Is your iPad still using a boring default name like "iPad (2)" or someone else's old name?
You can rename your iPad in just a few taps by going to Settings, then General, then About, and tapping on Name.
This simple change helps you identify your device when using AirDrop, iCloud backups, and Find My.
A custom iPad name makes your device stand out from other iPads nearby. It also adds a personal touch and helps keep your devices organized if you own multiple Apple products.
This guide shows you exactly how to rename your iPad, where your new name appears, and what to do if something goes wrong. You'll also learn the best naming tips and troubleshooting tricks to make the process smooth.
Quick Insights 💡:
- Open Settings on your iPad
- Tap General > About
- Select Name
- Enter your new iPad name
- Tap Done – your iPad is renamed instantly
Why You Should Rename Your iPad
Renaming your iPad makes it much easier to find on Wi-Fi networks. Instead of seeing "iPad" or "iPad (2)" in network lists, you'll see your custom name.
AirDrop becomes simpler when your device has a unique name. Friends and family can quickly spot your iPad when sharing photos or files. This is especially helpful in crowded places like coffee shops or offices.
If you own multiple Apple devices, custom names prevent confusion. You can tell the difference between your work iPad, personal iPad, and other devices at a glance.
Here are the main benefits:
- Better device identification on networks and in settings
- Faster AirDrop connections with a recognizable name
- Easy management of multiple Apple devices
- Personal touch that makes your iPad feel more like yours
- Quick Bluetooth pairing when others can see your custom name
Your iPad's name appears in several places across your Apple devices. It shows up in iCloud settings, iTunes, and when other people try to connect via Bluetooth or AirDrop.
A personalized name also helps when you need tech support. You can easily identify which device needs assistance when contacting Apple or IT support.
The process takes less than a minute, making using your iPad more convenient every day.
How to Rename iPad – Step-by-Step
Changing your iPad's name takes five simple steps through the Settings app. The process involves accessing your device information and typing in your preferred name.
Step 1 – Open Settings
Find the Settings app on your iPad's home screen. It looks like a gray gear icon.
Tap the Settings icon to open it. The Settings menu will appear with different options listed on the left side.
You'll see various categories like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and General in the main menu. The General option is usually located near the top of the list.
Step 2 – Go to General > About
Locate General in the Settings menu and tap it. This opens the General settings section.
Look for About at the top of the General menu. Tap About to access your iPad's detailed information.
The About section shows important details about your device. This includes your current device name, model, storage space, and software version.
Step 3 – Select Name
Find the Name field at the very top of the About page. Your current iPad name appears here.
The name might show something like "iPad" or "John's iPad" depending on what was set before. Tap directly on the name text to select it.
A text input field will appear when you tap the name. This allows you to edit and change the current name to something new.
Step 4 – Enter a New Name
Type your desired name in the text field. You can use letters, numbers, and some special characters.
Choose a name that helps you identify your iPad easily. Good options include:
- Your name plus "iPad" (like "Sarah's iPad")
- A fun nickname (like "Blue Thunder")
- Your location (like "Kitchen iPad")
- A simple identifier (like "Work iPad")
Keep the name short and avoid using special symbols that may cause issues. Most letters, numbers, spaces, and basic punctuation work fine.
Step 5 – Confirm & Done
Tap Done on your iPad's keyboard when you finish typing the new name. Your iPad will save the change immediately.
The new name will appear in the Name field right away. You don't need to restart your iPad or take any other action.
Your updated name will now appear everywhere your iPad is used. This includes AirDrop, iCloud, Bluetooth connections, and when connecting to your computer.
Also Read: How to Set Up iPad Parental Controls: Quick Guide
Where Your iPad Name Is Displayed
Your iPad name shows up in many places across Apple's services and when connecting to other devices. This name helps identify your specific iPad when you use features like sharing files or finding your device.
iCloud and Apple ID
Your iPad name appears in your iCloud settings and Apple ID account information. When you sign into iCloud.com on a web browser, you can see all your connected devices listed by name.
The name also shows up in your Apple ID device list. You can view this by going to Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases on your iPad. This helps you manage which devices are connected to your Apple account.
If you have multiple Apple devices, the iPad name helps you distinguish them from one another. This is useful when you need to remove old devices or check which ones are using your iCloud storage.
Also Read: How to Connect iPad to Chromecast for Screen Mirroring
Find My and Location Services
Find My uses your iPad name to identify your device on maps and in device lists. When you open the Find My app or visit iCloud.com, your iPad appears with its custom name.
This makes it easy to locate the right device if you have multiple iPads or other Apple products. The name appears in both the app and when someone helps you locate your lost iPad.
Other family members who share Find My access will also see your iPad by this name. They can help locate your device using the name you choose.
AirDrop and Personal Hotspot
AirDrop displays your iPad name to other nearby Apple devices when they want to share files with you. People will see this name in their AirDrop sharing menu.
Your iPad name also appears when you use Personal Hotspot. Other devices will see your iPad's name in their Wi-Fi network list when they try to connect to your hotspot.
