You can rename apps on your iPhone in two ways: by editing the home screen name or by changing the Siri name that appears in search
The simplest method is to long-press the app icon on your home screen, tap "Rename," and type a new name. This changes only what you see on your home screen — the app itself keeps its original name in the App Store and in Siri search. If you want to change what Siri calls the app when you search for it, you'll need to use a different method: create a Shortcut that renames the app in your system. Both approaches take less than a minute.
Home screen renaming works on iPhone 13 and newer models running iOS 16 or later. If you have an older iPhone, this rename option may not appear in the menu. The renamed app will still respond to its original name in Siri search and will show its official name in the App Store.
Key Takeaways
- Long-pressing an app icon and selecting "Rename" changes only the home screen label, not the app's official name in search or the App Store.
- Renaming on the home screen works on iPhone 13 and newer; older models may not have this option.
- To change the name Siri uses when you search, you must create a Shortcut that renames the app in your system.
- Both methods are reversible — you can always change the name back or delete a custom name to restore the original.
Renaming an app on your home screen
Open your home screen and locate the app you want to rename. Press and hold the app icon until a menu appears with several options. Look for the "Rename" option and tap it. A text field will appear showing the app's current name, highlighted and ready to edit.
Delete the existing text and type your new name. You can use any text you want — a nickname, an emoji, a shorter version of the name, or something completely different. When you're finished typing, tap outside the text field or press the return key. The app icon will now display your new name on the home screen.
Changing the name Siri uses to find the app
If you want to change what Siri calls the app when you search for it, you'll need to create a Shortcut. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone (it comes pre-installed). Tap the "+" button to create a new shortcut, then tap "Add Action."
Search for "Open App" and select it. Choose the app you want to rename from the list. Now tap the three dots in the top right corner of the shortcut and select "Details." Under "Shortcut Name," type the new name you want Siri to recognize. Save the shortcut by tapping "Done."
From now on, when you ask Siri to open that app by the new name, it will work. The original app name will still work too — Siri will recognize both. This method is more powerful than home screen renaming because it changes how the system itself refers to the app, not just what you see on your screen.
Renaming apps in folders
Apps inside folders can be renamed the same way as apps on your home screen. Long-press the app icon, select "Rename," and type your new name. The folder itself doesn't need to be open — you can long-press the app even while it's inside a closed folder, and the rename menu will still appear.
If you want to rename the folder instead of the app inside it, long-press the folder icon and select "Rename Folder." This changes only the folder's label, not the apps within it. You can name folders anything you want — "Work," "Games," "Utilities," or any other label that helps you organize your home screen.
Reverting to the original app name
If you change your mind about a renamed app, you can easily change it back. Long-press the app icon and select "Rename" again. Delete your custom name and type the original app name, or leave the field empty and tap outside it. The app will revert to showing its default name on your home screen.
For apps renamed through Shortcuts, you can either delete the shortcut entirely or rename it back to the original app name. Deleting the shortcut removes the custom name from Siri search, but the original app will still be there and searchable by its official name.
What happens when you update an app
If you rename an app and then update it from the App Store, your custom name will stay in place. The app's functionality updates, but the name you gave it on your home screen remains unchanged. This is true whether you renamed it directly on the home screen or through a Shortcut.
If the app is removed from your home screen and you re-read it later, it will appear with its original name again. Your custom name only persists as long as the renamed version stays on your home screen.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common mistake is expecting a home screen rename to change how Siri searches for the app. Siri will still recognize the app by its official name, even if you've renamed it on your home screen. If you need Siri to use a different name, create a Shortcut instead.
Another mistake is using very long names. While iPhone will accept long text, it may truncate the name on your home screen depending on your font size and icon layout. Keep custom names reasonably short — usually under 15 characters — so they display fully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rename apps that came pre-installed on my iPhone?
Yes. Apps like Mail, Calendar, Photos, and Settings can all be renamed using the same long-press method. Your custom names will stick even after iOS updates, though the app's official name in the App Store won't change.
Will renaming an app affect how it works or what it does?
No. Renaming only changes the label you see on your home screen or in Siri search. The app's function, settings, and data remain completely unchanged. It's purely cosmetic.
What if I rename an app and then can't find it?
Swipe down on your home screen to open search and type the new name you gave it. If you renamed it through a Shortcut, you can also search for the shortcut name. The original app name will still work in search too.
Can I use emojis or special characters in an app name?
Yes. You can type emojis, numbers, and most special characters into the rename field. This is useful if you want to mark an app with a symbol — for example, renaming Mail to "📧 Mail" or a work app to "💼 Slack."
Do renamed apps stay renamed if I back up and restore my iPhone?
Home screen renames usually survive a backup and restore, though this depends on your backup method. Shortcuts-based renames will restore if you back up to iCloud. To be safe, take a screenshot of your home screen before restoring so you remember which apps you renamed.