Where to find the device name setting on your iPhone

Your iPhone's device name is the label it shows when you connect to Wi-Fi networks, pair with Bluetooth devices, or sync with a computer. You change it in the Settings app under a section called "General," then "About." The name appears at the very top of the About screen — it's the first line you'll see, and it's editable.

The exact path is: open Settings, tap General, scroll down and tap About, then tap the name field at the top. On newer iPhones running iOS 16 or later, you may see a pencil icon next to the name that you tap to edit. On older versions, you can usually tap the name directly to select and change it.

If you don't see an editable name field in About, make sure you're running the latest version of iOS. You can check this by going to Settings > General > Software Update. An outdated iOS version sometimes hides or locks this feature.

Key Takeaways

  • Your iPhone's device name is found in Settings > General > About, displayed as the first line on that screen.
  • You can edit the name by tapping it directly or tapping the pencil icon next to it, depending on your iOS version.
  • The device name is what appears when you connect to Wi-Fi, pair Bluetooth devices, or sync with a Mac or PC.
  • After you change the name, it takes effect when ready and will show up the next time you connect to a network or device.

What the device name controls and why you might change it

The device name is the identifier other devices and networks see when your iPhone is nearby. When you connect to a Wi-Fi network, the router logs your iPhone under that name. When you pair a Bluetooth speaker or car stereo, it remembers your iPhone by that name. If you use AirDrop to send files to nearby devices, the sender sees your device name in their list.

Many people change the default name — usually "John's iPhone" or "[Your Name]'s iPhone" — to something shorter or more personal. You might change it to just your first name, a nickname, or something descriptive like "Home Office iPhone." Some people change it for privacy reasons, to avoid broadcasting their full name on public Wi-Fi networks.

The device name does not affect how your iPhone works or its performance. It's purely a label for identification. Changing it won't speed up your phone, change your data usage, or alter any settings beyond how other devices recognize yours.

Steps to change the name and what happens next

Open the Settings app on your home screen. Tap the gray gear icon if you're not already in Settings. Then tap "General" — it's usually near the top of the list. Scroll down until you see "About" and tap it.

At the very top of the About screen, you'll see your current device name. On iOS 16 and newer, look for a pencil icon or edit button next to the name. Tap it to enter edit mode. On older iOS versions, you can usually tap the name field directly. The text will highlight and become editable.

Delete the old name and type the new one. You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and most common punctuation. Keep it under 32 characters — longer names sometimes cause problems with older devices or networks. When you're done typing, tap "Done" or press the return key on the keyboard.

The change takes effect when ready. Your iPhone will use the new name the next time it connects to a Wi-Fi network, pairs with a Bluetooth device, or appears in an AirDrop list. You don't need to restart your phone.

Why your device name might not change or might revert

If you tap the name field and nothing happens, your iPhone may be in a restricted mode. This sometimes occurs if your phone is managed by a workplace or school. In that case, the device name is locked by the organization's mobile device management system, and you won't be able to change it yourself. Contact your IT department or administrator to request a name change.

If the name changes but then reverts back after a few minutes, your phone may be syncing with iCloud or a computer. During sync, your iPhone sometimes resets the name to match what's stored in your iCloud account or on your paired Mac or PC. Wait for the sync to finish, then try changing the name again. If it keeps reverting, check your iCloud settings or disconnect the computer sync temporarily.

Occasionally, a very long name or one with special characters can cause the change to fail silently. If you enter a name and it doesn't stick, try a shorter version with only letters and numbers. Names longer than 32 characters are most likely to cause this problem.

How the device name appears on different networks and devices

When you join a Wi-Fi network, the router's admin panel and any connected devices that show a device list will display your iPhone under the name you've set. On your home Wi-Fi, family members might see "Sarah's iPhone" in the connected devices list. On a public network at a coffee shop, other customers won't see your name — only the network operator can see it in their router logs.

When you pair a Bluetooth device like a speaker or car stereo, that device stores your iPhone's name in its memory. The next time you're near it, the speaker or car will show "Sarah's iPhone" in its list of available devices to connect to. If you change your iPhone's name later, the Bluetooth device will update to the new name the next time you connect.

AirDrop shows your device name to people nearby who have AirDrop turned on. If you're in a coffee shop and someone tries to AirDrop a file to you, they'll see your device name in their list. Changing your name here changes what they see.

Device name versus Apple ID and iCloud name

Your device name is separate from your Apple ID and your iCloud name. Your Apple ID is the email address you use to sign into your iPhone and access iCloud, the App Store, and other Apple services. Your iCloud name is what appears in the Find My app and in shared folders. Changing your device name does not change either of these.

If you want to change your Apple ID or iCloud name, those are different processes in different parts of Settings. Your device name is purely for local identification — it's what shows up on Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices, not in your Apple account.

Some people confuse these because they're all related to how your iPhone is identified. But they serve different purposes: the device name is for local networks, your Apple ID is for your account, and your iCloud name is for cloud services and sharing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my device name on a work or school iPhone?

If your iPhone is managed by your workplace or school, the device name is usually locked and cannot be changed. Contact your IT department or mobile device administrator. They can change it for you or unlock the setting if you have permission to do so.

Will changing my device name affect my backups or data?

No. Changing your device name does not affect your backups, photos, messages, or any other data on your phone. It's purely a label. Your backups will still work, and your data will remain exactly as it was.

What happens if I use special characters or emoji in the device name?

Most special characters and emoji work fine in device names. However, some older Wi-Fi routers or Bluetooth devices may not display them correctly. If you're having trouble connecting to a specific device after changing your name, try using only letters and numbers instead.

Do I need to restart my iPhone after changing the device name?

No restart is necessary. The new name takes effect when ready. The next time your iPhone connects to a Wi-Fi network or pairs with a Bluetooth device, it will use the new name.

Can other people see my device name on public Wi-Fi?

The general public cannot see your device name on public Wi-Fi. Only the network operator (the coffee shop, library, or business running the network) can see it in their router logs. Other customers on the same network cannot see your device name.