A 5-minute step-by-step guide on how to rename AirPods no matter what device you’re using them with. Plus, some tips for when it won’t work!
Upon first pairing, AirPods adopt the name registered to the device that they’re paired with. For example, if your iPhone name is X, then your AirPods will automatically name themselves X’s AirPods.
While this may be convenient, this can cause many aggravating situations. For one, if you’re planning on selling them, you’ll be stuck with AirPods that are named after you.
Most disturbingly, if you don’t know how to rename AirPods, your real name being displayed could aid creepy stalking attempts.
To save you from that, here’s a guide on how to rename AirPods no matter what device you’re using.
How to Rename AirPods on iOS
According to a study by the Consumer Intelligence Research Partners (CIRP), 20% of iPhone users use AirPods. If you’re part of that number, it will be easy for you to rename your AirPods just by using an iOS device or a Mac.
For iPhone or iPad
Renaming AirPods on an iOS device won’t take you more than a minute. After all, AirPods and iOS devices all came from the same company — Apple. To rename your AirPods, make sure they’re connected and then follow these steps:
- Open Settings > Bluetooth
Bluetooth Settings on iOS - Click the “i” icon beside your AirPods to pull up more options.
More AirPods Settings on iOS - Click on “Name” and edit it as you see fit.
Renaming your AirPods on iPhone
For Mac
Much like iOS devices, Mac products and AirPods were all developed by the same brains. Because of this, they have similar systems that allow them to function well with each other. Mac products also allow users to customize their AirPods further — including renaming them.
Here’s how:
- Go to System Preferences on your Mac.
System Preferences on Mac - Click the Bluetooth icon.
Mac Bluetooth Settings - Right-click/Two-finger click your AirPods and select Rename.
AirPods settings on Mac - Enter the name you want, and click Rename.
Rename the AirPods on Mac How to Rename AirPods on Android & Windows Devices
For non-iOS users, using AirPods can feel unnatural because of the differences in the brands and operating systems used.
Furthermore, using AirPods with a non-iOS device comes with certain shortcomings, such as the absence of features like Siri, customizable double-taps, and automatic ear detection.
However, not all is lost because you can still enjoy some of the AirPods’ groundbreaking features, including renaming.
For Android
Android is the biggest smartphone operating system on the market. Back in December 2020, a study noted that 5% of AirPods users (over 2 million) do not use iPhones. Fortunately for these users, renaming AirPods is still something they can do with their devices.
In fact, the process is strikingly similar to how to do it with an iOS device:
- Go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth
Enter the Bluetooth Settings screen - Tap the gear/more button beside the connected AirPods.
Tap the gear icon next to your AirPods - Click the pen icon and type in the name you want to see.
Click the pen icon to rename. For Windows 10
Although it is a little tedious, connecting your AirPods to your Windows 10 PC is possible as long as your device has Bluetooth. Your PC can also customize your connected AirPods and rename them if you need to.
You can do so by following these steps:
- Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound.
Hardware and Sound settings on Windows 10 - Click Devices and Printers.
Devices and Printers in Windows Control Panel - Right-click the AirPods you want to rename and then click Properties.
AirPods on Windows 10 Control Panel - Go to the Bluetooth tab and edit the name.
Changing the AirPods name on Windows 10
What to Do if the Airpods’ Name Keeps Reverting Back
A common issue that some users experience when renaming their AirPods is the name reverting back to its default. This usually happens after the AirPods are put back in their case or after switching to another device.
Although we don’t know the exact reasons behind this, we tested some solutions on how to rename AirPods effectively, and came up with the ultimate fix!
First, you can try resetting the AirPods. Doing a reset erases all existing data including possible glitches that cause the problem. A reset also starts a brand new, and most likely bug-free, connection between the AirPods and the device.
Here’s a quick run-through of how to reset your AirPods:
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth
Going to iPhone Bluetooth Settings - Click the “i” button
AirPods Settings on iPhone - Tap on “Forget This Device”
Forgetting AirPods on iOS - Then hold down the AirPods setup button until it turns white.
Pressing the AirPods’ setup button Conclusion
Now that you know how to rename AirPods, you’re one step closer to fully mastering these wireless earbuds. This simple but groundbreaking feature might have been intimidating and confusing at first — but not anymore. With your increased confidence, you can now start exploring other exciting features of your AirPods!
- Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound.
Were you able to successfully rename your AirPods? If not, what solution worked for you? Let us know in the comments below.
- Go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth
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