Change Your iPad's Name Through Settings

Open Settings on your iPad, then tap General. Look for About near the top of the menu. Tap Name — this is the field that holds your iPad's current name. A keyboard will appear. Delete the old name and type the new one, then tap Done. Your iPad's name updates when ready.

The name you set here is what appears when you connect to Wi-Fi networks, pair with Bluetooth devices, or use AirDrop. It also shows up in iCloud and on other Apple devices when you sign in with the same Apple ID. Changing it does not affect your data, apps, or settings — only the label other devices see.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings > General > About > Name to find the field where your iPad's name is stored.
  • Delete the current name and type a new one, then tap Done to save the change when ready.
  • Your iPad's name appears on Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth connections, and AirDrop, but changing it does not affect your data or apps.
  • If you use multiple Apple devices with the same Apple ID, each device keeps its own separate name.

Why Your iPad Has a Name

Every iPad gets a default name when you first set it up — usually something like "Sarah's iPad" or "iPad (2)". This name serves as an identifier when your iPad connects to other devices or networks. When you turn on AirDrop, nearby devices see this name. When you pair a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, the name appears in the list of available devices.

The name also shows up in iCloud settings and in the Find My app if you use it to locate your device. Changing it to something more specific — like "Kitchen iPad" or "Work iPad" — makes it easier to tell your devices apart if you own more than one.

What Happens When You Change the Name

The change takes effect as soon as you tap Done. You do not need to restart your iPad. If your iPad is currently connected to Wi-Fi, it stays connected. If Bluetooth devices are paired with it, they remain paired — the name change does not break those connections.

Other devices on your network will see the new name the next time they scan for available devices. If you use AirDrop and someone nearby has your old name saved in their contacts, they may still see the old name briefly until their device refreshes. This usually happens within a few seconds.

Naming Tips for Multiple Devices

If you own more than one iPad, iPhone, or Mac, give each device a name that tells you what it is at a glance. "Living Room iPad" is more useful than "iPad 2". "Work MacBook" is clearer than "MacBook Pro". Avoid names with special characters or very long strings — they can cause problems with some older Bluetooth devices.

If you share your iPad with family members, a neutral name like "Family iPad" works better than a personal one. You can always change it again later if your needs shift.

Changing the Name on Older iPad Models

The steps are the same on every iPad running iOS 15 or later. If your iPad is running an older version of iOS, the path is still Settings > General > About, but the layout may look slightly different. The Name field is always in the About section, and tapping it always opens a keyboard for editing.

If you are not sure which iOS version your iPad runs, go to Settings > General > About and look for the line labeled Software Version. If it shows a number lower than 15, consider updating your iPad to get the latest features and security patches.

If You Cannot Find the Name Field

Make sure you are in the right place: Settings > General > About. Scroll down if you do not see Name right away — it usually appears near the top, but on some iPad models it sits lower in the list. If the field is there but appears grayed out or will not let you edit it, your iPad may be managed by a school or workplace. Contact your IT department or administrator — they control the name on managed devices.

If you see the name but tapping it does not open a keyboard, try closing Settings completely and opening it again. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or use the home button on older models) to close Settings, wait a few seconds, then reopen it and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my iPad's name affect my Apple ID or iCloud account?

No. Your Apple ID and iCloud account stay exactly the same. The name you change is only the device identifier — it does not touch your account, passwords, or data. You can change the device name as many times as you want without any impact on your account.

Can I use emoji or special characters in my iPad's name?

You can type emoji, but some Bluetooth devices may not display them correctly. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and common punctuation like hyphens or apostrophes if your iPad needs to pair with older devices. Modern devices usually handle emoji fine.

Will changing the name show up on my iPhone or Mac?

If you use the same Apple ID on multiple devices, they each keep their own separate names. Changing your iPad's name does not change the names of your iPhone or Mac. Each device has its own name field in its own Settings app.

What if I forget what I named my iPad?

Go back to Settings > General > About and look at the Name field. That is your current iPad name. You can change it to something else right there if you want.