How to Change Linux Hostname: Simple Steps for Any Distribution

In Linux, a hostname is a unique identifier that helps differentiate systems on a network. Whether setting up a new Linux server or managing a Linux system in a large network, changing the hostname can be crucial for organization and identification. Essentially, hostnames serve a similar purpose to domain names and allow a machine to be identified without memorizing IP addresses. In this guide, we’ll cover different methods to change the hostname on Linux distributions, allowing you to manage your system’s identity easily. 

How to check the current hostname in Linux  

Knowing your system’s current name before modifying the hostname is helpful. This ensures you’re making changes to the correct settings, especially in multi-system environments. To view your original hostname, use the following command:  

hostname

This command will display the hostname in a simple format. Alternatively, for a more detailed view, you can use:  

hostnamectl status

The hostnamectl status command provides additional information, including the static hostname, any transient hostname (assigned temporarily by the network) and other relevant details. With this information, you’ll be ready to modify the hostname in Linux. Let’s explore the various methods to do so.   

Methods to change Linux hostname  

There are multiple ways to change the hostname on Linux, depending on your distribution and preference for command-line or graphical interface. 

Note: Valid hostnames are between 2 and 64 characters in length. They can contain only letters, numbers, periods and hyphens, but they only begin and end with letters and numbers.

Using the hostnamectl command  

Modern Linux distributions come with systemd, a system and service manager that includes the hostnamectl command by default. This command allows for easy management and modification of system hostnames. 

Steps to Change the Hostname with hostnamectl: 

1. Open the Terminal: Start by opening the terminal on your Linux machine. If you’re working on a Linux server, log in via SSH. 

2. Check for systemd: While most distributions come with systemd pre-installed, you can install it manually if necessary. Use the following command and press Enter: 

sudo apt-get install systems

3. View the Current Hostname: To see the existing hostname on your system, type: 

hostnamectl

This command will output detailed information about your system, including the static hostname. For example: 

Static hostname: hostinger 

Icon name: computer-vm 

Chassis: vm 

Machine ID: 45598cbdb6ee462e8696166b520fe788 

Boot ID: 99526e56aeea45c2a0f3b2ffaaffe9d9 

Virtualization: openvz 

Operating System: Ubuntu 22.04.4 LTS 

Kernel: Linux 5.15.0 

Architecture: x86-64"

In this output, the static hostname is listed as “hostinger”. 

4. Change the Hostname: To change the current hostname to a new one, use the following command, replacing the hostname permanently with your desired name: 

sudo hostnamectl set-hostname new-hostname

Note: This command doesn’t produce any output, so verifying the change afterward is important. 

5. Verify the New Hostname: To confirm that the hostname has been updated, run the following command again: 

hostnamectl

The output will now display the new hostname, confirming the change. 

Using hostnamectl to modify the hostname ensures that it is changed permanently across reboots, making it one of the most reliable methods on modern Linux distributions with systemd. This approach is ideal for users who want a straightforward command-line method to set a new hostname permanently without editing configuration files manually. 

Using GNOME settings  

For users who prefer a graphical approach, GNOME settings make it easy to change system hostname on Linux distributions with a GNOME desktop environment. 

Steps to change the Hostname: 

1. Open “Settings” in the GNOME menu. 

2. Go to the “About” section. 

3. Locate the hostname field, click on it and input your new hostname. 

4. Save the changes and exit. 

Using the Hostname Command  

The hostname command is a quick method to temporarily or permanently configure the hostname in Linux. 

Steps to Change Hostname with the Hostname Command: 

1. Open a Terminal: Launch the terminal on your Linux system. If you’re connected to a remote server, log in via SSH.  

2. View the Current Hostname: Type the following command to see the current hostname: 

3. Temporarily Change the Hostname: To modify the hostname temporarily, use: 

Replace newhostname with your desired name. Note that this change will reset after a reboot. 

4. Make the Change Permanent:  

• Edit the /etc/hostname File: Open the /etc/hostname file:

Replace the old hostname with the new one, save and exit. 

• Update the /etc/hosts File: Update the hostname in /etc/hosts as well: 

Find the line with 127.0.1.1 and replace the old hostname with the new one. Save and exit. 

By completing these steps, the hostname change becomes permanent, even after reboots. 

Using the Network Manager Text User Interface (nmtui)  

The Network Manager Text User Interface (nmtui) is a convenient tool to configure network settings and hostnames through a text-based interface, available on various Linux distributions like CentOS and RHEL. 

Steps to Change Hostname with nmtui: 

1. Open the Terminal: Start by opening the terminal and logging into your account via SSH. 
2. Install the NetworkManager-tui Package: If not already installed, add the NetworkManager TUI package with: 

sudo yum install NetworkManager-tui

Type y to confirm installation if prompted. 

