How to Set Hostname Permanently in Linux

Setting a hostname is a fundamental step in configuring a Linux system. The hostname acts as an identifier for your machine on a network, making it easier to manage and communicate with other devices. In this article, we'll explore the importance of having a well-defined hostname and the process of setting it permanently in a Linux environment.

A hostname not only gives the recognition of your system but also has a crucial role in networking. Whether you're on a local network or the internet, you should have a clear and identifiable hostname for the administration of your Linux machine.

You can set a temporary hostname using the hostname command while a permanent hostname configuration stays the same even after reboots. This article lets you know how to configure a permanent hostname, understand the relevant configuration files, and the necessary steps to apply the changes.

Also Read: Linux Commands Cheat Sheet

Setting Hostname Permanently and Temporarily in Linux:

Linux allows you to set hostnames both temporarily, for immediate use, and permanently, ensuring the name persists across reboots.

Set Hostname Permanently in Linux

Step 1: Check the Current Hostname

First, you need to check the current hostname of the device by using the hostname command in terminal

hostname

Output:

Ensure you know the current hostname before making any changes. This command displays the current hostname of your Linux machine. We can see that the hostname of our machine is Kali.

Step 2: Check File Directories

You need to check the contents of these two file directories "/etc/hostname and /etc/hosts" and you will erase some content in these files and rewrite it in the next step.

cat /etc/hostname
cat /etc/hosts

Output:

Inspect the contents of these files to confirm the current hostname.

Step 3: Edit /etc/hostname using Vi Editor

Use the sudo vi /etc/hostname command to enter into the vi editor and change the contents in the /etc/hostname file after entering into the vi editor follow these steps:

• Enter insert mode by pressing i.
• Delete the existing hostname and enter the new one.
• Save the changes by pressing Esc, then:wq!.

here we are changing our hostname to GeeksforGeeks

sudo vi /etc/hostname

Output:

Step 4: Edit /etc/hosts using Vi Editor

Use the sudo vi /etc/hosts command to enter into the vi editor and change the contents in the /etc/hosts file after entering into the vi editor follow these steps:

• Enter insert mode by pressing i.
• Delete the existing hostname and enter the new one.
• Save the changes by pressing Esc, then:wq!.

here we are changing our hostname to GeeksforGeeks

sudo vi /etc/hosts

Output:

Step 5: Save the Hostname Permanently

Now save the hostname permanently by using the sudo hostname <name> command and replace the <name> with the hostname with the hostname you entered in the "/etc/hostname and /etc/hosts" files. We can see GeeksforGeeks has set to the hostname permanently

sudo hostname <name>

Output:

Step 6: Verify Hostname Changes

You can also verify the hostname changes using hostname and hostnamectl commands in the terminal. Ensure that the changes are reflected in the system.

hostname
hostnamectl

Output:

Step 7: Verify After Reboot

Reboot the system and recheck the hostname to confirm the changes have been applied after a restart.

Set Hostname Temporarily in Linux

Step 1: Check the Current Hostname

First, you need to check the current hostname of the device by using the hostname command in terminal

hostname

Output:

This command displays the current hostname of your Linux machine. We can see that the hostname of our machine is Kali.

Step 2: Set the Hostname Temporarily

Here we are setting the temporary hostname as GeeksforGeeks using the command sudo hostnamectl set-hostname <name> and entering the sudo password. Replace <name> with your desired hostname. This change is temporary and will be lost after a system reboot.

sudo hostnamectl set-hostname <name>

Output:

Step 3: Verify Hostname Changes

You can verify the change in hostname by using the hostname or hostnamectl command in the terminal, which will display the temporary hostname we created.

hostname
hostnamectl

Output:

Ensure that the changes are reflected in the system.

Setting Hostname Permanently From GNOME Settings

Step 1: Open Settings

Open the Applications menu and search for the "About" option then, open it. You will find various settings such as Device Name, Memory, etc.

Step 2: Rename the Hostname

Click the arrow mark next to the Device Name. A window will appear, allowing you to rename the device. Rename it accordingly. We are changing our machine's hostname from "Ubuntu" to "GeeksforGeeks."

Step 3: Restart

Save the new hostname by clicking "Rename," and the hostname is permanently changed to the new name, here it is changed to "GeeksforGeeks." Restart the machine to ensure the new hostname is set.

Note: Changing the hostname from GNOME settings may not take effect immediately, so a restart of the Linux machine is necessary. This method is not always reliable.

Setting Hostname From Network Manager TUIhostname

Step 1: Check the Current Hostname

First, you need to check the current hostname of the device by using the hostname command in terminal

hostname

Step 2: Set the Hostname

Set the hostname using Network Manager TUI with the 'nmcli general hostname <new_name>' command in the terminal, and replace '<new_name>' with your desired new hostname. Here we are setting our new hostname to GeeksforGeeks from GFG.

nmcli general hostname GeeksforGeeks

Step 3: Privilege Access

After running the previous step, it will prompt for administrator access. Provide the necessary permission by authenticating with your machine's password.

Step 4: Restart NetworkManager

After setting the hostname, restart NetworkManager using 'sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager' and restart your machine to apply the changes permanently.

sudo systemctl restart NetworkManager

Step 5: Verification

You can verify the changes using the hostname command in the terminal:

hostname

Also Read:

• How to Set or Change System Hostname in Linux?
• hostnamectl command in Linux with Examples
• How to Change Kali Linux hostname?

Conclusion:

In conclusion, setting a hostname in Linux includes both temporary and permanent steps. It is essential for customization and system identification. While temporary changes are used for immediate needs, making permanent adjustments ensures that the chosen hostname stays the same even after reboots. We can change the hostname temporarily by using the sudo hostnamectl set-hostname <name> command and permanently by changing the hostname to "/etc/hostname and /etc/hosts" It will reflect changes in the hostname even after the reboot. You can also use GNOME and NetworkManager TUI to set the hostname permanently. You can follow the simple steps in the article to change the hostname of a Linux machine permanently