Change Your iPhone Device Name in Apple ID

Changing your iPhone’s device name makes it easier to recognize in your Apple Account device list and in places such as AirDrop, Find My, and a computer’s device list. The name is changed on the iPhone itself; there usually isn’t a separate rename control in the Apple Account device list.

Before starting, make sure you can unlock the iPhone and know which Apple Account is signed in. Apple may call this an “Apple Account” rather than an “Apple ID.” Menu labels can vary slightly by iOS version.

What You’ll Need

The iPhone you want to rename, unlocked.
Access to the iPhone’s Settings app.
An internet connection if you want to check that the updated name has appeared in your Apple Account device list.

Step-by-Step

Open Settings. On the iPhone you want to rename, open the Settings app. Confirm that this is the device whose name you want to change.
Open the device name setting. Tap General, then tap About. Menu paths can differ slightly by iOS version, but the device name is normally shown near the top of the About screen.
Tap Name. Select the current name at the top of the page. If an editing field appears, tap it and remove or replace the existing text.
Enter and save the new name. Type a clear name, such as “Alex’s iPhone,” then tap Done on the keyboard. If your screen presents a different save control, use the one shown. Return to About and check that the new name is displayed.
Check the Apple Account device list. On the iPhone, open Settings and tap your name at the top to view the Apple Account page. Scroll to the device list and look for the iPhone under its new name. The list may take time to refresh; reopening it or checking again after the phone has internet access can help.

Common Mistakes

Looking for a rename button in the account list. The Apple Account device list generally displays the name set on the device. Change it in Settings > General > About > Name instead.
Renaming the wrong device. If you own or use several iPhones, check the model and current name before editing. Changing a device name affects that iPhone, not every device signed in to the account.
Confusing the device name with the account name. The device name identifies the iPhone. Your Apple Account name is a separate profile detail; changing it is not necessary to rename the phone.
Expecting every screen to update at once. AirDrop, Find My, a computer, and the Apple Account device list may refresh at different times. Verify the name in Settings first, then allow connected services to update.
Using a name that is hard to identify. Avoid a vague label if you have multiple Apple devices. A short, distinct name makes it easier to select the right iPhone when sharing or managing devices.

Tips

Choose a name you can recognize in a crowded list, such as a first name plus “iPhone.” You do not need to include private details such as your phone number or address.
If you use AirDrop, naming the phone clearly can help others identify it. The name change does not alter your Apple Account email address, passcode, or contact details.
After renaming, check the places where you commonly look for the device. A computer or another Apple device may retain an older label temporarily, so refresh its device list if needed.
If you are selling, giving away, or trading in the iPhone, renaming alone does not remove your account or personal data. Follow Apple’s separate preparation and erase instructions for that situation.

Troubleshooting

The Name field is not editable: Make sure you are on the iPhone itself and have opened Settings > General > About, rather than viewing the device list on another device. Unlock the iPhone and try tapping the displayed name. If the interface differs, check the current iOS version’s Settings layout; menu labels can change slightly.

The new name does not appear in the Apple Account list: First return to About and confirm the new name was saved. Make sure the iPhone is signed in to the Apple Account you are checking and has an internet connection. Close and reopen the account device list, or check again later. Avoid removing the device from the account just to force a refresh.

A different name appears in AirDrop or on a computer: Confirm the iPhone’s name in Settings. Then refresh the receiving device’s list or reconnect the iPhone to the computer. If the old name remains only in one app or computer, it may be a cached label rather than a failure to rename the phone.

You cannot access the Apple Account page: The rename can still be made in the iPhone’s About settings, but checking the account list requires access to the account. If you are signed in to a different account, verify the account shown at the top of Settings before expecting the phone to appear in the list you intended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my iPhone name directly in Apple ID settings?

Usually, no. Rename the iPhone in Settings > General > About > Name. The Apple Account device list reflects the name set on the device.

Will changing the device name change my Apple Account name?

No. The device name identifies the iPhone. Your Apple Account profile name and sign-in details are separate.

Does renaming my iPhone erase anything?

No. Changing the name does not erase apps, photos, or other data, and it does not sign you out of your Apple Account.

Why does the old name still appear on another device?

That device or app may not have refreshed its list yet. Check the saved name on the iPhone, then reopen the list or reconnect the devices and check again.

Can I use the same name on two iPhones?

You can, but distinct names are more useful when selecting a device in AirDrop, Find My, or a computer’s device list.

Sources: Apple Support. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.