How to Change Your Mac User Name
If you recently bought a second-hand Mac or simply want to change your user name on your existing Mac, there are a few steps you need to follow. This article will guide you through the process of changing your Mac user name in a few easy steps.
Step 1: Create a Backup of Your Files
Changing your Mac user name might lead to some complications, such as the loss of files or accounts being inaccessible. Therefore, it is essential to have a backup of all your important files before making any changes. You can create a backup by using Time Machine or any other external storage device.
Step 2: Create a New User Account
Before beginning the process of changing your Mac user name, it is advisable to create a new user account with administrative privileges. Follow the steps below to create a new user account:
1. Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your screen.
2. Select System Preferences from the drop-down menu.
3. Click on the Users & Groups icon.
4. Click on the + button in the lower-left corner of the screen.
5. Select Administrator from the New Account drop-down menu.
6. Fill in the fields with your preferred username and password.
7. Click on the Create User button.
Step 3: Log Out of Your Current Account
Now that you have created a new user account, you need to log out of your existing account. Follow the steps below to log out of your current account:
1. Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your screen.
2. Click on Log Out.
3. When prompted, confirm that you want to log out.
4. Log in to the new account you just created.
Step 4: Change Your User Name
Once you are logged in to the new account, you can proceed to change your Mac user name. Follow the steps below to change your user name:
1. Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your screen.
2. Click on System Preferences.
3. Click on Users & Groups.
4. Click on the lock icon in the lower-left corner of the screen and enter your admin password.
5. Right-click on your old user name and select Advanced Options.
6. Change your Full Name and Account Name to the desired new user name.
7. Click OK to save the changes.
Step 5: Restart Your Mac
Once you have changed your user name, it is recommended to restart your Mac for the changes to take effect. Follow the steps below to restart your Mac:
1. Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your screen.
2. Click on Restart.
3. When prompted, confirm that you want to restart.
4. Wait for your Mac to restart and log in to your new user account.
Wrap Up
Changing your Mac user name might seem like a daunting task, but it is an easy process if you follow the steps outlined above. Remember to create a backup of your files before making any changes and to log out of your existing account before creating a new one. With these steps, you can change your Mac user name without losing any files or data.