Changing owner name on 2018 MacBook Air while retaining old files and pictures
I want to change owner name on 2018 macair but leave the old files and pictures-I want to send emails under my name
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 14.7
Changing the name is possible, but the original Apple Account will retain ownership of apps and any subscriptions. That’ll play havoc with updates and upgrades, as they’ll still be tied to the original login. As will be iCloud and other services.
Without knowing details of the situation and origin here, I’d usually suggest backing up the contents of the Mac, resetting to your Apple Account, creating a new login for yourself, and then restoring (migrating) the existing login back onto the newly-reset Mac as a second login. This also keeps you out of the original login’s settings, defaults, preferences, passwords, and the rest. You get your own. And you can also easily switch into the other login when needed.
- How to back up your Mac - Apple Support
- What to do before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle your Mac - Apple Support
- Transfer to a new Mac with Migration Assistant - Apple Support
- Switch quickly between users on Mac - Apple Support
But that's a guess at the particular situation here.
If you (“just”) want to change the login — which won’t change the sending email and the rest of the previous user’s context already established — that’s also feasible, but I don’t think that’s what you’re really seeking here.
Whatever you pick, have complete backups before you start making changes.