sodcalculator

10 Tech How-To

How to Rename AirPods: Quick Step-by-Step Guide

Guide 10-37007 · Updated · Step by step

Renaming your AirPods makes them easier to identify when you connect to a new device, share audio, or use Find My. This guide walks you through changing the name on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and covers what to do if the rename doesn’t stick.

What You’ll Need

  • Your AirPods (any model: AirPods, AirPods Pro, or AirPods Max)
  • An iPhone, iPad, or Mac with Bluetooth enabled
  • The device must be signed in with your Apple ID (for Find My integration)

Step-by-Step

On iPhone or iPad

  1. Unlock your iPhone or iPad and go to the Settings app.
  2. Tap Bluetooth at the top of the list.
  3. Find your AirPods in the My Devices list. They appear with the current name (e.g., “John’s AirPods”).
  4. Tap the info (i) icon to the right of the AirPods name.
  5. Tap the current name (it’s in the top row, labeled Name).
  6. Type the new name you want. Keep it short and unique, like “Gym Buds” or “Office Pods.”
  7. Tap Done on the keyboard, then tap Back to exit. The new name appears immediately.

On Mac

  1. Make sure your AirPods are connected to your Mac (they should appear in the Bluetooth menu).
  2. Click the Apple menu (top-left) and choose System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS).
  3. Click Bluetooth.
  4. Find your AirPods in the list of devices. Right-click (or Control-click) on them.
  5. Choose Rename from the context menu.
  6. Type the new name and click Rename (or press Enter).

Common Mistakes

  • Renaming while AirPods are in the case: If the AirPods are in the case with the lid closed, they may not show up in Bluetooth settings. Open the lid or take them out.
  • Renaming the wrong device: If you have multiple AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones, double-check the name and battery indicator before renaming.
  • Using special characters: Some symbols or emojis may not display correctly across all devices. Stick to letters, numbers, and spaces.
  • Expecting the name to sync to non-Apple devices: The name you set on your iPhone only applies to Apple devices signed in with your Apple ID. On Android or Windows, the name may appear differently.

Tips

  • Use a name that includes your initials or location if you often misplace them. For example, “Alex’s Travel Pods” makes Find My easier to scan.
  • If you share AirPods with family, name them by person (e.g., “Mom’s AirPods”) so everyone knows which pair is which.
  • After renaming, the new name appears in the Bluetooth settings, the Control Center, and Find My app. It may take a few seconds to update everywhere.
  • If you reset your AirPods (by holding the setup button), the name reverts to the default “AirPods.” You’ll need to rename them again after reconnecting.

Troubleshooting

Can’t see the name field or the rename option?

  • Make sure your AirPods are connected. Put them in your ears or open the case lid near your device.
  • Toggle Bluetooth off and on again in Settings.
  • Restart your iPhone or Mac. This often refreshes the Bluetooth cache.

Renamed but the old name still shows on another device?

  • The rename syncs via iCloud. Give it a minute, then check again. If it doesn’t update, go to Settings > Bluetooth on that device, tap the info icon, and manually change it there.

AirPods don’t appear in the Bluetooth list at all?

  • Put the AirPods back in the case, close the lid, wait 10 seconds, then open the lid and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white. This puts them in pairing mode, and they should appear.
  • If they still don’t show, forget the device from Bluetooth settings and pair again from scratch.

Name change doesn’t stick after a reset?

  • That’s normal. A factory reset clears the custom name. You’ll need to rename them again after reconnecting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rename my AirPods without an Apple device?
No, you need an iPhone, iPad, or Mac to change the name. Android and Windows don’t offer a rename option for AirPods.

Does renaming AirPods affect the sound or performance?
No, it’s purely cosmetic. It only changes the display name in Bluetooth settings and Find My.

Will the new name appear on all my Apple devices?
Yes, if you’re signed in with the same Apple ID and have iCloud enabled for Bluetooth/Find My, the name syncs across your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.

Can I use emoji in the AirPods name?
Yes, but some older devices or non-Apple devices may not display them correctly. It’s safer to use plain text.

Why did my AirPods name change back to “AirPods” after I paired them with a friend’s phone?
When you pair with a new device, the name may reset to the default if the device isn’t signed into your Apple ID. Re-pair with your iPhone and rename them again.

How long does it take for the name to update in Find My?
Usually instantly, but it can take up to a minute. If it’s slow, close the Find My app and reopen it.

Related

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

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →