Change your iPad's name through the Settings app

Your iPad has a device name that appears when you connect it to other devices, share files, or set up AirDrop. To change it, open Settings, tap General, then tap About. At the top of the screen, you'll see a field with your current device name. Tap that field, delete the old name, type the new one, and tap Done. The change takes effect when ready.

The name you choose appears to other people and devices on the same Wi-Fi network, so pick something you'll recognize later. Avoid special characters or very long names—stick to letters, numbers, and spaces. If you share your iPad with family members, a clear name like "Sarah's iPad" or "Kitchen iPad" helps everyone know which device is which.

Key Takeaways

  • Your iPad's name is changed in Settings > General > About, where you tap the name field at the top and type a new one.
  • The new name shows up when ready on your device and to other devices on your Wi-Fi network.
  • Use straightforward names with letters, numbers, and spaces—avoid special characters that may cause connection problems.
  • If you cannot find the name field or the change does not save, restart your iPad and try again.

Where the iPad name appears and why it matters

Your iPad's device name shows up in several places. When you use AirDrop to send photos or files to another Apple device, the receiving device sees your iPad by this name. If you connect to a Mac or another iPad via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, the name appears in the list of available devices. Some apps also display your device name when you share content or join a shared workspace.

The name also appears in your iCloud account settings and in any backup records if you back up to iCloud. If you ever need to restore your iPad or troubleshoot a connection problem, a clear, recognizable name makes it much easier to identify which device you're working with.

Changing the name on older iPad models

The process is the same on all iPad models running iPadOS 13 or later. If you have an older iPad running an earlier version of iPadOS, the steps are nearly identical: open Settings, go to General, tap About, and tap the name field. The location and appearance may look slightly different, but the name field is always at the top of the About screen.

If your iPad is very old and running iOS 5 or earlier, the name field may be labeled Name instead of appearing as an editable field. In that case, you may need to rename it through iTunes on a computer instead. However, most iPads in use today run current or recent versions of iPadOS, so the Settings method will work.

What happens if you cannot edit the name field

If the name field appears grayed out or does not respond when you tap it, your iPad may be in a restricted mode. Check whether Screen Time restrictions are enabled. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and make sure the toggle is off, or enter your Screen Time passcode if it is on.

If the field still will not respond, restart your iPad by holding the power button until the power-off slider appears, then slide to power off. Wait a few seconds, then press the power button again to turn it back on. After the restart, try changing the name again. If the problem persists, you may need to restore your iPad through a computer using Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows), though this is rarely necessary for a straightforward name change.

Renaming your iPad when it is linked to iCloud

If your iPad is signed in to iCloud, the name change syncs across your Apple account. This means the new name will appear on your other Apple devices and in your iCloud settings. You do not need to do anything extra—the change happens automatically once you tap Done.

If you have multiple iPads or Apple devices, each one keeps its own separate name. Changing one device's name does not affect the others. This is useful if you want to name each device by its location or owner, like "Living Room iPad" and "Bedroom iPad."

Choosing a name that works well with AirDrop and file sharing

When you use AirDrop, the receiving device shows your iPad's name to let the other person know who is sending the file. A clear, professional name is better than something vague or hard to read. Avoid names with emoji, accented characters, or symbols like @ or #, as these can cause problems with some devices or networks.

If you plan to use your iPad in a workplace or school setting, a straightforward name like "iPad-[Your Name]" or "[Department] iPad" is clearer than a personal nickname. If the iPad is shared among family members, a location-based name like "Kitchen iPad" or "Guest iPad" helps everyone know which device they are using.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my iPad's name from another device?

No, you must change the name directly on the iPad itself through Settings. You cannot rename it from a Mac, iPhone, or computer. However, once you change it on the iPad, the new name syncs to iCloud and appears on your other devices within a few minutes.

Will changing my iPad's name affect my data or apps?

No. Changing the device name does not delete any data, remove apps, or change any settings. It only changes the name that appears when other devices or people see your iPad on a network or during file sharing.

What if I change my iPad's name and then forget what I named it?

You can always check the current name by going back to Settings > General > About. The name field at the top shows your iPad's current device name. You can change it again at any time using the same process.

Does the iPad name have to be unique?

No, you can name multiple iPads the same thing if you want. However, having unique names makes it much easier to identify which device is which when you are using AirDrop, connecting to a network, or managing backups. Unique names are strongly recommended if you have more than one Apple device.

Can I use spaces or numbers in my iPad's name?

Yes, spaces and numbers work fine in your iPad's name. Stick to letters, numbers, and spaces for the best compatibility with all devices and networks. Avoid special characters like @, #, !, or emoji, as these can cause connection or display problems.