Read and Set the Mac's Names with scutil --get/--set

macOS keeps three separate name values; scutil is the only tool that reads and sets all of them.

macOShostnamescutilMedium risk

Run `scutil --get ComputerName` (and LocalHostName, HostName) to read the names; set them with `sudo scutil --set <name> <value>`.

01Command

Command

$ scutil --get ComputerName
scutil --get LocalHostName
scutil --get HostName
# Set one:
sudo scutil --set HostName mymac.example.com

02What it does

ComputerName is the friendly name shown in AirDrop and Screen Sharing, LocalHostName is the Bonjour name (myname.local), and HostName is the shell's prompt hostname, which is often unset until you define it. A Mac can show `unknown-xx-xx-xx-xx` or a stale `.local` name precisely because these three diverged. Setting them with scutil takes effect in new shells immediately, while `sudo hostname x` does not survive reboot.

03Risk

RiskMedium risk

!Warning: Changing LocalHostName invalidates the old .local name until Bonjour re-registers.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

scutil — macOS Command Reference
SS64 · technical · 2026-09-17
Evidence: Documents --get/--set for ComputerName, LocalHostName and HostName.

Last verified: 2026-09-17 · Category: Network