Where to change your name on iPhone

Your name on iPhone lives in two places, and you may need to change one or both depending on what you want to fix. The first is your Apple ID name, which appears in the App Store, iCloud, and when you send files to other people. The second is your device name, which is what your iPhone calls itself when it connects to Wi-Fi networks or pairs with other devices — this is the name you see in Settings under "General" and "About".

Most people need to change their Apple ID name. This is the name tied to your account across all Apple services. You change it through your Apple ID account settings on the web, not through the iPhone itself. The device name is easier to change and takes seconds, but it does not affect your Apple ID or how you appear to other people in Messages or Mail.

If you have changed your legal name and want that reflected everywhere, you will need to update your Apple ID name first, then optionally change your device name to match.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Apple ID name (used in the App Store and iCloud) is changed through appleid.apple.com on a web browser, not on the iPhone itself.
  • Your device name (what your iPhone is called on Wi-Fi networks) is changed in Settings, General, About, and takes effect when ready.
  • Changing your Apple ID name requires you to sign in with your password and may ask you to verify your identity with a code sent to your phone or email.
  • The device name change does not affect your Apple ID or how you appear in Messages, Mail, or FaceTime.

How to change your Apple ID name on a web browser

Go to appleid.apple.com in any web browser on any device — you do not have to use your iPhone. Sign in with your Apple ID email and password. Click "Personal Information" in the left menu, then look for your name at the top of the page.

Click "Edit" next to your name. You will see fields for your first name and last name. Change them to what you want, then click "Save" or "Done" (the button label varies by browser). Apple may ask you to verify your identity by sending a code to your phone number or email address. Enter that code when prompted, and your name change is complete.

The change takes effect when ready across all Apple services. Your name will update in the App Store, iCloud, and anywhere else your Apple ID is used. Other people will see your new name if you send them files through AirDrop or share iCloud folders with them.

How to change your device name in Settings

Open Settings on your iPhone. Tap General, then tap About. At the very top, you will see a field with your iPhone's current name — it usually says something like "Sarah's iPhone" or "iPhone 15 Pro".

Tap that name field. The text will become editable. Delete the current name and type the new one. Tap Done in the top right corner. Your device name changes when ready. The next time your iPhone connects to a Wi-Fi network or pairs with a Bluetooth device, it will show up under the new name.

This change does not affect your Apple ID or how you appear in Messages, Mail, or FaceTime. It only changes what other devices see when your iPhone is nearby or on the same network.

What happens after you change your name

If you changed your Apple ID name, the new name will appear in the App Store within a few minutes. If you share an iCloud folder or send a file to someone, they will see your new name. Your email address and phone number stay the same — only the display name changes.

If you changed only your device name, nothing changes in your accounts or how other people see you. The device name is purely local and only visible to devices on the same network or when pairing via Bluetooth.

If you changed both your Apple ID name and your device name to match, they are now separate things that happen to have the same text. Changing one in the future will not change the other.

Why you might need to change your name on iPhone

The most common reason is a legal name change — marriage, divorce, or personal choice. You want your Apple ID name to match your legal documents so that purchases, subscriptions, and account recovery work smoothly.

Some people change their device name to something more descriptive, like "Sarah's Work iPhone" or "Kitchen iPad", so they can tell their devices apart when multiple Apple devices are on the same network. This is purely for your own convenience and does not affect anything else.

If you share an Apple ID with family members or if you have set up Family Sharing, changing your name will show the new name to everyone in that group. They will see it in the Family Sharing settings and when you share content with them.

If you cannot change your name

If you are trying to change your Apple ID name and the "Edit" button does not appear, you may not have permission to edit that account. This happens if someone else set up the account or if parental controls are active. You will need to sign out and sign in with an account that has full permissions.

If you are trying to change your device name and the field is not editable, restart your iPhone and try again. Sometimes the Settings app needs to refresh.

If you see a message that your name change failed, check your internet connection and try again. If the problem continues, sign out of your Apple ID in Settings, then sign back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my Apple ID name affect my passwords or payment methods?

No. Your Apple ID email address, password, and payment methods stay exactly the same. Only the display name changes. Your account security is not affected.

Can I change my device name as many times as I want?

Yes. You can change your device name in Settings whenever you want, and there is no limit. It takes effect when ready.

If I change my Apple ID name, will my friends see the new name in Messages?

Yes. The next time you send a message or start a conversation, your new name will appear to them. Old messages will still show your old name, but new ones will show the updated name.

Do I need to change my device name if I change my Apple ID name?

No. They are separate. You can change your Apple ID name without touching your device name, or change your device name without changing your Apple ID name. Most people only change their Apple ID name.

What if I forgot my Apple ID password and cannot sign in to change my name?

Go to iforgot.apple.com and follow the steps to reset your password. You will need access to your recovery email address or phone number. Once you reset your password, you can sign in to appleid.apple.com and change your name.