Personalizing Your Server Identity
The FREAKHOSTING VPS Control Panel allows you to customize both the display name and hostname of your virtual server. The display name helps you identify your server in the control panel, while the hostname sets the system-level identity of your server on the network.Difficulty
Beginner
Time
2 Minutes
Changing Your Server Name and Hostname
Navigate to Your Server
Click on Servers in the top navigation bar, then click Manage next to the server you want to rename.
Open the Settings Dialog
On the server’s Overview page, click the gear icon (settings) located below the server name. A settings dialog will appear.
Update the Server Name
In the Server Name field, type the new display name for your server. This name is used throughout the control panel to identify this VPS and does not affect the server’s actual hostname.Choose a name that helps you quickly identify the server’s purpose — for example:
production-web, dev-environment, or minecraft-server.Set the Hostname (Optional)
In the Hostname field, enter the desired hostname for your server. The hostname is the system-level name that identifies your server on the network.Common hostname formats include:
server.yourdomain.comvps-01.example.comweb-prod-us
The Server Name change takes effect immediately in the control panel. However, the Hostname change is updated on the system level but will not be applied to the running server until it is rebuilt. If you need the hostname to take effect immediately, you can change it manually within the operating system via SSH.
Understanding the Difference
| Setting | Description | When Applied |
|---|---|---|
| Server Name | The label shown in the VPS Control Panel | Immediately |
| Hostname | The system-level network identity of the server | On next rebuild, or manually via SSH |
Can I change the server name at any time?
Can I change the server name at any time?
Yes, you can update the display name as often as you like. It is purely a label within the control panel and does not affect your server’s operation.
How do I set the hostname without rebuilding?
How do I set the hostname without rebuilding?
You can change the hostname directly within your server’s operating system. On Linux, use
hostnamectl set-hostname your-new-hostname via SSH. On Windows, go to System Properties > Computer Name > Change.Does the hostname need to be a valid domain?
Does the hostname need to be a valid domain?
No, the hostname does not need to be a registered domain. However, using a fully qualified domain name (FQDN) like
server.yourdomain.com is considered best practice, especially for mail servers and services that rely on hostname resolution.Need Extra Help?
If you encounter any issues, our support team is ready to assist:- Live Chat: Quick assistance via our website.
- Support Ticket: Open a Ticket
- Discord: Join our Community
- Email: support@freakhosting.com
Last Updated: March 2026 | VPS Support: Server naming simplified.