Personalizing your iPhone is a crucial step toward making it truly yours. One simple yet significant way to accomplish this is by changing your device’s name. This not only helps distinguish your device from others, especially when using services like AirDrop, iCloud, or Personal Hotspot, but it also adds an element of fun and uniqueness to your gear.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at how to change the name of your iPhone using all available methods. We will cover:
- Changing the iPhone name via Settings
- Altering the device name from iTunes (Windows)
- Modifying the iPhone name on Mac
Whether you’re a seasoned Apple user or a newcomer to the iOS interface, these straightforward steps will guide you through the process. Each method is simple and can be completed in just a few minutes.
Note: Apple allows you to change your device’s name multiple times, so if you ever grow tired of your current iPhone’s moniker, don’t hesitate to switch things up!
Grab your iPhone, and let’s dive into these practical guides on renaming your device.
1. How to Change the Name of Your iPhone
Personalizing your iPhone by changing its name distinguishes your device and makes it uniquely yours. If you wish to change your iPhone name via Settings, follow these simple steps:
- Open the Settings App: Begin by tapping on the ‘Settings’ app icon on your iPhone’s home screen. This app is characterized by gears (⚙️) and is typically found on the first page of your home screen.

- Navigate to General Settings: In the Settings menu, scroll until you find the ‘General’ option. Tap on ‘General’ to access more detailed device settings.

- Access the About Section: Once inside General settings, locate and select ‘About’ at the top of the list. This section contains information about your iPhone, including its current name.

- Tap on Name: In the About menu, you will see ‘Name’ with your current iPhone’s name beside it. Tap on this field to edit it.

- Enter a New Name: Your keyboard will appear, allowing you to clear out the old name and type in a new one that reflects your preference. Be creative; this can be anything from a nickname to something that represents you or how you use your phone.

- Save Changes: After typing in your desired new name, press ‘Done’ on the keyboard to save your changes instantly.
Once completed, your iPhone will now be recognized by this new name across services like AirDrop and iCloud and when connected to other devices like a computer or while using apps such as Find My.
Proceeding with these steps ensures that whenever you want to share content or connect with other devices, your newly named iPhone appears just as you’ve personalized it, offering a seamless experience tailored just for you.
2. How to Change the Name of Your iPhone from iTunes (Windows)
If you’re using a Windows PC, you can rename your iPhone through Apple iTunes. This method is particularly useful if you prefer managing your device through your computer.
Here’s how to change your iPhone name from iTunes on Windows:
- Connect Your iPhone: Start by connecting your iPhone to the Windows PC with a USB cable.
- Open iTunes: Launch the iTunes application on your PC. If you don’t have it installed, download it from the Apple website and follow the installation prompts.
- Access Your Device: Once iTunes is open, look for the device icon in the top-left corner of the window and click on it to select your iPhone.
- Change the Name:
- In the summary panel that appears, locate your current iPhone name.
- Click directly on the name of your iPhone, which will allow you to edit it.
- Delete the old name and type in your desired new name for your iPhone.
- Save Changes: Press ‘Enter’ or click anywhere outside the text box to save the new name.
💡 Pro Tip: If you encounter any issues with iTunes recognizing your device, ensure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed and that your PC’s drivers are up-to-date.
Your iPhone will now bear the new name you’ve assigned, and this change will reflect across services like AirDrop and iCloud where your device’s name is displayed.
This method does not require an internet connection once iTunes is installed, making it convenient if you’re offline.
Transitioning from changing names directly on your iPhone to using a computer offers a different level of convenience and accessibility, especially when managing multiple devices or when you need to back up data simultaneously.
3. How to Change the Name of Your iPhone on Mac
Changing the name of your iPhone using a Mac is straightforward and can be done in a few simple steps. If you prefer to rename your device without the need for iTunes, as it’s no longer available on macOS Catalina and later, here’s how you can do it using Finder:
- Connect Your iPhone: Start by connecting your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable or via Wi-Fi syncing if you have that set up.
- Open Finder: Click on the Finder icon in your Dock to open a new Finder window.
- Select Your Device: In the Finder sidebar under ‘Locations’, you should see your iPhone listed. Click on your device to select it.
- Access the General Tab: At the top of the Finder window, ensure that you are in the ‘General’ tab, where you’ll find details about your iPhone.
- Change the Name: You’ll see the current name of your iPhone at the top of this window. Click on the name, and it will become editable. Type in your desired new name for your iPhone.
- Confirm the Change: Press ‘Return’ on your keyboard or click anywhere outside of the text field to set the new name.
Your iPhone will now bear the new name that will appear in AirDrop when connected to a computer or when using Personal Hotspot and other services where your iPhone’s name is displayed. This method is quick and does not require any additional software since Finder is built into macOS.
💡 Renaming your iPhone on a Mac also changes how it appears in iCloud and other Apple services associated with your Apple ID.
Conclusion
Changing the Name of Your iPhone is a simple yet effective way to add a personal touch to your device. Whether you prefer to use the convenience of your iPhone’s Settings, the familiarity of iTunes on Windows, or the seamless integration with Finder on Mac, each method provides a straightforward process.
Experiment with these varied approaches and select the one that suits your needs best. Personalizing your iPhone’s name helps quickly identify your device among others and reflects a bit of your personality on your tech gadget.