Change your iPhone name through Settings in three steps

Open Settings on your iPhone, tap General, then tap About. At the top of the About screen, you will see a field labeled Name with your current device name. Tap that field, delete the existing text, type your new name, and tap Done. The change takes effect when ready.

Your device name is what appears when you connect to Wi-Fi networks, pair with Bluetooth devices, or show up in AirDrop. It is also the name that displays when someone tries to connect to your iPhone as a hotspot. Changing it does not affect your Apple ID, iCloud account, or any of your data.

Key Takeaways

  • Your iPhone name is found in Settings > General > About, in the Name field at the top of the screen.
  • You can use any name you want, including spaces and special characters, up to 63 characters long.
  • The new name shows up when ready on Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices, and when sharing via AirDrop.
  • Changing your device name does not affect your Apple ID, iCloud account, or any stored data on your phone.

Where the device name appears

Your iPhone name shows up in several places. When you connect to a Wi-Fi network, your device name appears in the list of connected devices on your router. When you pair a Bluetooth speaker, headphones, or car system, that device displays your iPhone's name. If you use AirDrop to share files with nearby devices, your name is what other people see.

Your device name also appears when you set up a personal hotspot. Anyone looking for available Wi-Fi networks will see your iPhone's name in their list. This is why many people choose a name that is straightforward to recognize but does not reveal personal information.

Naming rules and what to avoid

Apple allows up to 63 characters in your device name, so you have room for a descriptive name. You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and most special characters. There is no restriction on what you type — you could name your phone "Sarah's iPhone" or "Kitchen iPad" or anything else.

The only practical consideration is that other people will see this name. If your phone is set to discoverable for AirDrop or Bluetooth, choose a name you are comfortable with others seeing. Some people use their first name, others use a location or descriptor like "Home iPhone" or "Work Device." Avoid names that reveal sensitive information like your full address or financial details.

Why you might want to change your device name

If you inherited a used iPhone or received a hand-me-down, the old owner's name may still be attached. Changing it to your own name makes it clear who the device belongs to. If you have multiple Apple devices, giving each one a distinct name makes it easier to manage them — for example, "Sarah's iPhone," "Sarah's iPad," and "Sarah's MacBook."

You might also change your device name if you are troubleshooting a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection issue. Occasionally, renaming the device and re-pairing it can resolve connection problems. Additionally, if you share your home Wi-Fi with family members, a clear device name helps everyone identify which phone or tablet is which.

How to change your name on older iPhone models

The process is identical on all iPhone models running iOS 5 and later, which includes every iPhone still in use. Go to Settings > General > About, tap the Name field, and edit it. The steps are the same whether you have an iPhone 15, iPhone 12, or an older model.

If you are using an iPad or Mac, the process is similar but the menu location differs slightly. On iPad, it is Settings > General > About > Name. On Mac, it is System Settings > General > About, then click the Edit button next to the device name. The concept is the same across all Apple devices.

What happens to your old device name

Once you change your device name, the old name is replaced completely. It does not appear anywhere on your phone or in your iCloud account. If you had previously connected to a Bluetooth device using the old name, that device may still have the old name stored in its memory, but your iPhone will now show up under the new name when you reconnect.

If you change your mind, you can always go back to Settings > General > About and change the name again. There is no limit to how many times you can rename your device, and no record is kept of previous names.

Syncing your device name across Apple devices

Your iPhone name is specific to that device only. If you have an iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch, each one has its own separate device name. Changing your iPhone's name does not change the names of your other devices. You will need to change each device individually if you want them all to have related names.

Your device name is not connected to your Apple ID or iCloud account. If you sign out of iCloud or change your Apple ID password, your device name stays the same. The name is purely a local identifier for that specific iPhone.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, you can use emoji and most special characters in your device name. Apple does not restrict the characters you can type in the Name field. However, some older Bluetooth devices may not display special characters correctly, so if you are pairing with older equipment, a straightforward name with letters and numbers works best.

Will changing my device name affect my Apple ID or iCloud?

No. Your device name and your Apple ID are completely separate. Changing your iPhone's name does not change your Apple ID, iCloud account, or any of your passwords. Your data and account information remain untouched.

What if I cannot find the Name field in Settings?

Make sure you are in the right location: Settings > General > About. The Name field is at the very top of the About screen. If you do not see it, restart your iPhone and try again. If the field is grayed out or locked, you may need to update your iOS version.

Do I need to restart my iPhone after changing its name?

No restart is necessary. The new name takes effect when ready. Bluetooth devices and Wi-Fi networks will show the updated name the next time you connect or the next time they scan for available devices.

Can someone else change my iPhone's name?

Only someone with access to your iPhone and knowledge of your passcode can change the device name. The Name field is in Settings, which is protected by your passcode. If you have Screen Time enabled with restrictions, you can prevent changes to certain settings, but the device name is not typically restricted.