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

How do you change your AirDrop name? It’s easy and only takes a few seconds but will differ slightly between your Apple devices. You can change your AirDrop name to something more personalized to help you easily distinguish between devices. Below, we'll cover how to change your AirDrop name on iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Jump To:

• How to Change AirDrop Name on iPhone
• How to Change AirDrop Name on iPad
• How to Change AirDrop Name on Mac
• Frequently Asked Questions

How to Change Your AirDrop Name on iPhone

If you're already in the receiver's contacts and you've tried to change your AirDrop name by changing your iPhone name in Settings, you've probably noticed that your iPhone AirDrop name remains unchanged. Here's why changing your AirDrop name didn't work and what to do instead: While changing your device name works for your Mac and iPad, your iPhone AirDrop name is linked to your contacts. So to change the AirDrop name on an iPhone, you'll actually need to change the name listed in your contact card. Here's how to change AirDrop name on your iPhone:

1. Open the Contacts app.
   
   
2. Tap your contact card.
   
   
3. Tap Edit. 
   
   
4. Enter your new AirDrop name in the fields to update how your name is listed.
   
   
5. Tap Done to save your changes. 
   
   

That's how to change your AirDrop name on iPhone! You will now see the updated name when AirDropping files. Just keep in mind that when you change the name in your contact card, this will also be the name displayed if you share your contact card with a new acquaintance. To learn more about your Apple device features and handy shortcuts, like how to silence contacts, sign up for our free Tip of the Day Newsletter. 

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How to Change AirDrop Name on iPad

If you want to know how to change AirDrop name on your iPad, you can do so by simply changing your iPad device name. Just keep in mind that changing your iPad device name will also change the name displayed on Wi-Fi networks, in Find My, and when you connect your iPad to your computer. Here's how to change your AirDrop name on your iPad: 

1. Open the Settings app and tap General.
   
   
2. Tap About.
   
   
3. Tap Name.
   
   
4. Type the new AirDrop name.
   
   

You will now see the new name of your iPad when AirDropping files! 

How to Change AirDrop Name on Mac

As someone who owns several MacBooks and works with other MacBook owners, it can be confusing to figure out which MacBook I am AirDropping files to. Luckily, it is easy to change your MacBook name, so you can easily distinguish between devices when trying to AirDrop a file. Here's how to change the AirDrop name on your Mac: 

1. Click the Apple icon in the top-left of your screen.
   
   
2. Select System Settings.
   
   
3. Click General.
   
   
4. Click About.
   
   
5. Click Name.
   
   
6. Type a new name for your Mac. Your changes will save automatically.

Now you know how to change the AirDrop name displayed on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Just remember that changing your AirDrop name can also change how your device is listed in other places, so this will be the name of your device on Find My and everywhere else as well.