How to Change Your AirDrop Name & What to Do If You Can’t Change It?

Vineet Arya
8 Min Read
how to change your airdrop name featured

Ever thought about making your AirDrop name a bit more you?

Customizing your AirDrop name on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac isn’t just about personalization. It also makes it a snap to pick out your device from the crowd when you need to share files.

Ready to change your AirDrop name? Let’s walk through the easy steps to personalize it across all your Apple devices!

Plus, if you run into any snags where you can’t change it, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with some troubleshooting tips.

Let me know what section you’d like to proceed with, or if there’s anything specific you’d like to add or emphasize!

How to Change Your AirDrop Name on iPhone?

Updating your AirDrop name on your iPhone is a straightforward process that can make sharing content via AirDrop much easier and more personal.

Here’s how you can do it:

  • Open the Settings App: Just tap on the Settings icon on your home screen.
  • Navigate to General Settings: Scroll down and select the “General” option.
  • Access Device Information: Tap on “About” at the top of the list.

go to about in general in settings in iphone

  • Edit Your Device Name: Now, click into the “Name” field. Erase the existing name and type in your new, preferred name. This is crucial as it’s what others will see when your device pops up on AirDrop.
  • Finalize the Change: Hit “Done” to save your new device name.

click on name then type then name and click on done

Your device and thus your AirDrop name is now updated. You can exit the Settings app and start enjoying a more personalized AirDrop experience.

How to Change AirDrop Name on iPad?

If you’re ready to personalize your iPad a bit more, changing your AirDrop name is a great place to start.

This name not only appears during AirDrop transfers but also shows up in Wi-Fi network selections, within the Find My app, and when you connect your iPad to a computer.

Here’s a simple guide to updating your AirDrop name:

  • Open the Settings App: Tap the Settings icon on your iPad’s home screen.

open settings in ipad

  • Go to General Settings: Scroll down and select “General.”

go to general in settings in ipad

  • Enter the About Section: Tap “About” to find your device details.

click on about in settings in ipad

  • Change Your Device Name: Tap on “Name” and then type in your new preferred AirDrop name. Choose a name that makes your iPad easily identifiable.

click on name in settings in ipad

Once you’ve made the change, your iPad will use this new name for AirDrop sessions, making it simpler for you and others to connect devices quickly.

How to Change AirDrop Name on Mac

Changing your Mac’s AirDrop name can significantly ease file sharing, especially if you often work in environments with multiple Mac users.

Here’s a quick guide on how to customize your AirDrop name on your Mac to make your device stand out:

  • Access System Preferences: Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen.
  • Navigate to System Settings: From the dropdown menu, choose “System Settings.”

system settings mac

  • Go to General Settings: Click on “General.”

click on general then tab to about

  • Edit Your Mac’s Name: Select “About” and then hit “Name.” Here, you can type in your new desired name for your Mac.

change the airdrop name mac

  • The changes will save automatically.

type the new name mac

Remember: You might need to restart your Mac to ensure the new name is updated across all applications, including AirDrop. If AirDrop still acts buggy, here’s how you can fix AirDrop issues on Mac.

Now, your Mac should be easily distinguishable during AirDrop sessions, helping streamline your file-sharing process!

What If Your AirDrop Name Doesn’t Update?

Sometimes, even after updating, the new name might not appear. Here’s what you can do:

  • Double-Check the Steps: It’s easy to miss a step; try going through the process again to make sure everything was done correctly.
  • Check for Software Updates: Ensure your device’s software is up to date for all features to function properly. If AirDrop keeps acting up, it could be a case of troubleshooting random AirDrop disconnections too.
  • For iPhone or iPad: Open the Settings app, tap “General,” then “Software Update.”

software update in iphone settings

  • For Mac: Open System Settings, select “General,” then click on “Software Update.”

tap on the general then click on the software update

These steps should help resolve any issues with your AirDrop name not displaying correctly. If you need further assistance or have more content to refine, feel free to ask!

What to Do If You Can’t Change Your AirDrop Name

#1 Check Your Device Name

Your AirDrop name is actually the same as your device name. To change it, go to Settings > General > About > Name on your iPhone or iPad. From there, you can enter a new name.

click on name then type then name and click on done

#2 Restart Your Device

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve issues that prevent changes from being recognized. Turn your device off and on again.

restart mac xl

#3 Update Your OS

Make sure your device is running the latest iOS version, as software bugs that affect settings like AirDrop can often be resolved with updates. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for available updates.

software update in iphone settings

#4 Reset Network Settings

If updating the name still doesn’t reflect in AirDrop, try resetting your network settings. This can resolve underlying issues related to connectivity.

  • Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.

click on general and then click on transfer or reset iphone in settings

  • Reset > Reset Network Settings.

tap on the reset then click on the reset network settings

Keep in mind this will also erase your WiFi networks and passwords, so you’ll need to reconnect to them afterward.

#5 Check Restrictions

If you’re using a device managed by an organization or if there are restrictions set up (such as parental controls), these settings might prevent you from changing your device’s name. Check any profiles or managed settings.

Still having issues? You can also fix common AirDrop problems on iPhone or iPad to get everything back to normal.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve mastered the steps to personalize the AirDrop names on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, you can navigate file sharing with ease and precision.

Remember, renaming your device not only updates your AirDrop identity but also affects how your device appears on Wi-Fi networks, in the Find My app, and when connected to other devices.

This uniformity ensures that whether you’re transferring documents, photos, or videos, your devices are easily identifiable, reducing confusion and streamlining the process.

Embrace these simple changes and make your AirDrop experience as efficient and personalized as possible!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AirDrop and how does it work?

AirDrop is a feature in Apple devices that allows users to wirelessly send photos, videos, documents, and more to nearby devices without using email or storage devices. It uses Bluetooth to create a peer-to-peer Wi-Fi network between the devices, enabling quick and secure transfers.

Why doesn’t changing the device name on my iPhone change the AirDrop name?

On iPhones, the AirDrop name is linked to your contact information rather than your device name. To change your AirDrop name on an iPhone, you need to update your name in your contact card, not just the device name.

Can changing my device name affect other services besides AirDrop?

Yes, changing your device name on any Apple device, such as an iPad or Mac, will also change how your device appears on Wi-Fi networks, in the Find My app, and when you connect your device to your computer.

How do I change the AirDrop name on my Mac?

To change the AirDrop name on your Mac, go to System Settings, select General, then About, and click Name. Here you can enter a new name which will save automatically.

What should I do if my new AirDrop name doesn’t appear immediately?

If your new AirDrop name doesn’t show up right away, especially on a Mac, you may need to restart your device for the changes to take effect fully.

Is there a way to revert to the original AirDrop name if needed?

Yes, to revert to the original AirDrop name, you can simply follow the same steps for changing the AirDrop name but enter the original name instead. On an iPhone, you would need to update your name back to the original in your contact card.
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I’m Vineet, a tech enthusiast dedicated to providing practical solutions for everyday tech challenges. Whether it’s fixing an iPhone issue or optimizing Amazon tools, I focus on creating clear, actionable guides that save you time and effort. With experience in digital marketing and e-commerce, I aim to bridge the gap between technology and usability. When I’m not writing, I’m exploring new devices or brainstorming creative ways to make tech work better for you. You can write to me at vineet@fixitfreak.com
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