macOS · System Info
Set your Mac's network name and identity
View and change the name your Mac uses on local networks and AirDrop, and manage which sharing services like File Sharing or Screen Sharing are enabled.
How to open Sharing & Computer Name
- Open System Settings
- Select General, then Sharing
- Edit the computer name field at the top
- Toggle individual sharing services on or off as needed
What you should know
- Located under System Settings → General → Sharing
- Computer name appears in Finder's Network sidebar and AirDrop
- Individual toggles for File Sharing, Screen Sharing, Remote Login, and more
- Local hostname (.local) is derived automatically from the computer name
Why it matters
Your Mac's computer name is its identity on local networks, appearing when other devices browse for AirDrop recipients, shared folders, or screen sharing targets. A clear, recognizable name makes it far easier to pick the right device out of a list on a network with multiple Macs, especially in offices or shared households. This pane also centralizes the toggles for services that expose your Mac to the local network, making it an important stop for both convenience and security review.
Best practices
- Give your Mac a distinct, recognizable name if multiple Macs share a network
- Only enable sharing services you actively use
- Turn off Remote Login and Remote Management unless specifically needed
- Review the sharing list after connecting to unfamiliar networks
Common problems and fixes
- Mac doesn't appear correctly in AirDrop
- Rename it under Sharing to something distinct, then verify Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are both on.
- Can't connect to shared files from another Mac
- Confirm File Sharing is enabled and the correct folders and users are authorized.
- Local hostname doesn't match the computer name
- Retype the computer name field to force the .local hostname to regenerate.
Tips and tricks
- Use a short, unique name to make your Mac easy to spot in AirDrop and Finder sidebars
- Disable unused sharing services before connecting to public Wi-Fi
Frequently asked questions
Does renaming my Mac affect my Apple ID?
No, the computer name is purely a local network identity, separate from your Apple ID.
Can two Macs on the same network share the same name?
They can display the same name, though macOS will typically append a number to the local hostname to keep it unique.
Is Screen Sharing the same as remote desktop apps?
It provides similar functionality using Apple's built-in protocol, without needing third-party remote desktop software.
Related settings
- About This MacAbout This Mac (accessible from the Apple menu) shows your Mac's model, chip or processor, memory, macOS version, and serial number at a glance, plus a detailed system report and storage breakdown for deeper troubleshooting.
- System ReportSystem Report (opened via the System Information app) provides a full technical inventory of your Mac — every connected device, installed application, network configuration, and hardware component — far beyond the summary shown in About This Mac. It's the tool Apple Support usually asks you to check when diagnosing hardware issues.
More System Info guides for macOS
- Date & TimeDate & Time settings keep your Mac's clock accurate by syncing automatically with a network time server, or let you set the date, time, and time zone manually when automatic detection isn't appropriate.
- Startup DiskStartup Disk lets you select which internal or external bootable volume your Mac uses when it powers on, useful if you have multiple macOS installations, a bootable backup, or a Windows partition via Boot Camp on an Intel Mac. Apple silicon Macs manage most of this through Startup Security Utility instead.
- Serial Number & CoverageThis is where you locate your Mac's serial number and check whether it's still covered by Apple's limited warranty or an AppleCare+ plan. You'll need the serial number for support calls, insurance claims, or verifying coverage before a repair.
- Profiles (Device Management)See configuration profiles installed on your Mac by an employer, school, or manually, which can enforce settings like Wi-Fi configurations, restrictions, or MDM enrollment.
- macOS Version & Build NumberClicking the macOS version number in About This Mac reveals the exact build number, useful when a support agent, developer, or compatibility check needs more precision than the marketing version name.
- Legal & RegulatoryThe Legal & Regulatory page contains the macOS software license agreement, open-source acknowledgments, and regulatory certification marks required for different countries and regions.