How to Change Linux Hostname?

A Linux Hostname is a unique identifier for networked devices, crucial in facilitating communication and distinguishing between them. Understanding How to Change Linux Hostname is essential for personalisation and effective Network Management. If you wish to personalise your system or optimise network configurations, this blog will help you navigate the process effortlessly.   

According to Statista, about 45% of professional developers worldwide use Linux-based Operating Systems. If you wish to start your journey with Linux, this blog will help you to understand How to Change Linux Hostname  and also help you learn the various methods with which you can  change the Hostname. 

Table of Content 

1) Understanding the Linux Hostname 

2) Preparing for the change   

3) How to change Hostname in Linux? 

4) How do  you change  Linux Hostname without rebooting?

5) How do you change  Linux Hostname permanently on Hostinger VPS?

6) Conclusion   

Understanding the Linux Hostname 

The Linux Hostname is a unique identifier assigned to a network-connected device. It facilitates device communication, simplifies addressing, and enables device recognition within local networks and the internet. Linux distributions come with default Hostnames, but knowing how to change the Hostname allows for personalisation and improved Network Management. By changing the Hostname, users can align it with their preferences, create a more identifiable presence, and optimise network configurations to meet specific requirements.
 

Preparing for the change 

Before changing the Linux Hostname, it is crucial to prepare the system appropriately to ensure a smooth transition. Here are a few essential steps to follow:  

1) Logging in as the root user or a user with administrative privileges is vital. This ensures you have the necessary permissions to modify system configurations and execute commands required for changing the Hostname.  

2) To access the Linux Command Line Interface (CLI), open a terminal or command prompt. The method varies depending on the Linux distribution. In most cases, you can find the terminal application in the system's applications menu or by using keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+Alt+T.  

3) To verify the current Hostname, use commands such as hostname or uname -n in the terminal. Running these commands will display the current Hostname assigned to your Linux system.  

4) Changing the Hostname can have potential consequences on network services and configurations. It is essential to be aware of any services that rely on the Hostname and may be affected by the change. To mitigate risks, consider making backups of critical configurations or noting down the current Hostname, allowing you to revert changes if necessary. 

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How to change hostname in Linux? 

To change the Hostname in Linux, follow these detailed step-by-step instructions: 

Stopping network services 

Before changing the Hostname, it is crucial to stop any network-related services or applications that might be affected by the change. This prevents conflicts or disruptions during the process. Network services such as networking, Network Management, or other relevant services must be temporarily halted.  

To stop these services, open a terminal and use the correct command for your Linux distribution. For example, you can use commands like sudo systemctl stop networking or sudo service network-manager stop. These commands may vary depending on your specific distribution, so consult the documentation or resources for your Linux version if needed. 

Modifying the Hostname 

To change the Hostname in Linux, you have multiple options depending on your distribution. Here are the steps for some popular distributions: 

Ubuntu: 

1) Open a terminal and use the command sudo hostnamectl set-hostname new_hostname to change the hostname. 

2) Replace "new_hostname" with the desired hostname you want to set. 

Fedora: 

1) Open a terminal and use the command sudo hostnamectl set-hostname new_hostname to change the hostname. 

2) Replace "new_hostname" with the desired hostname you want to set. 

CentOS: 

1) Open a terminal and use the command sudo hostnamectl set-hostname new_hostname to change the hostname. 

2) Replace "new_hostname" with the desired hostname you want to set. 

Updating the /etc/hosts file 

After changing the Hostname, updating the /etc/hosts file is essential to ensure proper Hostname resolution. This file maps IP addresses to Hostnames, and modifying it ensures that the new Hostname is correctly resolved. To update the /etc/hosts file: 

1) Open a terminal and run a command such as sudo nano /etc/hosts to edit the file. 

2) Locate the line that contains the old hostname and modify it to reflect the new hostname. Example: Change 127.0.0.1 old_hostname to 127.0.0.1 new_hostname. 

3) Save the changes and exit the editor. 

Restarting network services 

Once you have changed the Hostname and updated the /etc/hosts file, it is necessary to restart the network services or applications that were previously stopped. This ensures that the changes take effect and that the network services recognise the updated Hostname.  

To restart the network services, open a terminal and use the appropriate command for your Linux distribution. For example, you can use commands like sudo systemctl start networking or sudo service network-manager start, depending on your specific distribution. 

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Troubleshooting 

During the Hostname change process, you may encounter certain issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips: 

1) Double-check the command syntax, ensuring correct spelling and proper usage of flags or options. Linux commands are case-sensitive, so pay attention to uppercase and lowercase letters. 

2) Ensure that you are executing the commands with administrative privileges. Prefix the commands with sudo to grant the necessary privileges. 

3) If you encounter permission errors, troubleshoot file permissions by ensuring that you have the appropriate permissions to modify system files. 

Rebooting the system 

After completing the Hostname change process, it is highly recommended to reboot the system. Rebooting ensures all services and applications recognise the new Hostname and operate accordingly. It clears any caches or temporary configurations that may still reference the old Hostname, allowing the updated Hostname to take effect completely. You can use the command sudo reboot in the terminal to reboot the system. After the system restarts, all components should fully recognise the new Hostname.

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How can you change LINUX Hostname without rebooting?

There are some steps that you can follow if you want to change LINUX Hostname without rebooting. These steps are:

a) Change the Hostname temporarily: You can change the Hostname temporarily using the “hostname” command. Open a terminal and type:

sudo hostname new-hostname

Then replace the ‘new-hostname’ with the Hostname that you desire.

b) Change the Hostname permanently: First open the file in a text editor with root privileges. Such as:

sudo nano /etc/hostname

Then replace the current Hostname with the new Hostname. After that save and close the file.

How do you change LINUX Hostname permanently on Hostinger VPS?

Changing LINUX Hostname permanently is almost similar to the above process. However, there are still some differences. These steps will show you how:

a) You have to first log into your VPS. 

b) Then open the ‘/etc/hostname’ file with a text editor. You can use these editors: ‘nano’ or ‘vi’. For example:

sudo nano /etc/hostname

c)  In the ‘/etc/hostname’ file, you will see the current Hostname. Delete it and then type the new Hostname. After this save the file and exit editor. 

d)  Then update the Hosts file. Edit the ‘/etc/hostname’ file so that you can see the change. For example:

sudo nano /etc/hosts

You have to find the line that begins with ‘127.0.0.1’ or ‘127.0.1.1’ followed by the old Hostname. Then replace the Hostname with the new one.

e) Save and exit the file

f) Then apply the changes. For this you can either reboot the system or restart the network service. To restart the network service, use:

sudo systemctl restart network

If you are doing a system reboot, then use:

sudo reboot

g) Rememeber to verify the changes. After the system is backed up, you can verify the new Hostname using: 

Hostnamectl

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the hostname is crucial in identifying and distinguishing networked devices in Linux systems. To change the hostname, you just need to follow a few easy steps. By personalising the hostname, users can add a touch of customisation to their Linux systems or align it with organisational requirements. With the knowledge gained from this blog, now you know How to Change Linux Hostname. 

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