> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.freakhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# How to Rename Your VPS and Set a Hostname
> Change your VPS display name and hostname in the FREAKHOSTING Control Panel for easier identification across multiple servers and proper network setup.
## Personalizing Your Server Identity
When you manage multiple servers, telling them apart at a glance is essential. The FREAKHOSTING VPS Control Panel at [cloud.freakhosting.com](https://cloud.freakhosting.com) lets you customize two things: the **display name** (the label you see in the panel) and the **hostname** (your server's identity on the network). Both are configured from the same settings dialog, and it takes less than a minute.
Beginner
2 Minutes
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## Finding the Settings Icon
On the server's **Overview** page, look at the top-left area where your server name is displayed. Directly below the name, you will see **three small icons** arranged in a row:
1. **Circular arrow** (restart shortcut)
2. **Lock icon** (rebuild protection)
3. **Gear icon** (settings -- this is what you want)
The **gear icon** is the rightmost of the three. Clicking it opens the settings dialog where you can change both the server name and hostname.
***
## Changing Your Server Name and Hostname
Click on **Servers** in the top navigation bar, then click **Manage** next to the server you want to rename.
On the server's **Overview** page, click the **gear icon** (the third small icon below the server name, on the right side of the icon row). A settings dialog will appear.
In the **Server Name** field, type the new display name for your server. This name is what you see throughout the control panel -- on the server list, the Overview page, and in navigation.
Pick a name that instantly tells you what the server is for. Some examples:
* `production-web` -- your live website server
* `dev-environment` -- a development and testing box
* `minecraft-server` -- a game server
* `client-projectname` -- a server managed for a client
In the **Hostname** field, enter the desired hostname for your server. The hostname is the system-level identity that your server uses on the network -- it shows up in your terminal prompt, log files, and network communications.
Common hostname formats include:
* `server.yourdomain.com` (fully qualified domain name -- best practice)
* `vps-01.example.com`
* `web-prod-us`
Click the **Save** button to apply your changes. The dialog will close and you will see the updated server name immediately.
***
## Understanding the Difference
The server name and hostname serve very different purposes. Here is how they compare:
| Setting | What It Is | Where It Appears | When It Takes Effect |
| --------------- | ------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| **Server Name** | A display label in the control panel | Server list, Overview page, navigation | Immediately after saving |
| **Hostname** | The system-level network identity of your server | Terminal prompt, log files, network communications | On next rebuild, or manually via SSH |
The **Server Name** change takes effect instantly -- you will see it update across the control panel right away. The **Hostname**, however, is a system-level setting. It is stored and will be applied the next time the server is rebuilt. If you need the hostname to take effect immediately without rebuilding, you can change it manually from within the operating system via SSH (see the FAQ below).
***
## Real-World Scenarios
| Scenario | What to Change |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| You manage 5 servers and keep mixing them up | Update the **Server Name** on each to something descriptive like `web-prod`, `web-staging`, `db-primary`, etc. |
| You are setting up a mail server and need a proper FQDN | Set the **Hostname** to `mail.yourdomain.com` -- mail servers rely heavily on hostname for authentication (SPF, DKIM, rDNS) |
| A client project is done and you are repurposing the server | Change the **Server Name** to reflect its new purpose so you do not accidentally work on the wrong server |
| You just deployed a fresh server and want to personalize the terminal prompt | Set the **Hostname** and apply it via SSH so your terminal shows `root@myserver` instead of a random default |
***
## Pro Tip: Naming Conventions
If you manage more than a couple of servers, establishing a consistent naming convention saves headaches down the road. A good format includes the role, environment, and optionally a number:
* `web-prod-01` -- first production web server
* `db-staging-01` -- staging database server
* `app-dev` -- development application server
* `vpn-gateway` -- VPN gateway server
This way, you can tell exactly what a server does just by glancing at its name in the server list.
***
Yes, you can update the display name as often as you like. It is purely a label within the control panel and has zero effect on your server's operation, uptime, or connectivity.
You can change the hostname directly within your server's operating system via SSH. On Linux, run:
```bash theme={null}
hostnamectl set-hostname your-new-hostname
```
On Windows, go to **System Properties > Computer Name > Change**. The change takes effect immediately (or after a reboot on Windows).
No, the hostname does not need to be a registered domain name. 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, reverse DNS, and SSL certificates.
The control panel will allow it, since the display name is just a label. However, it defeats the purpose of renaming. Each server has a unique internal ID regardless, but giving two servers the same name will make your life harder when managing them. Use distinct names.
***
### 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](https://freakhosting.com/clientarea/submitticket.php)
* **Discord:** [Join our Community](https://discord.gg/freakhosting)
* **Email:** [support@freakhosting.com](mailto:support@freakhosting.com)
### Save on Your Hosting
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***
**Last Updated:** March 2026 | **VPS Support:** Server naming simplified.