Change Your AirPod Name in Settings

You can rename your AirPods directly from your device's settings in about 30 seconds. The name you set appears when you connect to the AirPods, in your Bluetooth menu, and on any other device you pair them with. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, but the process is the same idea on all three.

The name you choose sticks with your AirPods even if you pair them with a different device later. If you share your AirPods with someone else, they will see whatever name you set, so pick something you both recognize. You can change the name as many times as you want — there is no limit.

Key Takeaways

  • Open Settings, go to Bluetooth, tap the info icon next to your AirPods, and select "Name" to type a new one on iPhone or iPad.
  • On a Mac, open System Settings, click Bluetooth, right-click your AirPods, and choose "Rename" from the menu.
  • The new name syncs across all your devices once you save it, so you only need to change it once.
  • If you cannot see your AirPods in the Bluetooth list, make sure they are powered on and in pairing mode by holding the button on the back for three seconds.

Rename AirPods on iPhone or iPad

Open the Settings app and tap Bluetooth. Look for your AirPods in the list of connected devices — they will show a blue dot next to the name if they are currently connected. Tap the small circle with an i inside it (the info icon) to the right of your AirPods name.

At the top of the screen you will see the current name of your AirPods. Tap directly on the name text to edit it. The keyboard will appear and you can delete the old name and type a new one. Tap Done when you finish typing. The change takes effect when ready.

If you do not see an info icon next to your AirPods, swipe left on the AirPods name and tap the gear icon instead. This opens the same settings screen where you can change the name.

Rename AirPods on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click Bluetooth in the sidebar. Find your AirPods in the list of devices.

Right-click directly on your AirPods name and select Rename from the menu that appears. A text box will open with the current name highlighted. Type your new name and press Return. The change saves automatically.

If right-clicking does not show a rename option, try clicking the info icon (three dots or a gear) next to your AirPods name instead. This opens a details window where you can edit the name at the top.

What Happens When You Rename Your AirPods

Once you change the name on one device, it updates on all your other devices within a few minutes. You do not need to rename them separately on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac — changing the name once is enough. The new name appears in your Bluetooth menu, in your AirPods case settings, and anywhere else the device name shows up.

If you have multiple pairs of AirPods, giving each pair a different name makes it much easier to connect to the right ones. For example, you might name one pair "Gym AirPods" and another "Work AirPods" so you know which is which at a glance.

Troubleshooting: AirPods Not Showing in Bluetooth

If you cannot find your AirPods in the Bluetooth list, make sure they are turned on and in pairing mode. Open the AirPods case and hold the button on the back for about three seconds until the light inside flashes white. This puts them in pairing mode so your device can see them.

If they still do not appear, try forgetting the AirPods from your device and pairing them again. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth, tap the info icon next to your AirPods, and select Forget This Device. Then open the AirPods case near your phone and follow the pairing steps that appear on screen. Once they reconnect, you can rename them using the steps above.

Special Names for Different AirPod Models

Apple's different AirPod models come with default names that help you tell them apart. Standard AirPods show as "AirPods," AirPods Pro appear as "AirPods Pro," and AirPods Max show as "AirPods Max." You can change any of these to whatever you want — the default name is just a starting point.

Some people rename their AirPods to match their device name or their own name so they know who owns them. Others use descriptive names like "Left Earbud Only" if one is broken and they are using it as a mono speaker. The name is entirely up to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my AirPods name without connecting them to my device?

No, your AirPods must be connected or in pairing mode before you can rename them. They need to be visible in your Bluetooth list so your device can communicate with them. If they are not showing up, hold the button on the back of the case for three seconds to put them in pairing mode.

Will changing the AirPods name affect how they work?

No, renaming your AirPods does not change how they function at all. It only changes the name that appears in your Bluetooth menu and settings. Sound quality, battery life, and all features work exactly the same regardless of what you name them.

What if I want to change the name back to the original?

You can rename them to anything you want, including the original name. Just follow the same steps and type "AirPods," "AirPods Pro," or "AirPods Max" depending on which model you have. There is no way to reset to a factory default name, but typing it manually takes just a few seconds.

Do I need to rename my AirPods if I share them with someone else?

You do not have to, but it can be helpful. If you share your AirPods, both of you will see the name you set whenever you connect them. Picking a neutral name or one you both agree on prevents confusion about whose device it is.