How to Change the Hostname of Your Raspberry Pi

Ben
Ben
@benjislab

Changing the hostname of your Raspberry Pi can help you easily identify your device on a network, especially when managing multiple Pis. Whether you are setting up a new project or organizing an existing network, this simple guide will show you how to change the hostname of your Raspberry Pi using the command line and the graphical user interface (GUI).

Using the Command Line

The command line is a quick method to change the hostname. Here's how you do it:

  • Open the Terminal: You can access the terminal via the desktop or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.

  • Edit the Hostname File: Type the following command to edit the hostname file:

sudo nano /etc/hostname

This will open the hostname file in the nano text editor. You will see the current hostname. Delete it and type your new hostname.

  • Edit the Hosts File: It's also important to update the hosts file. Type:
sudo nano /etc/hosts

Find the line that begins with 127.0.1.1. It should be followed by the old hostname. Replace the old hostname with your new one.

  • Restart the Device: For the change to take effect, restart your Raspberry Pi:
sudo reboot

Using the Graphical Interface (Raspberry Pi OS)

If you prefer using the graphical interface, follow these steps:

  • Open the Raspberry Pi Configuration Tool: Go to the main menu, find Preferences, and click on Raspberry Pi Configuration.

  • Change the Hostname: In the System tab, you'll find the Hostname field. Enter your new hostname here.

  • Restart the Raspberry Pi: Click 'OK' to save changes and close the configuration tool. You will be prompted to reboot. Click 'Yes' to restart your Raspberry Pi.

Conclusion

Changing the hostname of your Raspberry Pi is a straightforward process that can be done within minutes. Whether you choose the command line for its speed and simplicity or the GUI for its user-friendliness, both methods will effectively update your device’s identity on your network. Remember, having a unique and descriptive hostname can be incredibly useful, especially in environments with multiple Raspberry Pis or other network devices.