Change Your iPad's Name Through Settings

Open Settings on your iPad, then tap General. At the top of the General screen, you will see About — tap that. The first line shows your device name. Tap it once, and a text box appears where you can delete the old name and type a new one. Tap Done when you finish, and the change takes effect when ready.

Your iPad's name is what appears when you connect it to a computer, when other devices search for it over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and in iCloud settings. Changing it does not affect your Apple ID, your data, or any of your accounts — it is purely a label for the device itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings > General > About and tap the device name at the top to edit it directly.
  • The name change takes effect when ready and appears on all devices that connect to your iPad.
  • You can use any name you want — there is no character limit that matters in practice, though very long names may display truncated in some menus.
  • Changing the name does not erase data, sign you out of accounts, or affect how your iPad works.
  • If you cannot tap the name field, restart your iPad and try again — this solves the problem in most cases.

Why You Might Want to Change Your iPad's Name

A clear, specific name makes it easier to find your iPad when you are connecting it to a Mac or PC, pairing it with AirPods or other Bluetooth devices, or setting up AirDrop to share files with family members. If you inherited an iPad or bought one secondhand, the old owner's name may still be on it — changing it helps you reclaim the device as yours.

In a household with multiple iPads, a descriptive name like "Sarah's iPad" or "Kitchen iPad" prevents confusion when you are looking for a specific device. The name also shows up in your iCloud account settings, so updating it keeps your device list organized.

What Happens When You Change the Name

The new name appears when ready in Settings under About. If your iPad is connected to a Mac or PC, the computer will recognize the new name the next time it syncs. Bluetooth devices like headphones or speakers do not automatically update — you may need to forget and re-pair them, though most will straightforward show the new name without any action on your part.

AirDrop will show your iPad's new name to other people nearby who are trying to send you files. If you use your iPad with Apple Pencil or a keyboard, those devices will continue to work without any changes — the name change does not affect pairing or functionality.

Troubleshooting If the Name Field Will Not Edit

If you tap the name and nothing happens, or if the text box does not appear, restart your iPad. Hold the top button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears, then drag it to turn off the device. Wait a few seconds, then hold the top button again until the Apple logo appears. Once the iPad restarts, go back to Settings > General > About and try tapping the name again.

If the problem persists, check that you are signed into iCloud. Go to Settings > [Your Name] at the top and make sure you see your Apple ID. If you are not signed in, sign in first, then return to Settings > General > About and change the name. In rare cases, signing out of iCloud, restarting, and signing back in will unlock the name field.

Changing the Name on a Shared or Family iPad

If multiple people use the same iPad, only the account holder can change the device name through Settings > General > About. If you are not the primary account holder, ask that person to make the change for you. The name belongs to the device, not to any individual account, so all users will see the new name once it is set.

If you set up the iPad yourself and want to transfer ownership to someone else, you will need to sign out of your Apple ID first. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out, then have the new owner sign in with their own Apple ID. After that, they can change the device name to whatever they prefer.

Naming Conventions That Work Best

Keep the name short and descriptive — something like "iPad Pro 12.9" or "Sarah's iPad" works better than a very long phrase. Avoid special characters like @ or # because some older devices or computers may not display them correctly. Numbers and spaces are fine.

If you have multiple iPads, include your name or a location in each one: "Sarah's iPad", "Kitchen iPad", "Work iPad". This makes it much easier to pick the right device when you are pairing Bluetooth accessories or using AirDrop. If you use your iPad for work, you might include that in the name so colleagues know which device is yours when sharing files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my iPad's name from a Mac or PC?

No, you must change it directly on the iPad itself through Settings > General > About. A Mac or PC can see the name and use it to identify the device, but neither can change it. You have to be holding the iPad to make the change.

Will changing the name affect my Apple ID or iCloud account?

No. Your Apple ID and iCloud account remain exactly the same. The device name is separate from your account — it is just a label for the hardware. Your data, photos, and settings will not change.

What if I forget what I named my iPad?

Go to Settings > General > About and look at the first line — that is your current device name. You can also check iCloud by going to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud and scrolling down to see all your devices listed by name.

Can I use emoji in my iPad's name?

Yes, you can type emoji into the name field, and most devices will display them correctly. However, some older computers or Bluetooth devices may show a question mark or blank space instead, so it is safer to stick with letters, numbers, and spaces if your iPad connects to older equipment.

Do I need to restart my iPad after changing the name?

No, the change takes effect when ready. You do not need to restart, sign out, or do anything else — just tap Done and the new name is active right away.