When you AirDrop files, the name other people see is usually the name of your device. If your iPhone, iPad, or Mac shows a generic name, an old name, or something you would rather not share, you can change it in a few settings.
The exact steps depend on the device, and on some Apple devices the AirDrop name is tied to your device name rather than a separate AirDrop-only setting.
How AirDrop Names Work
AirDrop does not use a separate nickname in most cases. Instead, it shows the name of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. That means changing your device name usually changes what people see in AirDrop, as well as in Bluetooth and other nearby sharing features.
Change Your AirDrop Name on iPhone
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap General.
- Tap About.
- Tap Name.
- Delete the current name and type the new one you want people to see in AirDrop.
- Tap Done or go back to save the change.
Change Your AirDrop Name on iPad
- Open Settings on your iPad.
- Tap General.
- Tap About.
- Tap Name.
- Enter the new device name you want AirDrop to show.
- Exit the screen to save the change.
Change Your AirDrop Name on Mac
- Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner.
- Open System Settings.
- Go to General, then About.
- Find the Name field and click it.
- Type the new Mac name and press Return.
If you are using an older version of macOS, the setting may be in System Preferences instead of System Settings. The goal is the same: change the computer name, and AirDrop will usually update to match.
If the New AirDrop Name Does Not Appear
- Wait a moment for nearby devices to refresh their AirDrop list.
- Turn AirDrop off and back on in Control Center or Finder sharing settings.
- Make sure you changed the device name itself, not just a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth label in another menu.
- On Mac, check that you changed the computer name in the About section rather than only the local network name.
- If the device is managed by a school or company, a profile may restrict name changes.
Choosing a Good AirDrop Name
- Use a name that is easy to recognize in a crowded room.
- Avoid personal details you do not want strangers to see.
- If you own multiple Apple devices, give each one a different name.
- Keep it simple so it is easy to spot on other people's screens.
What to Remember
Changing your AirDrop name is usually just a matter of renaming your device. On iPhone and iPad, that means editing the device name in Settings. On Mac, it means changing the computer name in System Settings. Once updated, AirDrop should show the new name the next time nearby devices scan for you.
