Where to find your computer's name in System Settings

Your Apple computer's name appears in System Settings under the General tab. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older Macs), click General in the sidebar, then look for "About" at the top of the panel. The name you gave your computer when you first set it up shows at the very top of that window, next to a small computer icon.

If you have never named your computer, Apple assigns a default name based on your account name — something like "James's MacBook Pro" or "Rodriguez-iMac". You can change this name anytime by clicking the Edit button next to it in the About window, typing a new name, and clicking Done.

The same About window also shows your model identifier — the technical name Apple uses for your specific computer. This appears as a line like "MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021, Pro)" or "iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021)". This model name tells you the screen size, the year it was made, and which processor generation it has.

Key Takeaways

  • Your computer's name is in System Settings > General > About, at the very top of the window.
  • The model identifier — like "MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2021)" — appears in the same About window and tells you the exact type and year of your Mac.
  • You can rename your computer anytime by clicking Edit next to the name and typing something new.
  • If you need the name for networking, file sharing, or tech support, the name you see in About is the one other devices will recognize.

Why your computer's name matters

Your computer's name is what appears when you share files over a network, connect to a printer, or set up screen sharing with another Mac. Other people on your WiFi network will see this name when they look for devices to connect to. If your name is something generic like "MacBook Pro", it becomes harder to tell which computer is yours if multiple Macs are on the same network.

The model identifier matters for a different reason: it tells you which generation of hardware you own, which affects what software updates your Mac can run, what repair parts are available, and how much processing power you actually have. A "MacBook Air (M2, 2022)" and a "MacBook Air (M1, 2020)" look nearly identical but have different processors and different capabilities.

Finding the model name if you cannot access System Settings

If your Mac will not start up or you cannot log in, you can still find the model name by looking at the physical computer. Most Macs have the model printed on the bottom of the case — look for text like "MacBook Pro" or "iMac" stamped into the aluminum or plastic. The year of manufacture is usually printed there as well.

You can also restart your Mac and hold down the power button when ready after it shuts down. This brings up the startup options menu, which shows your computer's name at the top. If you have an Intel Mac (older than 2020), you can hold Command + Option + P + R during startup to reset the NVRAM, and the startup screen will display your model name.

The difference between computer name and model identifier

These two things are often confused because they both appear in the About window. Your computer name is what you chose — it is personal and can be anything. Your model identifier is what Apple assigned based on the hardware inside. You can change your computer name as many times as you want, but the model identifier never changes.

When you call Apple Support or visit a repair shop, give them the model identifier, not your personal name. The model identifier tells them exactly which Mac you have, what parts fit it, and what repairs are possible. Your personal computer name tells them nothing about the hardware.

Checking your name on the login screen

Before you log in to your Mac, the login screen shows your computer's name at the top of the window. This is the same name that appears in System Settings. If you have multiple user accounts on the same Mac, each account will show up as a separate option, but the computer name stays the same across all of them.

The login screen name is useful if you are troubleshooting network problems or trying to connect to your Mac from another device. It is the name that will appear to other computers on your network when they search for devices to connect to.

Finding your Mac's name on a network

If you are trying to find your Mac from another computer on the same WiFi network, open Finder on the other Mac and look in the Sidebar under "Locations". Your computer should appear there with its name. On Windows, open File Explorer and look under "Network" — your Mac will show up with its computer name if file sharing is turned on.

To make sure your Mac appears on the network, go to System Settings > General > Sharing and turn on "File Sharing". This makes your computer visible to other devices. You can also turn on "Remote Login" if you want to access your Mac from another computer using the Terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my computer's name?

Yes. Open System Settings > General > About, click the Edit button next to your computer's name, type a new name, and click Done. The change takes effect when ready. Choose a name that is straightforward to remember and unique if you have multiple Macs on the same network.

What if I see two different names for my Mac?

You might see your personal computer name in System Settings and a different technical name (like a serial number) elsewhere. The personal name is what you set in About. The technical name is the model identifier or serial number, which is permanent and identifies the exact hardware.

Does my computer's name affect its performance?

No. Your computer's name is purely for identification and network visibility. Changing it or leaving it as the default does not change how fast your Mac runs or what it can do. It only affects how other devices see it on a network.

Where do I find my Mac's serial number?

The serial number appears in System Settings > General > About, below the model identifier. It is a unique code that identifies your specific computer. You will need this for warranty claims, repairs, or if you are selling your Mac.

How do I find my computer's name if I forgot it?

Open System Settings > General > About and look at the top of the window. The name is displayed right there. If you cannot access System Settings, restart your Mac and look at the login screen — the computer name appears at the top.