How to Change Your Chromebook Device Name Without the Headache

Key takeaways:

• Chromebook device name can be changed, but the setting is hidden
• Only the admin account can rename the device
• You need to enable a special flag in Chrome first

You ever try to rename your Chromebook and just end up lost in the menus? Yeah, same here. The device name is what shows up for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and sometimes you want it to be something other than the boring default. But on Chromebook, this setting is buried, and it’s not obvious at all. I’ll walk you through it, step by step, so you don’t have to keep guessing.

Why Chromebook Device Name Matters and Why It’s So Hidden

Most devices let you change the name right from the main settings. Not Chromebook. The device name is what other people see when you share files, connect to Wi-Fi, or use Bluetooth. If you’re in a crowded place, it helps to have a name that stands out (or at least doesn’t scream “chromeos-12345”).

But Google decided to hide this feature deep in the system. And to make it even trickier, you can only change it if you’re the admin—that’s the first account that ever signed in on the device. If you’re using a secondary account, you’re out of luck unless you ask the admin for help.

If you’re curious about other Chromebook tricks, like how to change language on Chromebook or how to check your Chromebook’s hardware specs, I’ve got you covered.

Step One: Open Chrome and Find the Hidden Flags Menu

Alright, Chromebook doesn’t make this easy. You have to start by opening the Chrome browser. Don’t go to the regular settings menu—this is a special, hidden place called chrome://flags. Just type this in the address bar:

chrome://flags

Hit Enter, and you’ll see a long list of experimental features. Don’t freak out—most of these don’t matter for what we’re doing.

Now, use the search bar at the top and type “host name.” You’re looking for a flag called Enable setting the device host name.

• If you see it, click the dropdown and set it to Enabled
• If you don’t see it, make sure you typed it right

Once it’s enabled, you’ll get a prompt to restart your Chromebook. Go ahead and do it. You have to restart, or the new setting won’t show up.

Step Two: Head to Chromebook Settings

After your Chromebook boots back up, you can close the Chrome browser. Now, hit the Launcher (the little circle in the bottom left), and open Settings.

Here’s where you go:

• On the left, scroll down and click About ChromeOS
• Click Additional details

You should now see a section called “Device name.” There’s a little pencil icon next to it—click that, and you’ll be able to type in the name you want.

If you don’t see the option, double-check that you’re logged in as the admin account. Only the admin can change the device name. If you’re not the admin, you’ll need to ask whoever set up the Chromebook first.

What If You’re Not the Admin?

If you’re using a secondary account, you can’t change the device name. Only the original owner—the first Google account that logged in—can do it. That’s just how ChromeOS works. If you need to rename it and you’re not the admin, you’ll have to ask the admin to log in and follow these same steps.

Want to know how to change your Chromebook password or delete apps on Chromebook? I’ve got guides for that too.

Keep the Flag Enabled or Lose Your Name

One thing to watch out for: if you ever reset your flags in Chrome, your device name will go back to the default. That’s because the “Enable setting the device host name” flag has to stay turned on for this feature to work. If you disable it or reset all flags, your custom name disappears.

Table: Chromebook Device Name vs. Other Devices

Device Type	Name Change Location	Admin Required	Hidden Flag Needed
Chromebook	About ChromeOS > Additional details	Yes	Yes
Windows Laptop	Settings > System > About	No	No
Android Phone	Settings > About phone	No	No
MacBook	System Settings > Sharing	No	No

Other Chromebook Customizations You Might Like

Changing the device name isn’t the only thing you can tweak. If you want to make your Chromebook feel more like yours, try these:

• Change Chromebook wallpaper
• Change mouse cursor color on Chromebook
• Enable dark mode on Chromebook
• Change Chromebook login PIN

Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Change My Chromebook’s Name?

If the option doesn’t show up, here’s what to check:

• Are you logged in as the admin? Only the first account can do this.
• Did you enable the right flag in chrome://flags?
• Did you restart your Chromebook after enabling the flag?
• Are you running the latest version of ChromeOS? Sometimes older versions hide features.

If you’ve checked all these and it’s still not working, you might want to check your Chromebook’s version or restart your Chromebook.

Pro Tip: Naming for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

The device name you set here is what shows up for Wi-Fi sharing and Bluetooth connections. If you use your Chromebook for file transfers or casting, pick a name that makes sense for you. Maybe something simple, or maybe something fun—just keep it clean.

More Chromebook Tips

If you’re new to Chromebook, check out these guides:

• How to find your Chromebook’s IP address
• How to take a screenshot on Chromebook
• How to delete downloads on Chromebook
• How to clear cache on Chromebook

And if you ever want to go back and change your device name again, just repeat the steps—just don’t forget to keep that flag enabled.

FAQs

How do I change my Chromebook device name?

Open chrome://flags in Chrome, search for “host name,” enable the flag, restart, then go to Settings > About ChromeOS > Additional details and edit the device name.

Who can change the Chromebook device name?

Only the admin (the first Google account used on the Chromebook) can change the device name.

What if I don’t see the device name option?

Make sure you enabled the “Enable setting the device host name” flag and restarted your Chromebook. Also, check you’re logged in as admin.

Will my device name stay if I reset Chrome flags?

No, if you reset the flags, the device name will go back to default. The flag must stay enabled.

Can I change the device name from a secondary account?

No, only the admin account can do this. Secondary users need to ask the admin for help.

👾 That’s it—no more guessing, just a Chromebook with your name on it.