Rename Your Apple TV in Settings

You can change your Apple TV's name directly from the device itself using the Settings app. This name appears in AirPlay menus, on your home network, and in the Home app if you use HomeKit. The process takes about two minutes and requires only your remote.

Start by opening Settings on your Apple TV. Use the remote to navigate to AirPlay and HomeKit, then select AirPlay. You will see a field labeled Name with your current device name. Press the remote's select button to edit it. The on-screen keyboard will appear — use the remote to highlight each letter and select it. When you finish typing the new name, select Done. Your Apple TV will save the change when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • The fastest way to rename your Apple TV is through Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > AirPlay on the device itself.
  • Your Apple TV's name shows up in AirPlay menus on other devices, so choose something you will recognize in a list.
  • If you use HomeKit, rename the device in the Home app instead to keep your smart home setup organized.
  • The name change takes effect when ready and does not require restarting your Apple TV.

Rename Your Apple TV from the Home App

If your Apple TV is set up as a HomeKit hub, you can also rename it through the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. This method is useful if you want to organize multiple devices or if you prefer to make changes from another device.

Open the Home app and find your Apple TV in the list of devices. Tap or click the device, then tap or click the settings icon (usually a gear or three dots). Look for the name field and select it to edit. Type the new name and confirm. The change will sync to your Apple TV within a few seconds.

What Name Should You Choose

Pick a name that describes the room or purpose of the device. Common examples are "Living Room Apple TV," "Bedroom Apple TV," or "Kitchen Apple TV." This makes it straightforward to find the right device when you are using AirPlay from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to send video or audio to a specific room.

Avoid names with special characters like asterisks, slashes, or quotation marks, as these can cause problems on some networks. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and hyphens. Keep the name under 32 characters so it displays fully in AirPlay menus.

Where the Name Appears

Once you rename your Apple TV, the new name shows up in several places. When you use AirPlay on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, your Apple TV will appear in the AirPlay menu under the new name. If you share your Wi-Fi network with guests or family members, they will see the renamed device when they look for AirPlay targets.

The name also appears in your router's device list if you check your network settings, and in the Home app if HomeKit is enabled. If you use Siri voice commands, you can say the device name to control it — for example, "Hey Siri, play this on Living Room Apple TV."

Troubleshooting a Name That Won't Change

If you rename your Apple TV but the change does not appear in AirPlay menus on other devices, wait a few minutes for the network to update. Sometimes your iPhone, iPad, or Mac caches the old name and needs time to refresh.

If the name still does not update after five minutes, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart. Then restart the device you are using to access AirPlay — for example, restart your iPhone or Mac. This clears the cached name from both devices and forces them to recognize the new one.

Renaming Multiple Apple TVs

If you have more than one Apple TV in your home, give each one a distinct name based on location. "Living Room," "Bedroom," and "Kitchen" are clear and straightforward to remember. Avoid generic names like "Apple TV 1" and "Apple TV 2" because they become confusing when you are trying to send video to a specific room.

If you use HomeKit, the Home app lets you organize devices by room, which makes it even easier to find the right Apple TV. You can rename devices in bulk from the Home app if you are setting up multiple devices at once.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use emoji in my Apple TV name?

Most Apple TV models do not display emoji in the name field, and some networks may not handle them correctly. Stick to standard letters, numbers, spaces, and hyphens to avoid compatibility problems across devices and networks.

Does renaming my Apple TV affect my subscriptions or accounts?

No. Renaming your device does not change your Apple ID, iCloud account, or any streaming service logins. It only changes the name that appears in AirPlay menus and on your network.

What happens if two Apple TVs have the same name?

Your network will still work, but AirPlay menus may show both devices with identical names, making it hard to tell which is which. Give each device a unique name so you can target the correct one when sending audio or video.

Can I rename my Apple TV without using the remote?

Yes, if your Apple TV is set up as a HomeKit hub, you can rename it entirely from the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac without touching the remote. This is often faster than using the on-screen keyboard.