Change your iPad's name in Settings, under General

Your iPad has a device name that appears when you connect it to Wi-Fi networks, pair it with other devices, or back it up to iCloud. To change it, open Settings, tap General, then tap About. At the top of the screen, you'll see a field labeled Name with your current device name. Tap that field, delete the old name, type a new one, and tap Done. The change takes effect when ready.

The name you choose appears to anyone on the same Wi-Fi network and to anyone you're trying to pair with via Bluetooth. It also shows up in your iCloud account when you sign in on other devices. Pick something you'll recognize later — many people use "FirstName's iPad" or include the model year if they own multiple devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Your iPad's name is found in Settings > General > About, in a field at the top labeled Name.
  • The name you set is visible to other devices on your Wi-Fi network and to anyone you pair with via Bluetooth.
  • You can change your iPad's name as many times as you want; there's no limit or waiting period.
  • If you're selling or giving away your iPad, change the name before you erase it so the new owner can set their own.

Why your iPad's name matters for security

Your device name is part of your digital fingerprint. When you connect to public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or airport, your iPad broadcasts its name to nearby networks. If you've named it "Sarah's iPad with my banking apps," you're telling anyone listening what device you're using and hinting at what's on it. A generic or vague name — like "iPad" or "Device1" — gives away less information about you.

The name also matters when you're pairing devices. If someone nearby is trying to connect a speaker or headphones to their own iPad, they need to see their device name in a list. If your name is too similar to theirs, they might accidentally pair with you instead. A unique name prevents that confusion and keeps your device from connecting to the wrong network or accessory.

Changing your name if you share an Apple ID

If you share an Apple ID with family members — a common setup for households — each device still has its own name in Settings. Changing one person's iPad name doesn't affect anyone else's device. However, all devices signed into the same Apple ID will appear in that account's iCloud settings under "My Devices."

If you're using Family Sharing, each family member has their own Apple ID and their own device name. The device name you set in Settings is separate from your Apple ID username and doesn't change how billing or purchases work. If you want to keep track of who owns which device, naming them clearly — "Mom's iPad," "Alex's iPad" — makes it easier to manage from the Family Sharing dashboard.

What happens to your device name when you back up or restore

When you back up your iPad to iCloud or to a computer using Finder (on Mac) or iTunes (on Windows), the device name is included in that backup. If you restore from that backup to the same iPad, the name stays the same. If you restore to a different iPad, the new device will take on the old name during setup, but you can change it when ready afterward.

If you're erasing your iPad to sell it or give it away, the device name will be erased along with everything else. The new owner will see a generic name during setup and can set their own. You don't need to change the name before erasing — the factory reset handles that for you.

Renaming your iPad after a major iOS update

Sometimes after a large iOS update, your iPad's name may revert to a default like "iPad" or "iPad (2)" if there was a glitch during the update process. This is rare, but if it happens, you can change it back using the same Settings > General > About path. The name change will stick after the next restart.

If you notice your device name has changed on its own and you didn't do it, check your iCloud settings to see if someone else with access to your account made the change. If you use two-factor authentication (which you should), you'll receive a notification on your other devices when someone signs into your account from a new location.

Viewing and managing all your device names in iCloud

You can see all the devices connected to your Apple ID by going to Settings > [Your Name] > My Devices (or iCloud on older iPad models). This list shows every iPad, iPhone, Mac, and Apple Watch signed into your account. Each device displays the name you set in its own Settings app. If you see a device you don't recognize, you can remove it from this list by tapping it and selecting Remove from Account.

Regularly checking this list is a straightforward security habit. If someone has stolen your iPad or gained access to your Apple ID, you'll see an unfamiliar device here. Removing it will sign that device out of your account and prevent anyone from accessing your photos, messages, or payment methods through that device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my iPad's name from another device?

No. You must change the name directly on the iPad itself in Settings > General > About. You can view all your device names from iCloud.com or from another Apple device, but you can't edit them remotely. If you've lost your iPad, you can erase it remotely using Find My iPad, but you can't rename it.

What if I forget what I named my iPad?

Open Settings > General > About and look at the Name field at the top. That's your current device name. You can also see it listed in Settings > [Your Name] > My Devices, or by going to iCloud.com and checking your devices there.

Does changing my device name affect my Apple ID or iCloud account?

No. Your device name and your Apple ID username are completely separate. Changing one has no effect on the other. Your Apple ID remains the same, and all your data, purchases, and settings stay exactly as they were.

Can I use special characters or emojis in my iPad's name?

Yes, you can use letters, numbers, spaces, and most punctuation marks. Some special characters may not work, but the Settings app will let you know if you try to use one that isn't allowed. Emojis are supported on newer iPad models, though a straightforward name is usually easier to recognize in a list of devices.