To change the name of your iPhone, open Settings > General > About > Name, remove the existing name and enter a new one. Return to About to check that the Name row shows your change.
I recommend choosing something you can recognize quickly, especially when several iPhones appear nearby. You can rename your phone without changing your Apple Account, phone number or the name other people have saved for you in Contacts.
Change your iPhone name in Settings
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap General.
- Select About.
- Tap Name at the top of the device information.
- Tap the clear-text button to remove the old name, then type the name you want.
- Finish editing using Done or the confirmation key if shown, then return to About and check the Name row.
For example, you could change “iPhone” to “Work iPhone” or “Alex’s Phone.” There is no need to sign out, erase the device or install an app. Apple lists this same Settings route in its iPhone naming instructions.
The About page also shows details such as your model and software version. Edit the Name field, rather than looking for a way to change Model Name.
Where will the new name appear?
Your device name helps identify the phone to other devices and Apple services. Apple says it is used by iCloud, AirDrop, Bluetooth, Personal Hotspot and your computer.
- Personal Hotspot: The hotspot uses your iPhone’s device name. Renaming the phone also changes the name nearby devices look for when connecting to its hotspot.
- Your computer: The name helps distinguish this iPhone when you connect it to a Mac or PC.
- Bluetooth and AirDrop: The device name can identify the phone, although a saved contact identity or another device’s remembered label may affect what you see.
For hotspot naming, you do not need to hunt for a separate network-name box under Personal Hotspot. Apple confirms that you change it through General > About > Name. Renaming the phone does not itself change the hotspot’s Wi-Fi password.
Before sending files, still check that you have selected the intended person or device. My guide to sending photos and videos with AirDrop explains the sharing process.
Why does AirDrop still show a different name?
An AirDrop identity is not always a direct copy of the Name field. When Apple recognizes someone through Contacts, AirDrop can display that person’s contact name and photo. Changing the phone’s device name does not rewrite the contact card saved on someone else’s iPhone.
Start by checking Settings > General > About > Name. If your new name appears there, the device-name edit has been saved. Then close and reopen the AirDrop view on the other device before checking again.
A missing recipient is a separate issue from a name you do not recognize. For discovery or failed-transfer problems, use my AirDrop troubleshooting guide.
Your device name, Apple Account name and accessory names are separate
The name at the top of Settings belongs to your Apple Account. The Name field under About labels the iPhone itself. You do not need to edit your account’s personal information to rename the phone.
Likewise, changing “Work iPhone” to another name will not rename your AirPods, car stereo or Bluetooth speaker. Those accessories have their own names. For a supported connected accessory, open Settings > Bluetooth, tap its information button and look for Name. Not every accessory provides a rename option.
NameDrop also shares contact information, so renaming the iPhone should not be treated as a way to change the name on your contact card.
The old name still appears, or the field cannot be edited
The old name remains in About: Open Name again, re-enter your choice and return to About. If the change still will not persist, restart the iPhone and try again.
About is correct, but another device shows the old name: Refresh the relevant device list or reconnect when convenient. A car stereo or another previously paired device may retain a saved label. Check that device’s own naming options before deleting a working pairing.
The phone belongs to your workplace or school: Device management can restrict renaming. Ask the administrator if the field is unavailable or the name keeps reverting. Removing management is not necessary just to investigate the label.
I would use a recognizable name that avoids unnecessary personal details, since it may appear to nearby devices. You can change it again through the same Name field whenever you need a different label.
