I lost all my data when I changed username

I followed the steps of adding a new user and then changing the old name but all my files and data is lost. I can't seem to find where it is gone

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.14

Posted on Oct 9, 2023 05:17 AM

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4 replies

Oct 10, 2023 08:15 PM in response to shivikafromsaharanpur

You must have skipped a step or performed a step incorrectly. Here is an Apple article with instructions for changing the user name of a macOS user account:

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


You must perform each step exactly as Apple has described. Any deviation except for the actual name used will result in failure. Also, make sure the new user name does not contain any spaces.

Oct 9, 2023 12:08 PM in response to shivikafromsaharanpur

Use the Go menu -> Computer

Double click users. The other username you were logged on hopefully is still there.

As long as you remember the password for it, just select the Apple logo menu to log out, and then log in the other username.


If you don't remember the password, see these directions:

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-the-login-password-on-mac-mchlp1550/mac


If the other user isn't there, you might find some files by keyword using Devon Technologies EasyFind:

https://www.devontechnologies.com/apps/freeware


If Easy Find does not find them, locate a data recovery expert who works on Macs. Many are on http://www.apple.com/buy that do Mac support also know where there is good data recovery.

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I lost all my data when I changed username

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