Why you might want to change your hotspot name
Your iPhone's hotspot broadcasts a name — called the SSID — that anyone nearby can see when they look for available networks. By default, Apple sets this to something like "John's iPhone" or "iPhone 12 Pro". Changing it gives you control over what information you broadcast to the people around you.
A custom hotspot name can protect your privacy by not announcing your real name or device type to strangers in coffee shops or airports. It also makes it easier to identify your own network if you have multiple devices, and it can help you avoid confusion when other people nearby are also running hotspots.
Key Takeaways
- You change your hotspot name through Settings > Personal Hotspot on your iPhone, not through the hotspot itself.
- The name you set appears to anyone searching for available networks within range, so choose something that does not reveal personal information.
- Changes take effect when ready, but devices already connected will stay connected until they disconnect and reconnect.
- Your hotspot name is separate from your Wi-Fi network name at home — changing one does not affect the other.
The step-by-step process to rename your hotspot
Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap Personal Hotspot. If you do not see this option, go to Settings > General > About and check that your carrier supports Personal Hotspot. Once you are in Personal Hotspot, look for the field labeled Name — this is the name that broadcasts to other devices.
Tap the name field and delete the current text. Type the new name you want to use. The name can be up to 32 characters and can include letters, numbers, and spaces. Avoid special characters like @ or # — some devices have trouble connecting to hotspots with these symbols. When you are done typing, tap Done or press Return. The change takes effect when ready.
If you do not see a Name field in Personal Hotspot, your iPhone may be running an older version of iOS. Update to the latest version through Settings > General > Software Update, then return to Personal Hotspot and try again.
What happens to devices already connected to your hotspot
If someone is already using your hotspot when you change the name, they will stay connected. They will not see the new name until they disconnect and search for available networks again. The next time they try to connect, they will need to look for the new name you set.
This means you can change the name without disrupting active connections, but anyone who disconnects will have to find and reconnect to the new network name. If you are sharing your hotspot with family or roommates, let them know about the name change so they know what to look for.
Choosing a hotspot name that protects your privacy
Since your hotspot name is visible to anyone nearby, avoid using your real name, your phone number, or anything that identifies you personally. Names like "iPhone" or "Mobile Hotspot" are generic enough that they do not reveal who you are. You can also use a nickname or a random string of characters if you prefer.
Do not include information about your location, your employer, or your device model in the name. Someone scanning for networks in a coffee shop or airport can see all the hotspot names in range, and the more specific your name is, the easier it is for someone to target you or guess details about you.
Troubleshooting if the name will not change
If you tap the name field and nothing happens, try turning Personal Hotspot off and back on. Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot and toggle it off, wait a few seconds, then toggle it back on. Then return to the Name field and try editing again.
If the field is still unresponsive, restart your iPhone. Hold down the power button and volume button together until the power-off slider appears, then slide to power off. Wait 10 seconds, then hold the power button again until you see the Apple logo. Once the phone restarts, go back to Settings > Personal Hotspot and try changing the name.
If you are still unable to change the name after restarting, check that you are running the latest version of iOS. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates, then try again.
The difference between hotspot name and Wi-Fi network name
Your iPhone's hotspot name is separate from your home Wi-Fi network name. Changing your hotspot name does not affect the network you connect to at home, and changing your home Wi-Fi name does not affect your hotspot. They are two different networks with two different names.
If you want to change your home Wi-Fi network name, you do that through your router's settings, not through your iPhone. Your hotspot is a network that your iPhone creates and broadcasts, while your home Wi-Fi is a network that your router creates. Each one has its own name that you control separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use special characters or emojis in my hotspot name?
Letters, numbers, and spaces work on all devices. Special characters like @ or # may cause connection problems on some phones or tablets. Emojis sometimes work but are not reliable across all devices, so it is safer to stick with standard characters.
Will changing my hotspot name affect my password?
No. Your hotspot name and password are separate. Changing the name does not change the password. Anyone who knows your old password will still be able to connect if they can find the new network name, so consider changing your password at the same time if you want to limit who can connect.
How often can I change my hotspot name?
You can change it as many times as you want. There is no limit on how often you rename your hotspot. Each time you change it, the new name takes effect when ready.
What if I want to hide my hotspot name completely?
iOS does not have a built-in option to hide your hotspot name the way some routers can hide Wi-Fi networks. Your hotspot name will always be visible to devices searching for networks nearby. If privacy is a concern, use a generic name that does not identify you personally.