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10 Tech How-To

Change Bluetooth Name on iPhone & iPad (iOS 10)

Guide 10-28909 · Updated · Step by step

To change your Bluetooth name on an iPhone or iPad running iOS 10, go to Settings → General → About → Name and type a new name. This name is what other devices see when they scan for Bluetooth, and it applies to both your device name and the Bluetooth broadcast name.

Why the Name Matters

Your device’s Bluetooth name is the same as the name shown in Settings → General → About. It’s used when you pair with headphones, speakers, car stereos, or when you use AirDrop and Personal Hotspot. A clear, unique name helps you identify your device in a list of nearby gadgets, especially in offices, gyms, or homes with multiple Apple devices.

How to Change It (Step by Step)

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Tap About at the top of the list.
  4. Tap the first row, labeled Name.
  5. Delete the old name and type your new one.
  6. Tap Done on the keyboard, then press the Home button or swipe up to exit.

The change takes effect immediately. Other devices will see the new name the next time they scan for Bluetooth, usually within a few seconds.

What the Name Actually Does

The name you set in About is used for:

  • Bluetooth discovery – what other phones, tablets, and computers see when they search for devices.
  • AirDrop – the name shown to nearby Apple devices when you share files.
  • Personal Hotspot – the Wi-Fi network name when you share your cellular connection.
  • Find My iPhone – the device name in the Find My app and iCloud.
  • iTunes and Finder – the device name when connected to a computer.

There is no separate Bluetooth-only name in iOS 10. Changing the general device name is the only way to alter the Bluetooth identifier.

Choosing a Good Name

Pick something that is easy to recognize but not overly personal. For example:

  • “Sarah’s iPhone” – clear but includes your full name, which strangers nearby can see.
  • “Kitchen iPad” – useful if you have multiple iPads at home.
  • “Car Phone” – helps when pairing with a car stereo.

Avoid using your home address, phone number, or other sensitive info. The name is broadcast over Bluetooth, so anyone within range can see it.

Common Problems and Fixes

Other devices still see the old name. This usually happens because the other device cached the old name. Turn Bluetooth off and on again on the other device, or forget the Bluetooth connection and re-pair.

Name doesn’t change after editing. Make sure you tapped Done on the keyboard. If you just press Home, the change may not save. Try again and confirm the new name appears in About.

Car stereo shows a different name. Some car systems store the name from the first pairing. Delete the phone from the car’s Bluetooth list and pair again.

Name is grayed out. This can happen if a configuration profile or MDM (mobile device management) restricts renaming. Check Settings → General → Profiles; if a profile is installed, you may need to remove it (only if you control it).

iOS 10 vs. Later Versions

In iOS 10, the process is exactly as described above. In iOS 13 and later, Apple added a separate Bluetooth section under Settings, but the device name still comes from Settings → General → About → Name. The steps are identical in all versions. There is no dedicated Bluetooth name field in any iOS version.

Privacy and Security Notes

Your Bluetooth name is visible to anyone with Bluetooth enabled within about 30 feet (10 meters). Using a generic name like “iPhone” reduces the chance of someone targeting you specifically. Also, keep Bluetooth off when not in use to save battery and reduce exposure. Changing the name does not affect your Apple ID, iCloud, or any security settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing the name affect my Apple ID or iCloud?

No. The device name is local to the device and is not tied to your Apple ID. It only affects how the device appears to other devices and in Find My.

Can I set a different name for Bluetooth only?

No. iOS does not offer a separate Bluetooth name. The general device name is used for all wireless broadcasts, including Bluetooth, AirDrop, and Personal Hotspot.

Why does my car stereo show “iPhone” instead of my custom name?

Some car stereos cache the name from the first pairing. Delete the phone from the car’s Bluetooth memory and pair again. The new name should appear.

Will changing the name disconnect my Bluetooth devices?

No. Paired devices will remain connected. They may show the old name until you re-pair, but the connection itself is not affected.

Can I use emojis in the Bluetooth name?

Yes, you can paste emojis into the Name field, but some devices (especially older car stereos) may not display them correctly. Stick to letters and numbers for maximum compatibility.

How do I reset the name to “iPhone” or “iPad”?

Go to Settings → General → About → Name and type “iPhone” or “iPad” (or the model name like “iPad Air”). There is no automatic reset button; you have to type it manually.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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