How to Change iPhone Device Name

What You’ll Need

Your iPhone with the latest iOS version installed (the steps are similar on older versions).
Your passcode or Face ID/Touch ID if you have restrictions enabled (rarely needed for this change).

Step-by-Step

Open Settings – Tap the gray gear icon on your home screen or in your App Library. It’s usually on the first page.
Go to General – Scroll down slightly and tap “General.” This menu contains device management options.
Tap About – Near the top of the General screen, tap “About.” You’ll see device details like storage, serial number, and the current name.
Tap the Name field – The first row in About shows “Name” with your current device name (e.g., “iPhone” or “John’s iPhone”). Tap that row.
Type the new name and save – Use the keyboard to delete the old name and type the new one. Tap “Done” on the keyboard (or tap anywhere outside the text field) to save. The change applies immediately.

Common Mistakes

Forgetting to tap Done – If you just exit Settings after typing, the name may not save. Always tap “Done” on the keyboard or tap the back arrow to return.
Using unsupported characters – Some symbols (like emojis) may be accepted, but they can cause issues with older devices or certain apps. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and hyphens.
Changing the wrong field – Make sure you tap “Name,” not “Device Name” (if you see both) or other fields like “Model.” The name is the top row in About.
Expecting the change to affect iCloud email – The device name is separate from your Apple ID name. Changing it won’t alter your Apple ID or email address.

Tips

Make it identifiable – Use a name like “Sarah’s iPhone” or “iPhone 14 Pro” so you can easily spot it in AirDrop and Bluetooth lists.
Keep it short – Long names may get truncated in some menus. Aim for under 20 characters.
Use the same name for multiple devices – If you have an iPad and an iPhone, give them distinct names (e.g., “Sarah’s iPhone” vs. “Sarah’s iPad”) to avoid confusion.
Check other devices – After renaming, your iPhone will appear with the new name on your Mac, Windows PC, or other devices within seconds.

Troubleshooting

The name doesn’t change – Force-quit Settings (swipe up from the bottom and hold, then swipe the Settings app away) and reopen it. If that fails, restart your iPhone (press and hold the side button and volume button until the slider appears, then slide to power off and turn back on).
The old name still shows in AirDrop or Bluetooth – This is often because the other device has cached the old name. Turn Bluetooth off and on, or wait a few minutes. On your Mac, go to Finder > AirDrop and refresh.
You get an error saying the name is already in use – This can happen if another device on your iCloud account has the same name. Add a number or your initials to make it unique.
You can’t find the Name field – If you’re on an older iOS version (pre-iOS 14), go to Settings > General > About and look for “Name” at the top. If you still can’t find it, update your iPhone via Settings > General > Software Update.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my iPhone name affect my Apple ID?

No. Your Apple ID is tied to your email and password. The device name is just a label for that specific iPhone.

Can I use emojis in my iPhone name?

Yes, you can, but they may not display correctly on non-Apple devices or older systems. It’s safer to stick to standard characters.

Why does my iPhone name keep reverting to “iPhone”?

This can happen if you restore your iPhone from a backup or update iOS. You’ll need to rename it again after such events.

Does the device name affect how it appears in iCloud?

Yes. In iCloud settings and on iCloud.com, your device is listed by its name. Changing it updates that listing.

Can I have two iPhones with the same name?

Technically yes, but it can cause confusion in AirDrop and Find My. Use unique names to avoid mix-ups.

Is there a way to rename my iPhone from a computer?

Yes. When you connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC and open Finder (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (Windows or older macOS), you can click the device and rename it in the summary tab.

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