Key AirDrop locations where your name appears:
- Share menus on other devices
- AirDrop discovery lists
- File transfer notifications
This helps friends and family easily identify your device when sharing photos, documents, or other files.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connections
Your iPad's name appears in Wi-Fi network logs and router admin panels. Network administrators can identify which device is associated with which when managing connected devices.
Bluetooth accessories also use your iPad name for pairing and connection management. When you connect headphones, keyboards, or other accessories, they are recognized by your iPad by this name.
Your iPad name appears in:
- Router device lists
- Bluetooth pairing screens
- Network diagnostic tools
- Home network management apps
This helps you manage your connections and troubleshoot network issues when needed.
Also Read: 5 Essential Tips for Using Bluetooth Keyboards with iPad
Tips for Naming Your iPad
📌 Keep your iPad name short and easy to spot. Long names get cut off in menus and device lists. Stick to 15 characters or less when possible.
📌 Avoid using sensitive personal information like your full name, address, or phone number. Other people can see your device name when you use AirDrop or connect to Wi-Fi networks.
📌 Add emojis or numbers for fun touches. You can include symbols like "John's iPad ⭐" or "Work iPad 2024" to make your device stand out.
Here are some good naming ideas:
- Personal use: "Sarah's iPad," "Gaming iPad," "Kitchen Tablet"
- Work devices: "Office iPad," "Marketing Team," "Conference Room"
- Family sharing: "Dad's iPad," "Kids Tablet," "Living Room iPad"
- Creative options: "Creative Hub," "Study Buddy," "Entertainment Center"
📌 Match your naming style across all your Apple devices. If you name your iPhone "Mike's Phone," consider "Mike's iPad" for consistency. This makes managing multiple devices much easier.
📌 Avoid special characters that might cause problems. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, and basic symbols. Some networks or apps may not display unusual characters correctly.
📌 Choose names that make sense to you and your family. If multiple people use the same iPad, pick a name that clearly shows its purpose or location in your home.
Troubleshooting – What If iPad Name Doesn't Update?
Sometimes, your iPad's name won't appear on other devices immediately. This issue persists even after you change the setting.
Try these steps to fix the problem:
- Restart your iPad - Turn it off completely, then turn it back on
- Check iCloud sync settings - Make sure iCloud is turned on in Settings
- Wait a few minutes - Name changes can take time to sync across devices
- Sign out and back into Apple ID - Go to Settings > Apple ID, sign out, then sign back in
The name change should take effect on your iPad immediately. However, other devices, such as your iPhone, may still display the old name for a while.
If the name still doesn't update:
Your other Apple devices need time to sync the new information. Verify that all devices are connected to Wi-Fi and signed in with the same Apple ID.
You can also restart your other devices. This helps them retrieve the updated name from iCloud more quickly.
Some users have found that signing out of their Apple ID on the iPad resolves the issue completely. The new name then appears on all their devices within a few minutes.
Important note: Make sure you know your Apple ID password before signing out. You'll need it to sign back in.
Conclusion
Renaming your iPad is one of the easiest yet most satisfying customizations you can perform.
As we've shown, learning how to rename your iPad is a straightforward process that takes just a few taps in the Settings app.
The main steps are to go to Settings > General > About and edit the Name field. This minor adjustment provides substantial benefits in terms of organization and personalization.
Final Thought: Don't underestimate the power of a good name. It transforms your iPad from a generic piece of tech into a distinctly yours tool for work and creativity.
Now that your iPad has a brand new identity, why not give it a new look to match? Explore our collection of premium keyboard cases:
FAQs About How to Rename iPad
Changing your iPad's name affects how it appears to other devices and services. The new name is compatible with all Apple features, without requiring changes to your files or account settings.
How do I rename my iPad for AirDrop?
The same steps you use to rename your iPad will change how it appears in AirDrop. Go to Settings > General > About > Name and enter your new name. Once you save the new name, other devices will see this name when you use AirDrop. You don't need to do anything extra to update AirDrop specifically.
Will renaming my iPad affect my iCloud account?
Renaming your iPad will not affect your iCloud account or data. Your iCloud account stays the same with all your files and settings intact. The new name only changes how your device appears to other devices. Your iCloud backup, photos, and documents remain unchanged.
Can I use emojis in my iPad's name?
Yes, you can add emojis to your iPad's name. The name field accepts emojis along with letters and numbers. Keep in mind that some older devices or systems might not display emojis correctly. They may show blank spaces or question marks instead.
Why isn't my new iPad name showing on my Mac or iPhone?
Your other Apple devices might take a few minutes to show the new name. Try turning Bluetooth off and on again on both devices. You can also restart both devices to refresh the connection. Make sure both devices are signed into the same iCloud account.
Can I rename my iPad more than once?
Yes, you can change your iPad's name as many times as you want. Follow the same steps each time you want to make a change. There are no limits on how often you can rename your device. The process takes the same amount of time each time.
Will renaming my iPad affect my files, apps, or data?
No, renaming your iPad will not affect any of your files, apps, or data. This change is only cosmetic and doesn't touch your content. Your apps will continue to work normally. All your photos, documents, and settings stay exactly the same.
