Where your name appears on your iPhone and why it matters
Your iPhone stores your name in two separate places, and changing it depends on which one you want to update. The first is your Apple ID name, which appears when you send iMessages, make FaceTime calls, share files through AirDrop, and post to shared photo albums. The second is your device name, which is what your iPhone calls itself when it connects to Wi-Fi networks, appears in your iCloud account, and shows up when you pair it with other devices like AirPods or Apple Watches.
Most people want to change their Apple ID name because that is what friends and family see. But if you are selling your phone, giving it to someone else, or just want it to show something different on your home network, you might need to change the device name instead. Both changes take less than five minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Your Apple ID name is what appears to other people in Messages, FaceTime, and AirDrop — change it in Settings > [Your Name] > Name.
- Your device name is what your iPhone calls itself on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth — change it in Settings > General > About > Name.
- Changing your Apple ID name does not affect your email address or password, only how you appear to contacts.
- You can use your full name, a nickname, or any text you want for either setting — there are no restrictions on what you enter.
- Changes take effect immediately on your iPhone and sync to other devices signed into the same Apple ID within a few minutes.
How to change your Apple ID name
Open Settings and tap your name at the very top of the screen. This takes you to your Apple ID account page. Tap Name — it is the first option in the list. You will see two fields: one for your first name and one for your last name. Edit these to whatever you want, then tap Done in the top right corner.
Your new name will show up immediately in Messages, FaceTime, and other Apple services. If you use the same Apple ID on an iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch, the name change will sync to those devices within a few minutes. Your email address and password do not change — only the name that appears to other people.
How to change your device name
Open Settings and go to General. Scroll down and tap About. At the very top, you will see Name with your current device name next to it. Tap on the name field and type whatever you want — this can be anything from "Sarah's iPhone" to "Kitchen iPad" to just a single word.
Tap Done when you are finished. The new name takes effect immediately. The next time you connect to Wi-Fi or pair a Bluetooth device, it will show the updated name. If you have multiple Apple devices, each one has its own separate device name, so changing one does not affect the others.
What happens when you change your name on a shared family account
If your iPhone is part of a Family Sharing group, changing your Apple ID name only affects how you appear to other family members — it does not change anyone else's settings or access. Your family members will see your new name in shared photo albums, shared calendars, and when you send them messages.
If a parent or guardian manages your account through Family Sharing, they can change your name from their own device by going to Settings > Family > [Your Name] > Edit. You will see the change reflected on your iPhone the next time it syncs.
Changing your name if you cannot access Settings
If you forgot your Apple ID password or cannot get into Settings for another reason, you can change your name through iCloud.com on any computer or another device. Go to iCloud.com, sign in with your Apple ID, click your name in the top right, and select Account Settings. From there, click Edit next to your name and make your changes.
You can also change your device name from a Mac or iPad that is signed into the same Apple ID. On a Mac, go to System Settings > General > About and click the device name field. On an iPad, use the same path as your iPhone: Settings > General > About > Name.
Why you might see your old name in some places
After you change your Apple ID name, you might still see the old name in some apps or services for a day or two. This happens because some apps cache your name locally and do not refresh immediately. Restarting your iPhone usually fixes this. If you use third-party messaging apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, those apps have their own separate name settings and will not change when you update your Apple ID name.
If you changed your device name and it still shows the old name on your Wi-Fi network, restart your iPhone and reconnect to the network. If you are pairing a new Bluetooth device and it still shows the old name, forget the device in Settings > Bluetooth, restart your iPhone, and pair it again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing my name on my iPhone change my Apple ID email address?
No. Your Apple ID email address stays the same. Changing your name only changes what appears to other people in Messages and FaceTime — your login credentials and recovery email do not change.
Can I use special characters or emojis in my device name?
Yes, you can use most special characters and emojis in your device name. However, some characters like quotation marks or very long strings of text might cause issues with certain networks or devices, so keep it simple if you run into problems.
If I change my name, will my contacts see the old name in old messages?
No. When you change your Apple ID name, it updates retroactively in message threads and conversation lists. Your contacts will see your new name even in old conversations.
What is the difference between my Apple ID name and my contact card name?
Your Apple ID name is what you set in Settings > [Your Name] > Name and is what appears to others in Apple services. Your contact card name is what you set in the Contacts app and is only visible to people you have added as contacts. You can have different names in each place.
Can I change my name back to what it was before?
Yes. Go back to Settings > [Your Name] > Name or Settings > General > About > Name and type your old name. There is no limit to how many times you can change it.