How to Change AirDrop Name on iPhone, iPad & Mac (2022)

The process for changing your AirDrop name takes only a few seconds, but will differ slightly between your Apple devices. Changing your AirDrop name helps you easily distinguish between devices by creating a personalized name. (You could even change the name to make fun requests from strangers in public areas, such as "Please Send Dog Pics!") Below, we'll cover how to change your AirDrop name.

What's in This Article?

• How to Change Your AirDrop Name on iPhone
• How to Change AirDrop Name on iPad
• How Do I Change My AirDrop Name on Mac?

How to Change Your AirDrop Name on iPhone

If you've tried to change your AirDrop name by changing your device name in Settings, you've probably noticed that your iPhone AirDrop name remains unchanged. Changing your device name works for your Mac and iPad, but 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 the AirDrop name on your iPhone:

1. Open the Phone app and tap Contacts.
   
   
2. Tap your contact card at the top.
   
   
3. Tap Edit. 
   
   
4. Tap the name fields to update how your name is listed.
   
   
5. Tap Done to save your changes. 
   
   

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, sign up for our free Tip of the Day Newsletter. 

How to Change AirDrop Name on iPad

If you want to change your 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 Do I Change My AirDrop Name on Mac?

As someone who owns several MacBooks, it can be confusing to figure out which MacBook Air 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 Preferences.
   
   
3. Click Sharing.
   
   
4. Next to Computer Name, you can type a new name for your Mac.
   
   
5. Your changes will save automatically. You can exit System Preferences by clicking the red circle in the upper-left corner of the window.
   
   

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 if you use my silly "Send Me Dog Pics" example, this will be the name of your device on Find My and everywhere else as well. Now, you may want to learn how to update or change your Admin name on your Mac. And as an added bonus, if you've ever accidentally deleted a text and wished you could get it back (as I have), you can also learn how to retrieve deleted text messages on your iPhone.