Where to find the iPhone name setting

Your iPhone's name is the label it uses when connecting to Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices, and iCloud. You change it in the Settings app under General, in a section called "About." The name appears on that screen as "Name" at the very top of the list.

Open Settings, tap General, then scroll to the bottom and tap About. The first line shows your current iPhone name. Tap on it to edit.

When you tap the name field, the keyboard appears and you can delete the old name and type a new one. The field accepts up to 32 characters, including letters, numbers, spaces, and most punctuation marks.

Key Takeaways

  • Your iPhone name lives in Settings > General > About, at the very top of the About screen.
  • Tap the name field once to edit it, then type your new name and tap Done.
  • The name can be up to 32 characters long and appears when you connect to Wi-Fi or pair with Bluetooth devices.
  • Changing the name takes effect when ready and does not affect your data, photos, or apps.
  • If you cannot find the name field, make sure you are on the About screen and not in a different Settings section.

What the iPhone name is used for

The iPhone name is what other devices see when you connect. When you pair your iPhone with a Bluetooth speaker, the speaker's screen shows your iPhone's name. When you join a Wi-Fi network, the network owner can see your iPhone's name in their router settings.

The name also appears in AirDrop, the feature that lets you send files between Apple devices. If you use AirDrop to share photos or documents with friends, they see your iPhone's name on their screen when you send something.

In iCloud, your iPhone name helps you identify which device is which if you own multiple Apple devices. When you use Find My iPhone to locate a lost device, the name appears in the list so you know which one you are looking for.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your home screen.

Step 2: Tap General (it is near the top of the list).

Step 3: Scroll down and tap About. This is the last item in the General menu.

Step 4: Look at the first line on the About screen. It shows your current iPhone name.

Step 5: Tap the name field once. The keyboard will appear and the text will be selected.

Step 6: Delete the old name by tapping the X button on the keyboard, or select all and delete.

Step 7: Type your new name using the keyboard.

Step 8: Tap Done in the top right corner of the keyboard. The new name saves when ready.

Naming tips and character limits

You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and punctuation in your iPhone name. Avoid very long names because some devices truncate them on their screens. A name between 10 and 20 characters is usually readable everywhere.

Some people use their own name, like "Sarah's iPhone." Others use a location or purpose, like "Kitchen iPad" or "Bedroom Speaker." The name is for your own organization and to help others identify your device when connecting.

Emojis do not work in the iPhone name field. If you try to paste an emoji, it will not appear. Stick to standard keyboard characters.

When the name change takes effect

The new name takes effect when ready after you tap Done. You do not need to restart your iPhone. The next time you connect to a Bluetooth device or use AirDrop, the new name will appear.

If a device was already paired with your iPhone under the old name, it may still show the old name until you unpair and re-pair it. To update a Bluetooth connection, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the device name, and tap Forget This Device. Then pair it again.

Troubleshooting if you cannot change the name

If the name field is grayed out or will not let you type, make sure you are on the About screen and not somewhere else in Settings. The name field only appears on the About page under General.

If you are still stuck, try closing Settings completely and opening it again. On newer iPhones, swipe up from the bottom to close the app. On older models with a home button, double-tap the home button and swipe Settings up.

If the keyboard does not appear when you tap the name, try tapping it again. Sometimes a single tap selects the field but does not open the keyboard. A second tap usually brings it up.

Changing the name on other Apple devices

If you own an iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch, each device has its own name that you change the same way. On iPad, go to Settings > General > About and tap the name. On Mac, go to System Settings > General > About and click the Edit button next to the device name. On Apple Watch, open the Watch app on your paired iPhone, go to General > About, and tap the name.

Each device's name is separate. Changing your iPhone name does not change your iPad name or any other device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my iPhone name affect my data or apps?

No. Changing the name does not touch your photos, messages, contacts, or any apps. It only changes the label your iPhone uses when connecting to other devices. Your data stays exactly as it is.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my iPhone name?

Yes. You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and most punctuation marks. Emojis do not work. Keep the name under 32 characters so it displays fully on other devices.

Why does my Bluetooth speaker still show the old name after I changed it?

The speaker remembers the old pairing. Unpair it by going to Settings > Bluetooth, tapping the speaker name, and selecting Forget This Device. Then pair it again and it will show the new name.

What happens if I do not give my iPhone a custom name?

Your iPhone comes with a default name like "John's iPhone" or "[Your Name]'s iPhone" based on your Apple ID. You can leave it as is or change it to anything you prefer. Both work the same way.

Can I change my iPhone name from another device?

No. You must change it directly on the iPhone itself using the Settings app. You cannot change it from a Mac, iPad, or computer.