Where to find the iPhone name setting

Your iPhone's name appears when you connect it to a computer, pair it with Bluetooth devices, or set up AirDrop. To change it, open Settings on your iPhone, then tap General. At the top of the General screen, you'll see About — tap that. The first line shows your device name. Tap it once to edit.

The name field will highlight in blue, ready for you to type. Delete the current name and enter whatever you want — up to 32 characters. Tap Done in the keyboard to save. The change takes effect immediately and syncs to iCloud within a few seconds if you're signed in to your Apple account.

Key Takeaways

  • Your iPhone's name is found in Settings > General > About, at the very top of the About screen.
  • You can change the name to anything up to 32 characters long by tapping the current name and typing a new one.
  • The new name shows up right away when you connect to computers, Bluetooth devices, or use AirDrop.
  • If you forget what you named your iPhone, you can always go back to Settings > General > About to check.
  • Changing the device name does not affect your Apple ID, phone number, backups, or how you appear to your contacts.

Why you might want to change your iPhone's name

When you first set up your iPhone, it gets a default name like "John's iPhone" or "iPhone 15 Pro." If you share your home network with other people, a clear name makes it easier to spot your device when connecting Bluetooth speakers, headphones, or smartwatches. A descriptive name also helps when you're backing up to a computer — you'll know which backup belongs to which phone.

Some people change the name for privacy reasons, especially on public Wi-Fi networks. Others simply prefer a shorter or more personal name. Whatever your reason, the process takes less than a minute and can be changed back at any time without affecting your data or settings.

What happens after you change the name

Once you save the new name, it updates everywhere your iPhone connects. If you're using iCloud to back up your device, the new name syncs across your Apple account within seconds. When you pair Bluetooth devices, they'll see the updated name the next time you connect. If you've previously connected to a Mac or Windows computer, that computer will recognize the new name the next time you plug in or sync.

The change doesn't affect your Apple ID, your phone number, your contacts, or any of your personal data — it's purely a label for the device itself. Your iCloud backups continue to work normally, and the name change won't interfere with any of your apps or services.

Naming tips that work well

Keep the name short enough to read easily in a list of devices. If you have multiple iPhones in your household, include something that identifies which one it is — like "Sarah's iPhone" or "Work iPhone." Avoid using special characters like @ or # because some devices don't display them properly when you're pairing or connecting.

If you're changing the name because you're selling or giving away your phone, you can change it back before you hand it over, or leave it as is — the new owner can change it themselves using the same steps. There's no restriction on how many times you can change the name, so feel free to update it whenever your needs change.

If you can't find the name setting

On older iPhone models running iOS 15 or earlier, the steps are identical — Settings > General > About. If you're looking at the About screen and don't see an editable name field at the top, make sure you're tapping directly on the text itself, not on the word "About." The name field should highlight in blue when you tap it correctly.

If the field doesn't become editable, restart your iPhone and try again. Go to Settings > General > Shut Down, wait a few seconds, then press and hold the side button to turn it back on. After the restart, return to Settings > General > About and try tapping the name field once more.

Changing the name on a family member's iPhone

If you're helping someone else change their iPhone's name, they need to do it themselves on their own device — you can't change another person's iPhone name from your phone. Walk them through the steps: Settings > General > About, tap the name at the top, type the new name, and tap Done.

If the iPhone belongs to a child in your Family Sharing group, the child can still change the device name themselves using these same steps. The name change doesn't require parental approval or permission, and it won't affect any parental controls or Family Sharing settings that are already in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use emoji in my iPhone's name?

Yes. Open the keyboard when editing the name, tap the emoji button (usually a smiley face), and select any emoji you want. Some Bluetooth devices may not display emoji correctly, so test it with your most-used device before settling on a name with emoji.

What if I change my mind and want the original name back?

Go back to Settings > General > About, tap the name field, and type whatever you want — including the original name if you remember it. There's no "undo" button, but you can change it as many times as you like without any penalty or limitation.

Does changing my iPhone's name affect my backups?

No. Your backups will work exactly the same way. The device name is just a label — it doesn't change what gets backed up or how the backup works. You can change the name before or after backing up without any issues.

Will my contacts see the new name?

No. Your contacts see your phone number and your Apple ID name, not your device name. Changing the iPhone's name doesn't change how you appear to other people in Messages, FaceTime, or any other app.

Can I change my iPhone's name if I forgot my Apple ID password?

Yes. The device name setting doesn't require your Apple ID password. You can change it using just your iPhone's passcode or Face ID. The name will sync to iCloud once you sign back into your Apple ID.