The quickest way to rename a Bluetooth device
To change a Bluetooth device name on iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth, find the device in the list, tap the info icon (the small circle with an "i"), and select Name. Type the new name and tap Done. The change takes effect when ready on your iPhone, though the device itself may still show the old name on other phones or computers until you rename it there too.
This method works for any Bluetooth device paired with your iPhone: headphones, speakers, smartwatches, car systems, and fitness trackers. The name you enter appears only on your iPhone — it does not change the device's name globally unless you also rename it through the device's own settings or app.
Key Takeaways
- Open Settings, tap Bluetooth, find your device, tap the info icon, select Name, and type the new name.
- The name change appears only on your iPhone unless you also rename the device in its own settings or companion app.
- You can rename a device even while it is connected to your iPhone.
- If the info icon does not appear next to a device, that device may not support custom naming through iPhone settings.
Step-by-step instructions for renaming
Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap Bluetooth. Wait a moment for the list of paired devices to load.
Look for the device you want to rename in the list. Tap the small circle with an "i" next to its name — this is the info button. A menu will open showing details about that device. Tap Name at the top of this menu.
The current name will appear in a text field. Delete the old name and type the new one. Tap Done in the upper right corner. Your iPhone will save the change when ready, and the new name will appear in your Bluetooth list right away.
When the info icon does not appear
Some older or simpler Bluetooth devices do not allow custom naming through iPhone settings. If you do not see an info icon next to a device name, that device likely does not support this feature. In that case, you will need to rename it using the device's own app or settings menu instead.
Check the device's manual or the manufacturer's website to find out how to rename it. Many modern devices have a companion app (like Beats, Sony, or Bose apps) where you can change the name directly. Others have a button or menu on the device itself where you can enter a new name.
The difference between iPhone name and device name
When you rename a device in iPhone Settings, you are only changing what that device is called on your iPhone. The device itself still has its original name, and that name will appear on any other phone, computer, or tablet it connects to.
If you want the device to have the same name everywhere, you need to rename it in two places: once in your iPhone Settings (the way described above) and once in the device's own settings or app. For example, if you rename your AirPods in iPhone Settings to "Sarah's AirPods", but do not change the name in the AirPods settings, they will still show as "AirPods" when you pair them with a Mac or iPad.
Renaming devices through their own apps
Many Bluetooth devices come with a companion app that lets you rename them directly on the device itself. Open the app, look for a settings or device name option, and enter the new name there. This change will then appear on all your devices, not just your iPhone.
Popular examples include the Beats app for Beats headphones, the Sony Headphones Connect app for Sony devices, and the Bose Connect app for Bose speakers. If your device has an app, renaming through the app is often easier and more reliable than renaming through iPhone Settings, because the change syncs across all your devices at once.
What to do if the name does not change
If you enter a new name but it does not appear in your Bluetooth list, try disconnecting and reconnecting the device. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the info icon next to the device, and select Forget This Device. Then turn off Bluetooth, wait five seconds, turn it back on, and pair the device again. Sometimes this resets the connection and makes the name change stick.
If the name still does not change, the device may not support custom naming through iPhone Settings. In that case, check whether the device has a companion app or a settings menu on the device itself where you can rename it. You can also try renaming it on a different device (like a Mac or Android phone) to see whether the issue is specific to your iPhone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change a Bluetooth device name while it is connected?
Yes. You can rename a device at any time, whether it is currently connected to your iPhone or not. The change takes effect when ready and does not interrupt the connection.
Will renaming a device on my iPhone change its name on my Mac or iPad?
No. Renaming a device in iPhone Settings changes only the name on your iPhone. If you want the same name on your Mac or iPad, you will need to rename it separately on those devices, or rename it through the device's own app or settings.
What if I forget what I named a device?
Open Settings > Bluetooth and look at the list of paired devices. The name you gave it will appear there. If you want to change it again, tap the info icon and select Name.
Can I use special characters or emoji in a device name?
Most devices accept letters, numbers, and common punctuation marks. Some devices may not accept emoji or special characters. If you try to enter a character and it does not appear, try using only letters, numbers, spaces, and hyphens instead.
Does renaming a device affect how it works?
No. Renaming a device changes only what it is called in your list — it does not change any settings, features, or performance. The device will work exactly the same way with a new name as it did with the old one.