Change your iPhone's name in Settings under General

Open Settings, tap General, then tap About. At the top of the About screen, you'll see your current device name. Tap it once to edit, delete the old name, type the new one, and tap Done. The change takes effect immediately.

Your device name is what appears when you connect to Wi-Fi networks, pair with Bluetooth devices, or show up in AirDrop. It's also the name that displays when someone tries to connect to your iPhone's personal hotspot. Changing it helps you identify your phone on shared networks and makes it easier for others to find your device when they're trying to send you files.

The name can be up to 32 characters long and can include letters, numbers, spaces, and most punctuation. Avoid special characters like @ or # — they may cause connection problems with some networks or devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Your device name appears in Settings > General > About at the top of the screen and can be edited directly from that location.
  • The name you set shows up when connecting to Wi-Fi, pairing Bluetooth devices, and using AirDrop or personal hotspot.
  • Changes take effect immediately and don't require restarting your iPhone.
  • Keep your device name under 32 characters and avoid special characters that may interfere with network connections.

Why your device name matters

When you first set up your iPhone, Apple assigns it a default name like "John's iPhone" or "Sarah's iPad." This name becomes your identifier on any network you join. If you're on a shared Wi-Fi network at work or in a coffee shop, your device name is visible to other people on that same network — they'll see it in their available devices list.

For Bluetooth connections, the device name is how your iPhone appears when you're pairing with headphones, car stereos, smartwatches, or other accessories. If you have multiple iPhones or iPads, giving each one a distinct name prevents confusion when you're trying to connect the right device.

AirDrop uses your device name too. When someone nearby tries to send you a file via AirDrop, they see your device name in their list of available recipients. A clear, recognizable name makes it obvious which device is yours.

Steps to rename your iPhone

Start by opening the Settings app on your home screen. Tap the gray gear icon if you're not sure which one it is.

Once Settings opens, scroll down and tap General. This is usually near the top of the list. Then tap About — it's typically the first option under General.

At the very top of the About screen, you'll see a line with your current device name. It might say something like "iPhone 14" or "Sarah's iPhone." Tap directly on that name once. The text will become editable, and a keyboard will appear at the bottom of your screen.

Highlight all the existing text and delete it, or just start typing your new name — the old one will be replaced. Type whatever name you want, keeping it under 32 characters. When you're done, tap the Done button in the top right corner of the keyboard. Your new name is now active.

What happens if you change your device name

The change is instant. You don't need to restart your iPhone or sign out of anything. However, if your iPhone is currently connected to a Bluetooth device — like wireless headphones or a car — that device may briefly lose connection. It will usually reconnect automatically within a few seconds using the new name.

If you're connected to a Wi-Fi network when you change the name, you may need to reconnect to that network for the new name to appear in the network's device list. This is rare, but it can happen with some routers. Simply toggle Wi-Fi off and back on in Settings > Wi-Fi if you notice any connection issues.

Your Apple ID and iCloud account are not affected by changing your device name. Your personal data, apps, and settings remain exactly the same. Only the identifier that other devices see changes.

Naming tips for different situations

If you're the only person using your iPhone, a simple name like "My iPhone" or your first name works fine. If you share networks with family members or colleagues, include your full name or a descriptor — "Mom's iPhone" or "James's Work Phone" — so others can tell whose device is whose.

At work, consider using your name and device type: "Sarah iPhone 14" or "Mike's iPad Pro." This prevents confusion when multiple people are on the same network. Avoid names that are too long or contain inside jokes that might not make sense later.

If you use multiple Apple devices, you might name them by location or purpose: "Bedroom iPad," "Kitchen HomePod," or "Garage Apple TV." This makes it easy to identify which device you're trying to connect to when you're using AirDrop or setting up a new Bluetooth connection.

Troubleshooting name change problems

If you tap the name in About and it doesn't become editable, make sure you're tapping directly on the text itself, not on the line around it. Sometimes the tap needs to be precise. Try tapping once more, and the keyboard should appear.

If you see an error message saying the name is invalid, you likely used a special character that iOS doesn't allow in device names. Delete any @ symbols, # signs, or other special punctuation and try again with letters, numbers, and spaces only.

If Bluetooth devices stop connecting after you change the name, forget the device and re-pair it. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the information icon next to the device name, and select Forget This Device. Then put the Bluetooth device back in pairing mode and reconnect it to your iPhone using the new name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my iPhone's name from a computer?

Yes. Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC, open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows), select your device, and look for the name field at the top. You can edit it there and click Apply. The change syncs to your iPhone within a few seconds.

Will changing my device name affect my iCloud or Apple ID?

No. Your device name and your Apple ID are separate. Changing the device name does not affect your iCloud account, your backups, or any of your personal data. Your Apple ID remains the same.

What if I want to change my name back to the default?

You can type any name you want, including the original default. If you want it to say "iPhone 14" or "iPad Air," just edit the name field and type that. There's no restriction on changing it back or changing it as many times as you want.

Does my device name show up in Find My iPhone?

Yes. When you open Find My iPhone on another device or at iCloud.com, your iPhone appears with the name you set in Settings. This makes it easier to identify which device you're looking for if you have multiple Apple devices.

Can other people see my device name on public Wi-Fi?

Yes, your device name is visible to anyone on the same Wi-Fi network. For privacy reasons, avoid putting sensitive information in your device name on public networks. A simple name like your first name or "My iPhone" is safer than including your full name, address, or other personal details.