Where to find the Bluetooth name setting on your device

The steps to change your Bluetooth name depend on what device you're renaming — your phone, laptop, tablet, or headphones all store this setting in different places. On most devices, the Bluetooth name (also called the device name or host name) is the same as your overall device name, so changing one changes the other. Start by opening your device's settings app and looking for a section labeled "About," "Device Info," or "System."

The name your device broadcasts over Bluetooth is what other people see when they search for devices to connect to. This is different from the name you give to a device you're connecting to — that's stored on your phone or computer, not on the other device itself. If you want to rename a Bluetooth speaker or headphones, you'll need to change the name on that device, not on the phone connecting to it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your device's Bluetooth name is usually the same as its overall device name, found in Settings under "About" or "Device Info."
  • On iPhones and iPads, you change the Bluetooth name by renaming the device in Settings > General > About.
  • On Android phones, the Bluetooth name is in Settings > About Phone > Device Name or similar, and the exact path varies by manufacturer.
  • On Windows and Mac computers, Bluetooth name changes are in system settings but may require a restart to take effect.
  • Bluetooth speakers and headphones usually have their own name-change process, often through a companion app or a button combination.

Changing the Bluetooth name on an iPhone or iPad

On Apple devices, open Settings and tap General. Scroll down and tap About. At the top, you'll see a field labeled "Name" — this is your device's Bluetooth name. Tap it and type the new name you want. The name can be up to 32 characters and can include letters, numbers, and spaces. When you're done, tap Done or press the return key.

The change takes effect immediately, and the new name will appear to other devices the next time they search for Bluetooth connections. If you're already connected to another device, that connection stays active, but the name will update in that device's settings the next time it refreshes or the next time you disconnect and reconnect.

Changing the Bluetooth name on an Android phone

The exact path varies depending on your phone's manufacturer, but the general route is Settings > About Phone > Device Name. On Samsung phones, go to Settings > About Phone > Device Name. On Google Pixel phones, go to Settings > About Phone > Device Name. On other brands, the section might be labeled "Phone Info" or "Device Information" instead of "About Phone."

Once you find the Device Name field, tap it and type your new name. Android allows names up to 32 characters. After you save the change, it takes effect immediately. If you can't find the setting in the expected location, try searching for "device name" in your phone's Settings search bar — most Android phones have a search function at the top of the Settings app.

Changing the Bluetooth name on Windows

On Windows 10 and later, open Settings and go to System > About. Scroll down to the "Device name" section and click "Rename this PC." Type your new name and click Next. Windows will ask you to restart your computer for the change to take full effect, though the Bluetooth name may update before the restart completes.

The device name and Bluetooth name are the same on Windows, so changing one changes the other. If you're on an older version of Windows, the path may be slightly different — try right-clicking "This PC" or "My Computer" on your desktop, selecting Properties, and looking for a "Computer Name" or "Device Name" option.

Changing the Bluetooth name on a Mac

On a Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click General, then About. You'll see a field labeled "Computer Name" at the top — this is your Bluetooth name. Click it and type the new name you want. The change takes effect immediately without a restart needed.

The computer name and Bluetooth name are linked on macOS, so changing one updates the other everywhere. Other devices will see the new name the next time they search for available Bluetooth connections.

Changing the Bluetooth name on speakers, headphones, and other accessories

Bluetooth speakers, headphones, smartwatches, and other accessories often have their own name-change process separate from your phone or computer. Many come with a companion app — check the manufacturer's website or your device's app store for the brand name plus "app." Open the app, look for a settings or device info section, and find the option to rename the device.

If there's no app, the device may have a button combination to enter pairing or settings mode. Some devices let you hold down the power button for several seconds, or press a specific button sequence, to hear voice prompts that guide you through renaming. Check the device's manual or the manufacturer's support website for the exact steps. A few devices also have a web interface — connect to the device's own Wi-Fi network and open a browser to a specific address to change settings.

Why you might want to change your Bluetooth name

Changing your Bluetooth name makes it easier to identify your device when you're connecting something new. A phone named "iPhone" or "Samsung Galaxy" doesn't tell you which one is yours if multiple people in a room are pairing devices at the same time. A name like "Sarah's iPhone" or "Living Room Speaker" is much clearer.

Changing the name also helps with privacy — a default device name sometimes includes your phone model or personal information that you might not want broadcast to everyone nearby. A custom name gives you control over what information is visible when your device is discoverable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my Bluetooth name disconnect devices I'm already paired with?

No. Existing connections stay active, and devices you're already paired with will continue to work. The new name shows up in their settings the next time they refresh or the next time you disconnect and reconnect. You don't need to re-pair anything.

Can I use special characters or emoji in my Bluetooth name?

Most devices accept letters, numbers, and spaces without issue. Special characters and emoji vary by device — some allow them, others don't. If you try to use a character and the device won't accept it, try removing it and using only letters, numbers, and spaces instead.

What's the maximum length for a Bluetooth name?

Most devices allow up to 32 characters, though some older devices may have shorter limits. If you type a name and it gets cut off or rejected, try shortening it to 20 characters or fewer.

My Bluetooth name changed back to the default after I restarted. What happened?

On Windows, a restart is required for the change to fully take effect, so if it reverted, try changing it again and letting the restart complete. On other devices, this is unusual — try the change again and make sure you saved it before closing the settings app.

I can't find the device name setting on my Android phone. Where else should I look?

Try opening Settings and using the search bar at the top to search for "device name" or "bluetooth name." If that doesn't work, look for a section called "Phone Info," "Device Information," or "System" instead of "About Phone." The exact location varies widely by manufacturer.