How to change system hostname in Ubuntu

hostname is set during the installation process of Ubuntu. Hostname is used for many things especially a an identifier within the local network.

You can change the hostname of your Ubuntu system using hostnamectl command from the terminal.

1. Launch terminal.
2. Check current hostname using hostname command.

   [email protected]:~$ hostname
   host

3. Set new hostname using hostnamectl.

   [email protected]:~$ sudo hostnamectl set-hostname newhostname
   [sudo] password for user:

4. Run hostname again to confirm hostname change.

   [email protected]:~$ hostname
   newhostname

5. Run a new shell to see the change in shell prompt.

   [email protected]:~$ bash
   [email protected]:~$

   This only works if $PS1 is set to display the hostname.