Bluetooth is super handy for wirelessly connecting your gadgets together. And if you’ve got an iPhone, you probably already use it to hook up to Bluetooth speakers and wireless headphones. Or to transfer large files between your phone and other Apple devices through AirDrop.
When you want to connect your iPhone to another bit of tech over Bluetooth, you just look out for its name. But a device’s default Bluetooth name isn’t always obvious. And that can be really confusing, especially if there’s a big list of gadgets you can connect to.
So, we won’t just explain how to change the name of your iPhone. We’ll also show you how to switch up the names of pretty much any Bluetooth accessories using your Apple smartphone. Then you’ll be able to find them quickly and get connected without the hassle.
How to change your iPhone’s name
With your iPhone, the name of the device is the same as its Bluetooth name. By default, it should be your name followed by ‘iPhone’ (e.g. “John Smith’s iPhone”). But it might just be the name of your iPhone model instead. If that’s the case, you should give it a more personalised name.
Here’s how to change your iPhone name:
Open the Settings app.
Scroll down and tap on 'General'.
Tap on 'About' right at the top.
Select the 'Name' option.
You can now change your iPhone's name in the text field.
Tap 'Done' at the bottom right of your screen when you've finished editing.
How to rename other Bluetooth devices on iPhone
Your iPhone can connect to loads of Bluetooth-enabled accessories like speakers, headphones and smart home tech. But these devices might have default names that aren’t very clear. Which is why you can use your iPhone to give them custom names that’ll make them easier to spot.
Before following the steps below, make sure your iPhone is connected to the gadget you want to change the name of first:
Go to your Settings app.
Tap on the 'Bluetooth' option about halfway down your screen.
The device you want to change the name of should already be connected. Just tap on the small 'i' (information) symbol next to it.
Select 'Name' at the top of your screen.
Enter a new name in the text field.
Tap 'Done' when you've finished editing.
Annoyingly, some devices won’t let you edit their Bluetooth names with your iPhone. For these, the ‘Name’ field just won’t show up in your settings.
FAQs
Why does my iPhone keep renaming itself?
Your iPhone might automatically rename itself when connecting to a Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth device that another iPhone with the same name is also trying to connect to. It’ll usually appear as whatever your iPhone’s name was, but with a ‘(1)’ or ‘(2)’ at the end of it. This is why it’s a good idea to give your iPhone a unique name (using our steps above).
How do I reset my iPhone name?
You can rename your iPhone using the Settings app. Just tap on ‘General’ > ‘About’ > ‘Name’, and enter a new name in the text field. Then hit ‘Done’ when you’re happy with it. Simple.
Why is my iPhone not connecting to Bluetooth devices?
If your iPhone’s not connecting to other Bluetooth gadgets, make sure that the device is turned on, in range, and that Bluetooth’s enabled on your iPhone. It’s also worth checking that the tech you’re trying to hook your iPhone up to isn’t connected to something else. If it is, you’re going to run into problems.
You could try restarting your iPhone and the Bluetooth device too. Or forget the device on your iPhone and try pairing them again from scratch. You can do this in your iPhone’s Settings app under Bluetooth. Just tap the ‘i’ icon next to the gadget you want to forget, then tap on ‘Forget This Device’.
Any more questions?
There are loads of other cool things you can do to customise your iPhone. Check out how to change the ringtone on your iPhone. Or have a look at our guide on how to change the wallpaper on an iPhone instead.
