Changing the account name on your MacBook can be useful if the device has a new user or if you want the login and home folder to reflect your preferred name. While the process is simple in principle it must be done carefully to avoid causing user profile or permission issues.
In this article you will learn how to change your MacBook account name properly using macOS tools. This includes editing your full name and also the account name and home folder if required.
What Is the Account Name
Your account name is different from your full name. The full name appears on the login screen and in system menus while the account name is the short name that forms your home folder and user path. For example if your account name is james then your home folder is located at Macintosh HD > Users > james.
Changing the full name is safe and straightforward. Changing the account name and home folder is more complex and should only be done if necessary.
Changing the Full Name of the Account
To change the full name of your MacBook account follow these steps:
Open System Settings from the Apple menu
Select Users & Groups
Click the padlock icon and enter your admin password to make changes
Right-click or Control-click the user you want to edit
Select Advanced Options
In the field for Full Name change it to your preferred name
Click OK and then restart your MacBook
This updates the name shown on the login screen and in system notifications. It does not affect the account name or home directory.
Changing the Account Name and Home Folder
If you want to change the account name and home folder you must be signed in as a different admin user. You cannot rename your own account while logged into it.
First create a backup of your important files. Then do the following:
Log in as a different admin
Open System Settings and go to Users & Groups
Rename the home folder in the Users folder using Finder
Go back to Users & Groups and Control-click the account you want to rename
Choose Advanced Options
Change the Account Name field to match the new folder name
Also change the Home Directory field to reflect the updated path
Click OK and restart your MacBook
Be careful when editing these fields. Mismatches between the account name and home directory can result in login failures or lost access to files.
Things to Consider Before Renaming
You should avoid renaming the account unless absolutely necessary. It is safer to change only the full name for cosmetic purposes. If you need a new account name for a different user it is often better to create a new user account instead of changing an existing one.
Renaming may also affect some apps or services that reference the user path. After renaming check your iCloud login and any apps that store settings in user directories.
Final Thoughts
Changing the account name on a MacBook is possible but must be handled with care especially if you want to update the short name and home folder. For most users changing the full name through System Settings is enough. If you do need to change the full account name make sure you are signed in as a different admin and always create a backup before you begin. With the right approach your MacBook will display the name you want and run smoothly without issue.