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How to Rename iPhone in 5 Steps, With Photos

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How to Rename iPhone in 5 Steps, With Photos

Key Points

  • Renaming your iPhone can add a personal touch, help with organization, and enhance privacy and security.
  • Personalization is a key reason to rename your iPhone, allowing you to reflect your personality and make your device uniquely your own.
  • Renaming your iPhone can help with organization, especially when using features like AirDrop, by making it easier to identify your device among others.
  • Rename your iPhone to enhance privacy and prevent others from easily identifying your name when in close proximity to your device.

Did you know your iPhone has its own unique name? Knowing how to rename an iPhone can come in handy in more ways than one. This quick and simple process can help you add a personal touch, ease in organization, and even help keep your device private and secure. No matter your reason for wanting to rename your iPhone, we’ll walk you through the process. These five easy steps will have your phone sporting a new name in no time. Now, let’s get into it.

Why Rename Your iPhone?

iphone 11s
Renaming your iPhone helps set it apart from other devices nearby.

©Framesira/Shutterstock.com

Renaming your iPhone can serve a few practical purposes. Whether you want to add a bit of personality to your device, organize your devices, or ensure your privacy and security, changing the name of your iPhone is a great solution to multiple different needs. Before explaining how it’s done, let’s elaborate on three key reasons why you might want to rename your iPhone in the first place.

Personalization

For some, their iPhone’s name is a direct reflection of who they are. These individuals refuse to leave their iPhone name as something generic or boring. It just goes to show how much personality can be added to your device with just the simple change of a name. Whether you use your first name, an inside joke, a childhood nickname, or some other personal identifier, renaming your iPhone keeps your device uniquely your own.

Organization

Another important reason to rename your iPhone? For organizational purposes. When you open up the AirDrop feature, you’ll see a list of all available devices in range of your device. If multiple people in your household or friend group simply named their smartphones “iPhone,” then you’ll have a hard time identifying the exact person you’re trying to AirDrop something to. This is a real problem when dealing with particularly sensitive files or photos. Renaming an iPhone helps you stay organized.

Privacy

Lastly, there’s your basic right to privacy. Whether you live in an apartment building, rely on public transportation, or frequently use your devices in coffee shops or libraries, you may not want those around you to know your name simply by being in the vicinity of your iPhone. Sure, you can always turn off AirDrop, but what if you forget? It’s so much easier (not to mention more private) to just rename the iPhone to something less identifiable.

How to Rename an iPhone

Now, let’s talk about how to rename your iPhone. The process is quick and easy, but it requires you to follow the steps listed below exactly as they’ve been written. Otherwise, the attempt to change the name of your device will be unsuccessful. As a bonus, these steps will also work for your iPad. Let’s dive in.

Step One: Open Settings

Settings app on iPhone.
Open the Settings app to begin renaming the iPhone.

©History-Computer.com

First, open up the Settings app. You can find this on your home page or by swiping down on your screen and searching for the app by name.

Step Two: Tap General

General settings on iPhone.
Tap the General tab in the Settings app.

©History-Computer.com

Once inside the Settings app, scroll down until you see the option that reads General. You should spot it four sections down, below the block of settings that include Notifications, Sounds & Haptics, Focus, and Screen Time. Then, tap General.

Step Three: Tap About

General settings on iPhone.
Hit the About tab to see details about your iPhone.

©History-Computer.com

Next, tap on About. This option is at the very top of the General settings page.

Step Four: Select Name

About section in iPhone settings.
Tap the Name tab to rename the iPhone.

©History-Computer.com

After you tap About, you’ll be taken to a page detailing the specifics of your device. You’ll see the iOS version, the model name, model number, and serial number, among other finer details. Tap the Name tab at the top of the page.

Step Five: Rename iPhone

iPhone keyboard with Done button.
Hit Done to save your progress.

©History-Computer.com

At last, you’ll be given the option to change the name of your device. Type whatever name you want, then hit Done on the keyboard. This will save your progress and return you to the About page. You may now exit the app. You’re all done!

Summary Table

StepInstructions
Step OneOpen Settings
Step TwoTap General
Step ThreeTap About
Step FourSelect Name
Step FiveRename iPhone

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change my iPhone's wallpaper?

To change your iPhone’s wallpaper and further personalize your iPhone, first go to Settings, then tap Wallpaper. From there, select “Choose Wallpaper” and select your new wallpaper. After you select your image, choose whether you want it to be your lock screen, your home screen, or both.

How do you rename iPhone?

To rename your iPhone, open the Settings app, tap the “General” tab, then select “About.” Locate your current device name, tap on it, and delete the existing name. Then, type in your desired new name. Return to the previous screen to save your changes.

Can I use emojis for my iPhone's name?

Yes, you can use emojis and special characters for your iPhone’s name. Apple iOS supports the use of any characters, emojis, or symbols found on the keyboard in your iPhone’s name.

Do you need an Internet connection to change your iPhone's name?

No, an internet connection is not required to change the name of your iPhone. You can rename your iPhone offline anytime you like. The phone may require an online connection to sync this new name to your other devices, but the actual act of changing the name does not require you to be connected to the web.

Can you rename an iPhone from another device?

No, you cannot change the name of your iPhone from another device. The renaming process must be done directly on your iPhone through its settings. After renaming your iPhone, other Apple devices and services will recognize and display the new name when interacting with your iPhone.

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