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Ubuntu Change Hostname Permanently: Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by William Zheng

Ever found yourself wishing your Ubuntu machine had a name that actually made sense—something more meaningful than “ubuntu” or the series of random numbers it arrived with? Assigning a custom hostname isn’t just a small detail; it can make network management, identification, and troubleshooting far easier.

In this article, you’ll discover exactly how to permanently change your Ubuntu hostname. We’ll walk you through simple steps, share helpful tips, and ensure your changes stick—for good.

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How to Change the Hostname Permanently in Ubuntu

Changing the hostname of your Ubuntu machine is a simple but important task. The hostname is the unique name that identifies your device on a network. Whether you’re customizing a desktop, managing cloud servers, or organizing a local lab, a meaningful hostname can make administration clearer and more secure.

Let’s walk through how you can change your Ubuntu system’s hostname permanently, covering both modern and traditional approaches, along with best practices and common pitfalls.


Ubuntu set hostname permanently (computer name) command - ubuntu change hostname permanently

What Is a Hostname and Why Change It?

A hostname is essentially your computer’s label on a network. It’s used for network identification, SSH connections, and file sharing. Sometimes, you choose to change it:

  • To match a new machine purpose (like “webserver”, “user-pc”, or “lab1”).
  • For clarity in multi-device environments.
  • To comply with company conventions or network policies.
  • When cloning virtual machines to prevent duplicate hostnames.

Changing the hostname correctly ensures a consistent identity across reboots and prevents network conflicts.

Methods to Change the Hostname in Ubuntu

There are two main approaches to update your Ubuntu hostname:

  1. Using the hostnamectl Command (Recommended for Ubuntu 16.04+ including 20.04, 22.04, 24.04)
  2. Editing Configuration Files Directly (Legacy Approach, still valid for custom use cases)

1. Changing Hostname with hostnamectl

This is the modern, safe, and easy way, perfect for most users.

Steps

  1. Check Your Current Hostname

Open the terminal and type:
hostnamectl
The Static hostname field displays your current hostname.

  1. Set the New Hostname

Replace new-hostname with your desired name:
sudo hostnamectl set-hostname new-hostname
You won’t see any output, but the command applies instantly.

  1. Update /etc/hosts (Recommended)

Open the hosts file:
sudo nano /etc/hosts
Find any lines referring to your old hostname (for example, 127.0.1.1 old-hostname) and update old-hostname to your new-hostname. Save and exit (Ctrl+X, then Y, then Enter).

  1. (Optional) Reboot or Re-login

While the change is immediate for new sessions, reboot to ensure all services recognize the update:
sudo reboot

Alternatively, simply log out and back in.

2. Changing Hostname by Editing System Files Directly

For those comfortable with manual edits or on very old Ubuntu releases.

Steps

  1. Edit /etc/hostname

sudo nano /etc/hostname
Replace the existing name with your new hostname. This file should contain only the hostname, nothing else.

  1. Edit /etc/hosts

sudo nano /etc/hosts
Change any occurrences of the old hostname to your new one on the local loopback line (typically 127.0.1.1). For example:
127.0.1.1 new-hostname

  1. Apply and Verify

Run:
sudo hostnamectl set-hostname new-hostname
Or, if not available, reboot your system:
sudo reboot

Points to Consider When Changing Your Hostname

  • Choose Unique, Descriptive Short Names
    Stick with letters, numbers, and hyphens. Avoid spaces and special characters.
  • Network Environment
    If your systems use DNS, DHCP, or other networking services tied to hostname, inform your network administrator or update relevant entries.
  • Automation Issues
    If you clone VMs or use imaging, always update hostnames to avoid conflicts.
  • User Permissions
    All commands require superuser (sudo) privileges. Make sure you have admin access.

Benefits of Changing Your Hostname

  • Better Organization: Makes identification of devices easier in both small and large networks.
  • Avoids Conflicts: Each device should have a unique identity to avoid connection issues.
  • Compliance: Some organizations need specific naming conventions for asset tracking, audits, or security policies.
  • Security: Avoids leaking default hostnames or personal info over the network.

Common Challenges and How to Solve Them

  • Hostname Doesn’t Change After Reboot:
    Double-check that both /etc/hostname and /etc/hosts were updated and saved. If using hostnamectl, make sure the service completed successfully.

  • SSH or Remote Issues:
    If you use SSH, update your known_hosts file locally to prevent security warnings due to the new hostname.

  • Scripts and Applications Fail:
    Some scripts or software configurations may reference the old hostname. Update them to prevent issues.

  • Network Visibility Problems:
    If your system isn’t visible on the network after a change, verify your DNS and host files are correct.

Best Practices for Managing Ubuntu Hostnames

  • Plan a Naming Scheme:
    Use clear, meaningful names. For example, web-01, db-production, or laptop-john.

  • Keep Hostnames Short:
    Typically under 64 characters for maximum compatibility.

  • Use Lower-case Letters:
    It avoids issues with certain applications and is the standard convention.

  • Document Changes:
    Maintain a change log or asset register, especially for servers or organizational devices.

  • Validate After Change:
    Always check your new hostname with hostnamectl and on your network.

Practical Advice and Troubleshooting Tips

  • If Something Breaks:
    Always keep a backup or snapshot if possible—especially for critical servers.
  • Check Hostname in Prompt:
    You might need to restart your terminal session or computer to see the new hostname in your shell prompt.
  • For Scripts:
    Automate hostname setting in post-installation scripts for consistent deployment.

Security Considerations

  • Don’t use sensitive or guessable names that may reveal your environment (e.g., “bank-server” or “ceo-laptop”).
  • Regularly monitor and audit hostname changes in critical networks for compliance.

Cost Tips

Changing your hostname on Ubuntu is free and straightforward—you only need local or remote access to the machine with administrative rights. No shipping or hardware costs are involved. If you use cloud services, billing is not typically affected by hostname changes.

Conclusion

Updating a hostname in Ubuntu is a quick process, but it has a big impact on how your computer interacts within a network. Whether you’re using graphical tools, newer command-line utilities like hostnamectl, or traditional file editing, following the correct steps ensures your new hostname persists across reboots and is recognized by all services.

Remember, always update both /etc/hostname and /etc/hosts, use meaningful names, and verify the new identity before deploying systems into production or shared environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I see my current hostname in Ubuntu?
Use the command hostnamectl or simply hostname in the terminal. Both will show your system’s current hostname.

Will changing the hostname affect my installed applications?
Most applications won’t be affected, but any that rely on the hostname (like local web servers or backups) may need reconfiguration. Always check critical services after making changes.

Can I change the hostname without rebooting?
Yes! Using hostnamectl applies the change immediately for new sessions. However, to ensure all processes recognize it, a reboot is a good idea.

Do I need root privileges to change the hostname?
Yes, you must use sudo (superuser privileges) to modify the hostname and related configuration files.

What should I do if I have multiple Ubuntu systems or VMs?
Always ensure each has a unique hostname to avoid network conflicts. If you clone machines, update the hostname and /etc/hosts right after deployment.

By following these steps and tips, you’ll have a properly named Ubuntu system every time—helping you keep your environment neat, professional, and headache-free!

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