3. Check Network Manager Status: Confirm the status with: 

service NetworkManager status

4. Start the Network Manager: Use this command to activate it if needed: 

service NetworkManager start

5. Launch nmtui: Open the TUI by typing: 

sudo nmtui

6. Set System Hostname: In the nmtui window, select “Set system hostname”, enter the new hostname and choose “OK”. 

The hostname is now updated, making nmtui an intuitive choice for users who prefer a visual interface over command-line input. 

Using Network Manager CLI  

The Network Manager Command Line Interface (nmcli) is a powerful option to configure hostname on Linux, especially for RedHat and CentOS systems. 

Steps to Change Hostname with nmcli: 

1. Open the Terminal: Access the terminal. If you’re on a server, connect via SSH. 

2. Check the Current Hostname: View your current hostname with: 

nmcli general hostname

3. Set a New Hostname: Change the hostname instantly with: 

sudo nmcli general hostname newhostname

Replace newhostname with your desired hostname. 

4. Verify the New Hostname: Use the hostname command to confirm. If it hasn’t updated, restart  

sudo systemctl restart systemd-hostnamed

Using nmcli is effective and doesn’t require a reboot for changes to take effect, making it ideal for quick adjustments. 

Editing the configuration files  

Editing configuration files is a more advanced but effective way to ensure the hostname change persists across reboots. 

1. Open the /etc/hostname file in a text editor: 

sudo nano /etc/hostname 

2. Replace the old hostname with the new hostname and save the file. 
3. Next, edit the /etc/hosts file: 

sudo nano /etc/hosts

4. Update any reference to the old hostname to match the new one. 

Editing these files manually allows for more control, especially in Linux servers and environments with custom configurations. 

How to change hostname without rebooting  

In certain situations, you may need to change your Linux system’s hostname temporarily without rebooting. This is useful when you want to make minor adjustments that don’t require a permanent change. Keep in mind, however, that this method only updates the hostname until the next reboot. To make a persistent change, consider using hostnamectl or editing the configuration files directly. 

Step 1: Open the Terminal 

To start, open your terminal. You can usually do this by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T on most Linux systems. 

Step 2: Change the Hostname Temporarily 

To change the hostname without restarting, use the following command format: 

sudo hostname new-hostname

Replace new-hostname with the desired name you want to assign temporarily to your system. For example, if you want to set the hostname to “hostinger,” type: 

sudo hostname hostinger

This command will immediately update the hostname for the current session. However, remember that this change is not permanent and will revert back after a reboot. 

Step 3: Verify the Hostname Change 

To confirm the hostname change, use the hostname command by typing: 

Hostname

The output should now display the updated hostname. This confirmation lets you know the temporary change was successful. 

Verifying the changes  

Once you’ve changed the hostname, you must confirm it to ensure all settings are correctly applied. Use the following commands: 

hostname 

or 

hostnamectl status

These commands will display the current hostname, allowing you to verify that the new hostname has been set successfully. 

Troubleshooting common issues  

Changing a hostname in Linux can sometimes cause unexpected issues, particularly on servers or systems with domain dependencies. Here’s a breakdown of common problems you might encounter and their solutions: 

Issue 1: SSH Connection Problems

After changing the hostname, you might find that certain network commands, such as SSH, don’t work as expected. This can happen if the new hostname isn’t properly mapped to an IP address. 

Solution: 
To resolve this, update the /etc/hosts file with your new hostname. Make sure the entry for the hostname corresponds to the correct IP address. For example: 

127.0.0.1   new-hostname

 
Updating this file ensures that the system can correctly resolve the hostname, allowing SSH and other network services to function smoothly. 

Issue 2: Hostname Reverts to the Old Name After Reboot

Sometimes, after changing the hostname, you may notice that it reverts back to the old name upon restarting the system. This usually happens when the hostname change isn’t made permanent. 

Solution: 
To make the hostname persistent across reboots, update it in both the /etc/hostname and /etc/hosts files. Alternatively, you can use the hostnamectl command, which is designed for systemd-based Linux distributions and makes the change permanent. For example: 

sudo hostnamectl set-hostname new-hostname

This command will ensure that the hostname remains the same even after a reboot. 

Issue 3: DNS Resolution Issues

Changing the hostname on a server can sometimes disrupt DNS services, particularly if other systems or services rely on the previous hostname for domain resolution. 

Solution: 
If your server is part of a DNS-managed network, you may need to update your DNS records to reflect the new hostname. Contact your network administrator or adjust the DNS settings on your DNS server if you have access. 

By addressing these issues proactively, you can avoid disruptions and ensure a smoother transition when changing your Linux hostname. 

Conclusion   

Modifying the Linux hostname is a straightforward yet essential task, whether for network management, server identification, or personal preference. With commands like hostnamectl and tools like Network Manager, you have a variety of methods to suit any Linux distribution. Now that you know how to change the hostname on Linux, you can manage your system’s identity more effectively.  

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