To change the Bluetooth name on an iPhone, change the iPhone’s name. Open Settings > General > About, tap Name, type a new name, and tap Done. Your iPhone uses this one name for Bluetooth, AirDrop, Personal Hotspot, Find My, and your computer, so the new name shows up everywhere right away.
These steps work on the iPhone 7, iPhone 13, and every other iPhone. Here’s how to do it, how to rename connected accessories, and what to do if the old name still shows.
How to change your iPhone’s Bluetooth name
- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then About.
- Tap Name at the top.
- Tap the x to clear the current name, type a new one, and tap Done.
Where the new name appears
- In the Bluetooth device list on cars, speakers, computers, and other phones
- In AirDrop when others share with you
- As your Personal Hotspot Wi-Fi network name
- In Find My and in Finder or iTunes on your computer
How to rename a Bluetooth accessory
You can also give connected devices, like headphones or a car, a clearer name on your iPhone.
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
- Tap the i next to the device. It needs to be connected.
- Tap Name, type a new name, and tap Done.
Some devices, like certain car systems, don’t allow renaming. AirPods can be renamed this way.
Old name still showing?
- On a car or computer: Remove your iPhone from that device’s paired list and pair it again.
- Turn Bluetooth off and on on your iPhone.
- Restart your iPhone if the name hasn’t updated after a few minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a different Bluetooth name and AirDrop name?
No. iPhone uses one device name for Bluetooth, AirDrop, and Personal Hotspot.
Can I use emoji in my iPhone’s name?
Yes, but some cars and older devices may show them as boxes or question marks.
Does changing the name affect my iCloud or Apple Account?
No. It only changes how your iPhone is labeled.
How do I change my Personal Hotspot name?
The hotspot uses your iPhone’s name, so change it in Settings > General > About > Name.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.