Ever found yourself needing to rename your Ubuntu server but unsure where to start? Whether you’re organizing multiple machines or simply want a more memorable name, changing the hostname is an essential task that keeps your system tidy and manageable.
Knowing how to update your server’s identity can save you headaches down the road—especially when troubleshooting, networking, or deploying new services. In this article, you’ll find easy-to-follow steps and helpful tips to seamlessly change your Ubuntu server’s hostname.
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How to Change the Hostname on Ubuntu Server: A Clear, Step-by-Step Guide
What Is a Hostname and Why Change It?
Your Ubuntu server’s hostname is its unique identity on your network. You may see it in your terminal prompt or when connecting via SSH. Setting a clear, descriptive hostname helps you quickly identify your server, especially when managing multiple machines. Changing it is sometimes needed during initial setup, when repurposing hardware, or to comply with company naming conventions.
Changing the hostname on Ubuntu is safe, straightforward, and can be accomplished in a few ways. Let’s walk through the process together.
Simple Explanation: Changing Your Ubuntu Server Hostname
Changing your Ubuntu server’s hostname involves updating the system’s records of its own name. After the change, new sessions (and sometimes services) will use the new hostname. Older sessions may still show the old name until you log out and back in.
There are three main methods:
- Using the
hostnamectlcommand (recommended) - Manually editing configuration files
- Changing the hostname temporarily (lasts until next reboot)
We’ll cover each method in detail.
Prerequisites
Before you start, make sure:
- You have sudo or root privileges
- You know the new hostname you want to use
- You’re working on Ubuntu 18.04 or newer (process is nearly identical for 20.04, 22.04, and 24.04)
Method 1: Change Hostname with hostnamectl (Recommended)
This is the easiest and safest approach. The hostnamectl command is designed for modern Ubuntu systems to manage hostnames.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Check Your Current Hostname
Open your terminal and type:
hostnamectl status
Look for:
– Static hostname
– Transient hostname
- Set the New Hostname
Replace new-hostname with the desired name:
sudo hostnamectl set-hostname new-hostname
Tips:
– Hostnames should use only letters, numbers, and hyphens (-)
– No spaces or special characters
- Check the Change
Run:
hostnamectl status
Confirm that Static hostname now matches your new name.
- Apply the Change (Logout or Restart)
To see the new hostname in your terminal prompt, either close and reopen your SSH session, or restart your system:
sudo reboot
Most services recognize the new hostname immediately. For mission-critical systems, restarting ensures complete propagation.
Method 2: Edit Configuration Files Manually
Sometimes, you may want more control or are working on minimal installations without hostnamectl. Here’s how to update the relevant files.
1. Edit /etc/hostname
- Open the file:
sudo nano /etc/hostname - Replace the existing name with your new hostname.
- Save and exit.
2. Edit /etc/hosts
- Open
/etc/hosts:
sudo nano /etc/hosts - Find a line that looks like:
127.0.1.1 old-hostname - Change
old-hostnameto the new one:
127.0.1.1 new-hostname - Save and exit.
3. Apply the Changes
Either reboot:
sudo reboot
Or, to apply temporarily, use:
sudo hostname new-hostname
However, this change lasts only until the next reboot.
Method 3: Temporary Hostname Change
Just want to change the hostname for your current session? This is useful for testing.
- Run:
sudo hostname temporary-name
Remember, this does not persist after a reboot. It’s only for the current session.
Summary Table: Methods at a Glance
| Method | Difficulty | Persists After Reboot? | Skill Level Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
hostnamectl |
Easy | Yes | Beginner, Intermediate |
| File editing | Medium | Yes | Confident beginner+ |
Temporary (hostname) |
Easy | No | Beginner |
Best Practices for Changing Hostname
Follow Naming Conventions
- Use lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens
- Begin and end with a letter or number
- Avoid special characters or spaces
- Keep hostnames succinct but descriptive (e.g.,
web-server-01ordb-prod)
Verify Changes
- After changing, check your new hostname:
hostname - Also, SSH to your server again to verify the prompt updates
Update System Documentation
If you use monitoring tools, backup scripts, or inventory systems, update them with your server’s new name to avoid confusion.
Be Careful With Production Servers
Changing a hostname can affect:
- SSH known_hosts verification
- Application configuration files
- Monitoring and logging tools
Check dependencies before and after changes, and test on non-production machines first if possible.
Common Challenges & How to Solve Them
- Hostname not updating after reboot: Double-check
/etc/hostnameand/etc/hostsfor typos or missed steps. - Prompt still shows old hostname: Restart your shell session or reboot.
- Service errors after change: Some applications may be configured to expect the old hostname. Review their docs and update config files as needed.
- Network DNS or reverse DNS issues: Update your network’s DNS records if needed, especially on larger networks.
Cost Tips
Changing your server’s hostname itself is free and can be performed as many times as you like. If your server communicates over a network where DNS is externally managed, there may be costs associated with updating DNS entries or certificates (such as SSL/TLS re-issuance). Typically, these are minor and controlled within your organization’s IT budget.
For cloud-based Ubuntu servers, the change is free, but remember to also update host records and labels in your cloud provider’s console if needed. This helps keep inventory and monitoring systems accurate.
Quick Troubleshooting Checklist
- After changing the hostname, run
hostnamectlto confirm. - SSH in a new window to ensure the terminal prompt changes.
- If you encounter issues, revert changes and review your steps.
- Always keep a record of your previous hostname for reference.
Conclusion
Changing the hostname of your Ubuntu server is a straightforward and safe process if you follow the proper steps. The recommended way is using hostnamectl, but you can also achieve the same by manually editing system files. Remember to update any dependent systems that rely on the hostname and to follow your organization’s naming conventions.
With these clear methods and best practices, you’ll be able to manage your servers confidently and keep your infrastructure organized.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I check my current hostname on Ubuntu?
Run the command hostnamectl status. You will see your current hostname under “Static hostname”. Alternatively, you can run hostname to show just the name.
Is it safe to change the hostname on a production server?
Yes, but with caution. Some services and applications rely on the server’s name. Always check application documentation and, if possible, test on a non-production system first.
Do I need to reboot after changing the hostname?
Not always. Most changes take effect immediately, but to ensure all processes recognize the new hostname—especially after editing system files—a reboot is recommended.
Does changing the hostname affect my IP address or server functionality?
Changing your hostname does not alter your server’s IP address. However, it may affect services dependent on the old hostname, so update any related configurations or scripts.
Will the hostname change impact remote access (SSH) or existing connections?
New SSH sessions will see the new hostname in the prompt. Current sessions may show the old name until you log out and back in. If you use strict host checking, you may need to update your local known_hosts file.
With these steps and tips, you now have all the knowledge needed to confidently change your Ubuntu server’s hostname whenever required.