Believe it or not, but your iPhone has a name. Yes, you may think of it informally only as “your iPhone,” but it has a formal, discoverable name that identifies your iPhone to Wi-Fi networks and other devices. As such, for the sake of privacy, you may want to change the name of your iPhone.
For example, if you’re using your iPhone as a Personal Hotspot a public space, you may not want random strangers seeing that “Simon’s iPhone” — or worse, “Simon Chandler’s iPhone” — is in the area. So in order to preserve your privacy and security, you might like to know how to change the name of your iPhone. Even if you’re simply bored of your iPhone’s name, you may still want to change it, just for fun.
This guide explains how to change the name of your iPhone. It also explains where your iPhone’s name is likely to be visible, just so you know who’s likely to see it.
How to change the name of your iPhone
Changing the name of your iPhone is extremely easy. Here’s how you do it.
Step 1: Go to Settings > General > About.
Step 2: Once on the About page, tap Name. This will show your iPhone’s current name, which is usually a combination of your first name with “iPhone” (e.g. “Simon’s iPhone).
Step 3: Delete your iPhone’s current name and type a new one. Tap done when finished.
That’s it. Your new iPhone name can be anything you like, although obviously, you may want to avoid picking something potentially offensive or alarming, since your iPhone’s name will be visible in public.
Where does the name of my iPhone appear?
Again, you may want to change the name of your iPhone for privacy or security reasons. This is because your iPhone and its name are discoverable in public spaces.
For example, if you have your iPhone’s Personal Hotspot switched on, other devices will be able to see your iPhone and its name when searching for Wi-Fi networks. If you don’t want your iPhone to be visible, switch Personal Hotspot off. You can do this by going to Settings > Personal Hotspot. Once on the Personal Hotspot screen, tap the slider so it moves into the blank “off” position.
Aside from being discoverable by other devices, the name of your iPhone can also be seen on your iCloud account, as well as on your iTunes (when syncing with your computer). It’s also visible when using AirDrop, which is a Bluetooth-based peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network you can create with other Apple devices in close proximity to your iPhone. (Again, if you have your iPhone’s Bluetooth switched on, other Apple devices will be able to see your iPhone name.)
Lastly, you can see your iPhone’s name when using the Find My iPhone app to find your phone in the event that you lose it.