When a pair of AirPods are brand new, they inherit the name of the first device they connect to, but there are several reasons for wanting to rename your AirPods.
This article will explain how to change the name of your AirPods in just a couple of seconds, including what to do if the process isn’t working. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know.
Why Change The Name of Your AirPods?
If you’ve purchased a used or refurbished pair of AirPods, they may still have the previous owner’s name associated with them. In this case, it’s best to start fresh and rename your AirPods to something that represents you.
It’s also common to want to rename your AirPods if they’re currently named something generic like “iPhone” or “iPod.” While these names are fine, they don’t really tell you which device is yours when multiple people in your household have the same type of Apple product.
Finally, you might just not particularly enjoy your personal name being visible on everyone’s Bluetooth list when they are searching for new devices. This can be a problem for those who prefer their privacy, and that’s fair enough.
Step-By-Step: How to Rename AirPods
The instructions differ depending on the device you’re using.
How to Rename AirPods on an iPhone or iPad
- Go to “Settings” menu on your phone or iPad
- Tap “Bluetooth”
- Find your AirPods under “My Devices” and tap the (i) next to them
- Scroll down and tap “Name”
- Enter the new name for your AirPods and tap “Done”
How to Change The Name of Your AirPods on a Mac
- Go to “System Preferences”
- Click “Bluetooth”
- Right click on your AirPods and click “Rename’
- Type in the new name for your AirPods and hit “Enter”
How to Rename AirPods on an Apple Watch
- Open the “Watch” app on your iPhone
- Tap “My Watch,” then go to “General”
- Tap “About”
- Tap the “Name” field
- Enter the new name for your AirPods and tap “Done”
The above instructions work for original AirPods, Pro, or AirPods Max headphones.
Can You Change AirPods Name on an Android Device?
You don’t need to be an iOS user to appreciate AirPods, and there are many AirPod fans that don’t have an iOS device. Follow these instructions to change the AirPods name on an Android device:
- Go to “Settings” on your Android device
- Tap “Connections,” then select “Bluetooth”
- Find your headphones in the list of paired devices
- Tap the icon next to your AirPods (i)
- Tap “Rename Device”
- Enter the new name for your AirPods and tap “Done”
Do My AirPods Need to be Connected to Change the Name?
No, you don’t need to be connected to your AirPods to change their name. You can simply follow the steps above and enter the new name while they’re in the charging case.
Can I Change the Name of My Left or Right AirPod Individually?
Unfortunately, no – you cannot change the name of your left or right AirPod individually. When you change the name of your AirPods, both earbuds will have the same new name.
My AirPods Name Keeps Reverting Back – What Can I Do?
If you’re having trouble with your AirPods name constantly reverting back, there are a few things you can try. First, make sure that you’re running the latest version of iOS.
You can also unpair and re-pair your AirPods, which may fix the problem. Here’s how to do that:
- Go to “Settings” on your iPhone
- Tap “Bluetooth,” then find your AirPods under “My Devices”
- Tap the (i) next to your AirPods, then scroll down and tap “Forget This Device”
- Turn off Bluetooth, then turn it back on
- Put your AirPods in the charging case, then open the lid
- Tap “Connect” when prompted
Still Having Issues? Try Resetting Your AirPods/AirPods Pro
Finally, you can try resetting your AirPods, which will restore everything to default. Here’s how:
- Press and hold the setup button on the back of your charging case for about 15 seconds
- You’ll see the status light turn white, then flash amber a few times
- Your AirPods are now reset and you can now reconnect to your iOS device/Android
- Try to rename the AirPods again
If you have followed all of the steps and instructions in this guide and are still unable to rename your headphones, you will need to contact Apple Customer Support for more help.
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