Learn How to Change Airdrop Name on iPhone, iPad, and Mac With Easy Steps and Solutions If You Can’t!

| Updated on November 25, 2024

While people may know how to use AirDrop on their devices, changing its name can still confuse many.

AirDrop is Apple’s unique feature that allows for easy and smooth transfer of various types of files between Apple devices that are close to each other.

While it can’t be denied how useful AirDrop is for sharing files between Apple devices, it sometimes becomes challenging to differentiate between them, especially if you have several iPhones or Mac devices connected to the same Apple ID.

However, Apple offers a solution to this problem by allowing users to customize their AirDrop name.

But, if you don’t know how to change your AirDrop name on iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you’re luckily reading the right post.

Let’s delve into the details–

While the process to change airdrop name is almost the same across all Apple devices – whether it’s an iPhone, iPad, or Mac – I’ve created step-by-step instructions for each device to make it clear and easy for you to follow!

How to Change Your AirDrop Name on iPhone?

Earlier, when you wanted to change your AirDrop name on your iPhone, you had to change your contact card as well, which made the process a bit complicated. 

However, that’s no longer the case!

With the introduction of iOS 16, this process has been simplified. 

Now, you can change your AirDrop name directly from your iPhone settings with just a few clicks, too, without making any changes to your contact information.

It is just great, so what are you waiting for? Follow these steps to easily change your AirDrop name on your iPhone –

  • Step 1: Tap on Settings icon to go to your iPhone settings app.
  • Step 2: Inside the settings app, tap on General.
    Tap on General Setting
  • Step 3: Then, tap on About.
    Tap on About
  • Step 4: Next, tap on Name.
    Tap on Name
  • Step 5: After that, tap on the X icon to simply delete your current Airdrop name.
    Tap on X to delete your current Airdrop name
  • Step 6: Now to change the Airdrop name, type a new name of your choice in the text field and once you finish, tap Done on the keyboard. 
    Type a new Airdrop name and tap Done

Your iPhone will now display the new name you’ve chosen for your Airdrop.

Your iPhone displays your new Airdrop name
NOTES

This new name isn’t just your Airdrop name, it will also be your device name and can be used for Bluetooth, iCloud, iTunes, FindMy, and other connections.

While it’s entirely up to you, it’s best to pick an AirDrop name that others find easy to read and remember. 

How to Change Your AirDrop Name on iPad?

Similar to the iPhone, changing the Airdrop name of your iPad is a simple process. Here are the steps –

  • Step 1: On your iPad, go to its Settings.
  • Step 2: Then, tap on General.
    Tap on General inside settings
  • Step 3: Inside the general settings section, tap on About.
    Tap on About opt
  • Step 4: After that, tap on Name to give your Airdrop a fresh name.
    Tap on Name to change your Airdrop name
  • Step 5: Now, just type a new name for your Airdrop in the given text field.
    Type a new name for your iPads AirDrop

This is how easily you can give your iPad a new Airdrop name.

How to Change Your AirDrop Name on Mac?

If you want to change your AirDrop name on your Mac, then, know that it is as easy as on iPhone or iPad. 

So, without delay, follow these easy steps to change your AirDrop name on Mac –

Pro Tip: Before you begin, make sure you’re running the latest macOS version to avoid encountering any potential issues while changing your Mac’s AirDrop name.

  • Step 1: On your Mac, click on the Apple menu located in the top left corner of the screen.
    Click on the Apple menu
  • Step 2: Then, choose System Settings or System Preferences from the dropdown menu.
    Choose System Settings or System Preferences from the dropdown menu
  • Step 3: After that, select General from the options available in the System Settings window.
    Select General from the options
  • Step 4: From the General section, click on About.
    Click on About
  • Step 5: Now, you’ve to locate the Name field and enter a desired name for your Mac computer.
    Enter a new Name to change your Mac AirDrop name

This name will help other nearby devices recognize your Mac when using Airdrop.

NOTES

Like the iPhone and iPad, the name used for AirDrop on your Max is the same as your computer name. So, remember, it can also be used for other networks, such as Bluetooth, iCloud, and FindMy.

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

Cant change my AirDrop name

If you’re not able to change your AirDrop name using the steps mentioned above, worry not! There are a few troubleshooting solutions you can try in such a situation. 

For instance, you can consider–

  • Restarting Your Device: Sometimes, a simple restart of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac device can resolve minor software glitches that may be causing you trouble updating your AirDrop name.
  • Updating Your Device to Its Latest Version: Software updates often include bug fixes and other improvements that can resolve issues like this. So, make sure that your device’s operating system is up-to-date.
  • Signing Out and Signing Back into iCloud: Similar to rebooting or restarting your device, you can try signing out of your iCloud account and then, signing back in because this can also refresh AirDrop settings and help you fix any issues related to it.
  • Checking AirDrop Compatibility with Your Device: Since, AirDrop requires a compatible iPhone, iPad, or Mac model running on a certain iOS or macOS version, you’ve got to make sure that your device supports AirDrop, and that it’s enabled.
  • Contacting Apple Support: If you’re still experiencing issues, your last resort is to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance. The Apple Support team can provide you with personalized troubleshooting steps after understanding your situation.

So, these are some of the solutions that should hopefully help you change your AirDrop name without experiencing any issues further. 

Bottom Line

That’s all! Now you know how simple it is to change your AirDrop name. You just need to go to Settings > General > About > Name and there, you can change your device’s name, which will also (automatically) change your AirDrop name. 

Having a customized AirDrop name makes it easier for others to identify your iOS or macOS device when you’re sharing files with them.

However, if you face trouble changing it, there are a few troubleshooting steps, such as restarting your device, updating its software, and contacting Apple Support, that can help you fix the problem without much hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions
How to change AirDrop name in 2024?

Changing your AirDrop name means changing your device name. So, follow these steps to change your AirDrop name in 2024–

  • On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > General > About > Name
  • On Mac:  Go to System Settings or System Preferences > General > About > Name.

Now, when you enter a new name for your device, it will also change your AirDrop name.

How do I change the AirDrop settings?

To change your AirDrop settings on your iPhone/iPad or Mac, follow these steps–

  • On iOS: Open Settings > General > AirDrop. Now, you can select from ‘Receiving off’, ‘Contacts only’, or ‘Everyone for 10 Minutes’ options.
  • On macOS: Open Finder > AirDrop. Now, click on ‘Allow me to be discovered by’ and choose from the options ‘No one’, ‘Contacts only’, or ‘Everyone’ (as per your choice).
Why is AirDrop showing the wrong name?

If your AirDrop is showing the wrong name, then, it might be because your device’s name has not been updated. However, worry not! You can again change your device or AirDrop name using the steps explained above. Along with that, you also need to ensure that your Apple ID and iCloud account information is up-to-date.

How can I use AirDrop anonymously?

To use AirDrop anonymously, what you can simply do is turn on AirDrop and set it to ‘Contacts only’ instead of ‘Everyone.’ This way, only your contacts can discover your AirDrop when you use it.

How to change AirDrop permissions on Mac?

To change your AirDrop permissions on Mac, go to Apple menu > System Settings or System Preferences > General > AirDrop. Now, choose an option of your choice.

Is my AirDrop visible to everyone by default?

No, Your AirDrop is not visible to everyone by default, rather, it is set to ‘Contacts only’ or ‘Receiving off.’ However, if you want your AirDrop to be visible to everyone, you can change this setting from your device’s settings menu.

Sources
Saranya Jayaram

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