Rename a Bluetooth device directly in iPhone Settings

You can change the name of any Bluetooth device paired to your iPhone through the Settings app. The device itself keeps its original name, but your iPhone will display whatever name you choose. This is useful when you have multiple speakers, headphones, or other devices and want to tell them apart at a glance.

Open Settings, tap Bluetooth, find the device in the list of paired devices, and tap the information icon (a small circle with an "i") next to its name. Tap "Name" at the top of the screen, delete the current name, type a new one, and tap "Done". The change takes effect when ready on your iPhone only.

If you rename a device on one iPhone, that name does not carry over to other iPhones, iPads, or Macs. Each device stores its own list of paired Bluetooth names separately. If you want the same name across all your Apple devices, you will need to rename it on each one.

Key Takeaways

  • Renaming a Bluetooth device in iPhone Settings changes only how your iPhone displays it, not the device's actual name.
  • The rename happens in Settings > Bluetooth > information icon next to the device name > Name field.
  • Each Apple device (iPhone, iPad, Mac) stores its own name for the same Bluetooth device, so renaming on one does not affect the others.
  • You can use any name you want, including spaces and special characters, up to the character limit the field allows.
  • If a device stops responding to commands after renaming, unpair it and pair it again to reset the connection.

What happens when you rename a Bluetooth device

Renaming a device on your iPhone does not change anything on the device itself. A Bluetooth speaker, for example, still broadcasts its original name to other phones and computers. Only your iPhone recognizes the new name you gave it.

This means if you lend your iPhone to someone else, they will see the name you chose. If they connect the same device to their own phone, they will see the device's original name unless they also rename it. The rename is stored in your iPhone's Bluetooth settings, not on the device.

Steps to rename a Bluetooth device on iPhone

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your home screen.

Step 2: Tap Bluetooth near the top of the menu.

Step 3: Look for the device you want to rename in the "My Devices" section. Devices you have paired before appear here even if they are not currently connected.

Step 4: Tap the information icon (circle with an "i") to the right of the device name. Do not tap the device name itself—that just tries to connect to it.

Step 5: Tap the "Name" field at the top of the screen. The current name will be highlighted.

Step 6: Delete the old name and type the new one. You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and most punctuation marks.

Step 7: Tap "Done" in the top right corner. The name updates when ready in your Bluetooth list.

Troubleshooting if the rename does not stick

Occasionally the new name does not save, or your iPhone reverts to the original name after you close Settings. This usually happens if the Bluetooth connection drops while you are renaming or if the device itself is turned off.

To fix this, make sure the device is powered on and within range (typically 30 feet), then try renaming it again. If the problem persists, unpair the device completely and pair it again from scratch. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the information icon next to the device, scroll down, and tap "Forget This Device". Then turn the device off and on, and pair it again as if for the first time. You can then give it a new name during the pairing process.

Renaming devices across multiple Apple devices

If you use an iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch alongside your iPhone, each device maintains its own list of Bluetooth names. A speaker you call "Kitchen Speaker" on your iPhone might still show as "JBL Flip 6" on your iPad.

There is no way to sync Bluetooth names across devices automatically. If you want consistency, you will need to rename the device on each Apple device separately. Start with the device you use most often, then repeat the same steps on your other devices.

When to rename versus when to unpair and re-pair

Renaming is the right choice when you straightforward want a clearer label for a device you use regularly. It takes seconds and does not interrupt your connection.

Unpairing and re-pairing is necessary if the device is not responding to commands, keeps disconnecting, or if renaming alone did not fix a problem. Re-pairing forces your iPhone to re-establish the connection from the ground up, which often clears out glitches that renaming cannot fix. It takes a few minutes longer but solves most connection issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rename a Bluetooth device that is not currently connected?

Yes. As long as the device was paired to your iPhone at some point, it appears in your Bluetooth settings even when it is off or out of range. You can rename it without connecting to it. The next time it connects, your iPhone will display the new name.

What if I rename a device and then forget its original name?

You can see the original name by unpairing the device and looking at what it broadcasts when you search for it again. Or check the device's manual or settings menu—the original name is usually printed on the device itself or shown in its own app.

Does renaming a Bluetooth device affect how it works?

No. Renaming changes only the label your iPhone displays. The device functions exactly the same way. Audio quality, connection speed, battery drain, and all other performance remain unchanged.

Can I use emoji or special characters in a Bluetooth device name?

Most emoji and special characters work, though some devices or older iOS versions may not display them correctly. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and common punctuation marks like hyphens and underscores if you want the name to display reliably across all your devices.