Change Your Hotspot Name in iPhone Settings
To change your iPhone hotspot name, open Settings, tap Personal Hotspot, then tap the Wi-Fi Password field. The name of your hotspot appears at the top of that screen as your device name. Tap Settings again, then General, then About, then tap the name field at the top to edit it. Whatever you type there becomes your new hotspot name — it will show up to other devices looking for a Wi-Fi network within range.
The hotspot name is the same as your device name in iOS. When you change one, you change the other. This means your iPhone will also appear under that name in Bluetooth settings and when you use AirDrop. If you want a hotspot name that is different from how your iPhone appears to other devices, iOS does not offer that option — the two are linked.
The change takes effect immediately. Devices already connected to your hotspot will stay connected, but new devices will see the updated name when they search for available networks.
Key Takeaways
- Your hotspot name is the same as your iPhone's device name, so changing one changes both.
- To change it, go to Settings > General > About and edit the name field at the top of the screen.
- The new name shows up right away to devices searching for Wi-Fi networks.
- Devices already connected to your hotspot will stay connected after you change the name.
- You cannot set a hotspot name that is different from your device name — iOS ties them together.
Step-by-Step: Finding the Device Name Field
Start by opening the Settings app on your iPhone. Tap General, which is usually the second option in the main Settings menu. Then tap About, which is at the top of the General menu.
The first field in the About screen shows your device name. It appears above fields like Model, Storage, and iOS Version. Tap directly on the name to edit it. A text box will open and the current name will be highlighted. Delete the old name and type the new one you want your hotspot to display.
Tap Done or press Return on the keyboard to save the change. Your iPhone will update the name immediately, and it will be the name other devices see when they look for your hotspot.
What Happens When You Change the Hotspot Name
When you change your device name, your iPhone's hotspot name changes at the same time. Any device that was already connected to your hotspot will remain connected — the connection does not drop. However, if a device disconnects and tries to reconnect, it will need to look for the network under the new name.
The name change also affects how your iPhone appears in other places. Your device name shows up in Bluetooth settings on other devices, in AirDrop, and in Find My. If you share your device name with family members or colleagues, they will see the new name everywhere your iPhone connects.
There is no separate setting to make your hotspot name different from your device name. Some phones allow this, but iPhones do not. The two are always the same.
Choosing a Hotspot Name Others Can See
Your hotspot name is visible to anyone within Wi-Fi range of your iPhone. Choose a name that does not reveal personal information like your full name, address, or phone number. A simple name like "iPhone" or a nickname works well and keeps your device less identifiable to strangers.
Avoid names that might confuse other devices or networks. For example, naming your hotspot "Free WiFi" or "Airport" might cause people to accidentally try to connect to your phone instead of a real public network. A unique name makes it clear that this is your personal hotspot.
You can change your hotspot name as often as you want. There is no limit to how many times you edit it, and no cost to doing so.
Hotspot Name Length and Character Limits
Your iPhone hotspot name can be up to 32 characters long. This includes letters, numbers, spaces, and most punctuation marks. If you type a name longer than 32 characters, iOS will not let you save it — you will need to shorten it.
Some special characters may not work in hotspot names. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, hyphens, and underscores if you want to be certain the name will display correctly on all devices. If you use unusual symbols and another device has trouble seeing your hotspot, try changing the name to something simpler.
Troubleshooting: Hotspot Name Not Changing
If you edited your device name but other devices still see the old hotspot name, restart your iPhone. Turn it off completely, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. This forces iOS to broadcast the new name to all nearby devices.
If the name still does not change after a restart, check that you actually tapped Done or pressed Return after editing. Sometimes the text box closes without saving if you navigate away without confirming the change. Go back to Settings > General > About and verify that your new name is actually saved there.
If you are still having trouble, try turning your hotspot off and back on. Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot and toggle it off, wait a few seconds, then toggle it back on. This refreshes the hotspot broadcast and usually fixes display issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have a different name for my hotspot than my device name?
No. iOS links your hotspot name to your device name, and there is no way to separate them. Whatever name you set in Settings > General > About will be the name your hotspot displays. If you need a different hotspot name, you would have to change your entire device name.
Will changing my hotspot name disconnect devices that are already using it?
No. Devices already connected to your hotspot will stay connected even after you change the name. If they disconnect for any reason and try to reconnect, they will need to look for the network under the new name.
How long does it take for the new hotspot name to show up on other devices?
Usually a few seconds. Once you tap Done in the About screen, your iPhone broadcasts the new name right away. Devices searching for Wi-Fi networks should see it within seconds. If they do not, restart your iPhone or toggle your hotspot off and back on.
Can I use emoji or special characters in my hotspot name?
Some emoji and special characters work, but not all. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, hyphens, and underscores to ensure your hotspot name displays correctly on every device. If you use unusual symbols and other devices have trouble seeing your network, simplify the name.
Does changing my hotspot name affect my Wi-Fi password?
No. Your hotspot password stays the same when you change the name. Devices that know your password can still connect using the new name without entering the password again.