new admin account.

  • Go to the Apple menu and select Log Out Your User Name.
  • Log in to the newly created admin account.

Step 3: Rename the Home Folder

Rename the home folder to match your new username.

  • Open the Finder and click on Go in the menu bar.
  • Select Go to Folder and enter /Users in the pop-up window.
  • Right-click (or Ctrl+Click) on the folder with your current username and select Rename.
  • Change the name of the folder to your new username, ensuring there are no spaces.
  • Enter your admin password when prompted to make the change.
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Step 4: Rename the Account Username

Update the account username and home directory in System Preferences.

  • Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Users & Groups.
  • Click the lock icon at the bottom left corner and enter your password to unlock the pane.
  • Right-click (or Ctrl+Click) on the user you want to rename and select Advanced Options.
  • Change the Account Name to match the new name of your home folder.
  • Update the Home directory field to match the location of your newly renamed home folder (e.g., /Users/newusername).
  • Change the Full Name field to your full name if necessary.
  • Click OK.

Step 5: Restart Your Mac

Restart your Mac to apply the changes.

  • Go to the Apple menu and select Restart.
  • Once your Mac restarts, log in to the account you just renamed to ensure all your old folders and files are visible and linked correctly.

Step 6: Verify the Changes

Check that everything is working as expected.

  • Log in to your newly renamed account and verify that you have access to all your files and folders.
  • If you encounter any issues, such as not being able to log in or access your desktop, ensure that the home folder name and account name match exactly. Use the Choose button in the Advanced Options to navigate to the correct home folder if necessary.

By following these steps carefully, you can successfully change your username on your Mac without losing any data or causing disruptions to your workflow.