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While you can have multiple users and logins on a Mac, there may come a time when you need to know how to change Mac usernames. However, doing so incorrectly can lead to potential damage to your account that will prevent you from logging in. Below, we'll cover how to change the local account administrator name safely and without any trouble.
Related: How to Sync Messages from iPhone to Mac
Why You’ll Love This Tip
- Personalize a Mac that you’ve inherited from someone else or correct an error in the admin name.
- Add a fun nickname to the admin account.
How to Change Username on Mac Admin
In order to make sure you will still have access to your account once you have changed the name, you will need to change the Account folder name, also known as the Home Folder. Then, you can change the name of the account. For more ideas on customizing your Mac, sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter. Now, here's how to change the admin name on your Mac. You must be logged out of the account you want to rename and you must be logged in to an administrator account. For more on that, read through our article on adding and editing Mac users.
- Open System Preferences.
![Go to system preferences to change admin name]()
- Click Users & Groups.
![go to users and groups to change admin name]()
- To unlock System Preferences and make changes, click the padlock icon in the lower-left corner.
![unlock to make changes to admin name]()
- Enter your password and click Unlock.
![enter password to edit user name]()
- Control-click on the Admin name displayed in the left panel.
![right click to customize user name]()
- Click Advanced Options.
![go to advanced options to customize admin name]()
- Next to the Home Directory field, click Choose.
![select choose one to change home folder]()
- Select your Mac under Locations.
![find users under computer name]()
- Double-click your hard drive.
![select hard drive]()
- Select Users.
![select users to change home folder name]()
- Right-click on the user's Home Folder and select Rename.
![right click to change home folder name]()
- Do not use any spaces in the new name. Click anywhere to save changes.
![do not add spaces in the new home folder name]()
- You will be prompted to enter in your computer password in order to save the changes.
![enter password to save]()
- Then, click Open.
![select open]()
- Go back and click the Account Name field and enter the same name that you just renamed the folder (with no spaces).
![change account name safely]()
- Next, you can change the Full Name to whatever you'd like, as long as the Account Name and the Home Folder name are identical.
![change full name to anything you want]()
- Click OK to confirm.
![click okay]()
- Click the lock to save all changes.
![and lock to save changes]()
Once you've completed the steps above, you'll need to restart your Mac so your system will display your new admin name. And that's how to change the Admin name safely and securely. Renaming the admin account name, home folder, and full name may seem like a simple and seemingly harmless customization, but you do risk losing access to your account if done incorrectly. So, be sure to follow these steps carefully and you'll have no issues!
