Can changing usernames cause issues on my MacBook Air?

I stupidly changed the username on my main account yesterday while using another admin account and left it that way overnight. I haven’t restarted the computer since. Today, when I logged back into the main account, I immediately noticed lagging and high CPU usage (though I was still able to log in). I did a quick search on my phone and learned that changing the username could damage user data. So, I logged back into the other admin account, changed the main account's username back to what it was before, and then restarted the laptop. Could this still cause any damage? Should I be worried?

It's been a while since I did this, and I haven't noticed any data loss or high CPU usage in the main account; all apps are running normally.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Air, macOS 15.0

Posted on Oct 15, 2024 8:33 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 16, 2024 11:43 AM

If you restored the Advanced settings for that user account to exactly what they were prior to making the change, then everything should be Ok (and assuming you had not deleted the original home user folder while the two were disconnected).


FYI, if you want to change the short user name of a macOS user account, then here is an Apple article with instructions....every step must be performed exactly as outlined (there is only one step that is marked "optional"):

Change the name of your macOS user account and home folder - Apple Support


Similar questions

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 16, 2024 11:43 AM in response to -dude

If you restored the Advanced settings for that user account to exactly what they were prior to making the change, then everything should be Ok (and assuming you had not deleted the original home user folder while the two were disconnected).


FYI, if you want to change the short user name of a macOS user account, then here is an Apple article with instructions....every step must be performed exactly as outlined (there is only one step that is marked "optional"):

Change the name of your macOS user account and home folder - Apple Support


This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Can changing usernames cause issues on my MacBook Air?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.