What name shows up on your iPhone and where to change it

Your iPhone displays your name in three separate places, and each one changes differently. The name that appears at the top of your Settings app, on your Apple ID account page, and in messages to other people is stored in your Apple ID — the account you use to sign into the device. The name that shows on your device itself (like "Marcus's iPhone") is a separate setting. And if you use iCloud, your name appears there too. Most people need to change their Apple ID name, which takes about five minutes and works the same way on any iPhone.

Before you start, know that changing your Apple ID name does not erase anything on your phone. Your photos, messages, contacts, and apps all stay exactly where they are. The change just updates how your name appears to you and to other people who see your account information.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Apple ID name is separate from your device name — you may need to change one, both, or neither depending on where you see the wrong name.
  • To change your Apple ID name, open Settings, tap your name at the top, then tap Name and enter the new name you want.
  • To change what your iPhone is called (like "Marcus's iPhone"), go to Settings, tap General, then About, and tap the name field at the top.
  • Changes to your Apple ID name take effect when ready but may take a few hours to show up in messages and on other people's devices.
  • You can change your name back anytime using the same steps — there is no limit to how many times you can do this.

Changing your Apple ID name in Settings

Open the Settings app on your iPhone and look at the very top of the screen. You will see a box with your name, photo, and Apple ID email address. Tap that box — it is usually near the top left, and it opens your Apple ID account page.

Once you are on that page, look for the word "Name" with your current first and last name next to it. Tap on "Name" directly. A screen will open with two fields: one for your first name and one for your last name. Delete what is in those fields and type the new name you want. When you are done, tap "Done" in the top right corner. Your new name is now saved to your Apple ID.

If you use iCloud, the same name will now show on your iCloud account. If you have a family group set up on your iPhone, family members will see your updated name the next time they look at the family settings. The change usually shows up in Messages and FaceTime within a few hours, though it can sometimes take longer.

Changing your device name (what your iPhone is called)

Your device name is the label that appears when you connect your iPhone to a computer, when you set up AirDrop, or when someone tries to send you files over Bluetooth. It usually looks like "Marcus's iPhone" or "Sarah's iPad." This is different from your Apple ID name and changes separately.

To change it, open Settings and tap "General." Scroll down and tap "About." At the very top of the About screen, you will see a field with your device name. Tap on that name field and a keyboard will appear. Delete the current name and type a new one. Tap "Done" when you are finished. The change takes effect when ready.

Why you might see your name in different places

Your iPhone uses your name in several ways, and this can be confusing. Your Apple ID name appears in Settings at the top, in your iCloud account, and in messages you send to other people. Your device name appears when you connect to a computer or use AirDrop. Your contact card (the information stored in your Contacts app) is separate again — that is the name that shows when you call someone or they call you.

If you changed your name but it still shows the old name somewhere, check which place you are looking at. If your Apple ID name changed but your device name did not, that is normal — they are two different settings. If you want both to match, you will need to change both using the steps above.

What happens after you change your name

The change to your Apple ID name is when ready on your phone, but it takes time to spread to other places. Other people using iMessage or FaceTime may still see your old name for a few hours. If you have a family group, family members will see the new name once they refresh their family settings, which usually happens automatically within a few hours.

If you use your iPhone for work and your company manages your account through a system like Mobile Device Management, changing your name in Settings may not work — your company's system controls that information. In that case, contact your IT department or help desk to change your name.

Changing your name back or making another change

You can change your name as many times as you want using the same steps. There is no waiting period, no limit, and no penalty for changing it back. If you made a typo or want to use a different name, just go back to Settings, tap your name at the top, tap "Name," and enter the new information.

If you share an Apple ID with someone else (which is not recommended but does happen), changing the name will change it for both of you. If you have multiple Apple IDs on your phone, make sure you are signed into the right one before you change the name — tap your name at the top of Settings to see which account you are currently in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my name delete my photos or messages?

No. Your name is just a label on your account. Everything on your phone — photos, messages, contacts, apps — stays exactly where it is. Changing your name does not touch any of that data.

Can I use special characters or emoji in my name?

Your Apple ID name accepts letters, numbers, spaces, and some punctuation, but not emoji. If you try to use a character that is not allowed, the field will not accept it. Stick to regular letters and numbers.

Why does my name still show the old way in Messages?

Changes to your Apple ID name can take a few hours to show up in Messages on other people's phones. If it has been more than a few hours, try signing out of iMessage and signing back in: go to Settings, tap Messages, turn off iMessage, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.

What if I forgot my Apple ID password and cannot get into Settings?

You will need to reset your password before you can change your name. Go to iforgot.apple.com on a computer or another device, enter your Apple ID email, and follow the steps to reset your password. Once you have a new password, you can sign back into your iPhone and change your name.

Does changing my name affect my Apple ID email address?

No. Your email address stays the same. Your name and your email are separate — you can change one without changing the other. Your email is what you use to sign into your account.