Where to Find the Device Name Setting
Your iPhone's device name is the label that appears when you connect to Wi-Fi networks, pair with Bluetooth devices, or sync with a computer. To change it, open the Settings app on your home screen, then tap General. Scroll down and tap About. At the very top of the About screen, you'll see a field labeled Name — this is your device name, and it's editable.
The name you set here is what other people see when they search for your iPhone on a Wi-Fi network or when you try to pair it with their devices. It's also the name that shows up in iCloud and in Finder on a Mac if you sync wirelessly. Most iPhones arrive with a default name like "John's iPhone" or "[Your Name]'s iPhone," but you can change it to anything you want.
Key Takeaways
- Your device name is found in Settings > General > About, in the Name field at the top of the screen.
- You can change the name to any text you want, and the change takes effect when ready.
- The device name is what appears to other devices when you connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or AirDrop.
- If you forget what you named your iPhone, you can always return to the About screen to check or change it again.
How to Edit the Name Field
Once you're in Settings > General > About and can see the Name field, tap directly on the text to enter edit mode. The keyboard will appear at the bottom of your screen. You can now delete the current name and type a new one. There's no character limit enforced by Apple, but keeping the name under 30 characters makes it easier to read on other devices' connection lists.
As you type, you'll see the new name appear in the field. When you're satisfied with the name, tap the Done button in the top right corner of the keyboard, or straightforward tap anywhere outside the text field. Your iPhone will save the change when ready — you don't need to restart or confirm anything else.
What Characters and Symbols Work
You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and most common punctuation marks in your device name. Emoji are supported and can make your device name stand out in a crowded list of iPhones. Avoid using quotation marks or forward slashes, as some older devices or networks may have trouble displaying names with these characters.
If you're naming your iPhone for a specific purpose — like "Kitchen iPad" (if using an iPad), "Work iPhone," or "Guest Device" — choose a name that will be clear to anyone who needs to connect to it. If you're the only person using the device, you can be creative with the name without worrying about confusion.
When the Device Name Shows Up
Your device name appears in several places. When you turn on Wi-Fi and look at available networks, your iPhone's name shows up in the list of devices connected to that network (visible to anyone on the same network). When you use AirDrop to share files with nearby devices, your iPhone's name is what appears to the other person. If you pair your iPhone with a Bluetooth speaker, headphones, or car stereo, the device name is what shows up in the pairing list.
On a Mac or Windows computer, if you sync your iPhone wirelessly or use iCloud, the device name appears in Finder (Mac) or in your iCloud account settings (Windows). This is especially useful if you own multiple Apple devices — a clear name makes it straightforward to pick the right device when backing up or syncing.
Changing the Name on Different iOS Versions
The steps to change your device name are the same on iPhone models running iOS 16 and newer. If you're using an older version of iOS, the path is still Settings > General > About, and the Name field is in the same location. Apple has kept this feature in the same place for many years, so the process is consistent whether you have an iPhone 12, iPhone 14, or the latest model.
If you can't find the Name field in About, make sure you're running a current version of iOS. You can check your iOS version in Settings > General > Software Update. Updating to the latest version is also a good idea for security and performance, even if you don't plan to change your device name.
Troubleshooting If the Change Won't Save
In rare cases, the device name change may not stick. If you edit the name, tap Done, but then see the old name when you return to the About screen, try restarting your iPhone. Press and hold the side button and one of the volume buttons until the power-off slider appears, then slide to power off. Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.
If the name still won't change after a restart, check that you have enough storage space on your iPhone — Settings > General > iPhone Storage will show you how much space is available. A device with almost no free space sometimes has trouble saving changes. If storage is very low, delete some photos, videos, or apps to free up space, then try changing the name again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use special characters or emoji in my iPhone's name?
Yes, emoji work fine and can make your device name more distinctive. Most punctuation marks are safe, but avoid quotation marks and forward slashes, as some older devices may not display them correctly. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and common symbols for the widest compatibility.
Will changing my device name affect my iCloud account or data?
No. Changing the device name only changes the label that appears when you connect to networks or pair with other devices. Your iCloud account, photos, messages, and all your data remain exactly the same. The change is purely cosmetic.
What happens if I change my device name while connected to Wi-Fi?
Nothing negative — the change takes effect when ready even while you're connected. Other devices on the network may take a few seconds to recognize the new name, but you don't need to disconnect or reconnect to Wi-Fi for the change to work.
Can I change my device name back to the original "John's iPhone" format?
Yes, you can type any name you want, including the original format. Just go back to Settings > General > About, tap the Name field, and type the name you want. There's no way to automatically restore the original name, so you'll need to type it manually if you remember what it was.
Why would I want to change my device name?
A custom name makes it easier to identify your iPhone when connecting to Wi-Fi, pairing with Bluetooth devices, or using AirDrop. If you own multiple Apple devices, clear names like "Work iPhone" or "Sarah's iPad" prevent confusion. Some people also change the name for privacy or personal preference.