How to Change Server Hostname

This guide explains how to change the hostname on your server.

The hostname is the system name of your server, for example:

ns1.server.com

⚠ Important

Changing the server hostname does not automatically create DNS records or change reverse DNS. If you want the hostname to resolve correctly, make sure the required DNS records are configured. If you also need reverse DNS changed, update it from the Client Area.

Temporary Hostname Change

You can change the hostname temporarily with the following command:

hostname ns1.server.com

Replace ns1.server.com with the hostname you want to use.

ℹ Temporary Change

The hostname command changes the hostname immediately, but this change may not remain after a reboot unless the system configuration files are also updated.

Debian / Ubuntu

On Debian and Ubuntu systems, edit the following file:

/etc/hostname

You can replace the hostname with this command:

echo "ns1.server.com" > /etc/hostname

Or edit the file manually:

vi /etc/hostname

The file should contain only your hostname, for example:

ns1.server.com

Next, update the hostname immediately:

hostname ns1.server.com

You should also check the /etc/hosts file:

vi /etc/hosts

If your old hostname is listed there, replace it with the new one.

Example:

127.0.1.1 ns1.server.com ns1

CentOS / Red Hat / AlmaLinux / Rocky Linux

On modern CentOS, Red Hat, AlmaLinux and Rocky Linux systems, the recommended method is to use hostnamectl:

hostnamectl set-hostname ns1.server.com

Replace ns1.server.com with your new hostname.

You can check the current hostname with:

hostnamectl

You should also check the /etc/hosts file and update the old hostname if it is listed there:

vi /etc/hosts

Example entry:

127.0.0.1 localhost
127.0.1.1 ns1.server.com ns1

ℹ Older CentOS Systems

On older CentOS or Red Hat systems, the hostname may also be stored in /etc/sysconfig/network. If this file exists and contains a HOSTNAME variable, update it there as well.

Example:

NETWORKING=yes
HOSTNAME=ns1.server.com
GATEWAY=213.186.XX.254

FreeBSD

On FreeBSD, you can change the hostname immediately with:

hostname ns1.server.com

To make the change permanent after reboot, edit:

/etc/rc.conf

Add or update the hostname line:

hostname="ns1.server.com"

Verify the Hostname

After changing the hostname, verify it with:

hostname

You can also use:

hostname -f

If everything is configured correctly, the command should return your new hostname.

✔ Hostname Changed

If the new hostname is displayed correctly and remains the same after reboot, the hostname change has been completed successfully.

How to Change Server Hostname