When you buy a new iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you likely want to configure the device as you wish. As well as all sorts of design and accessibility settings, you can quickly change AirDrop’s name. But you should realize that changing the AirDrop name is the same as changing the device name.
Initially, your device gets the default name. For example, iPhone [Your Name], iPad [Your Name], or Mac [Your Name]. Of course, many users, myself included, are pleased with the default one. But let’s be honest – sometimes, you may want to stand out from the Apple crowd.
You can change AirDrop’s name on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac via Settings. So here’s how it works.
How to change AirDrop’s name on iPhone
Follow these steps:
- First, open Settings and head to General.
- Select About.
- After that, tap Name.
- Finally, enter the name and tap Done to finish the process.
That’s it. Now your iPhone has a new name. So when you send files via AirDrop to other Apple devices, it should appear strictly as you have assigned it.
How to change AirDrop’s name on iPad
The instructions for the iPad are the same. So do the following:
- Open Settings.
- Then go to General and select About.
- After that, tap Name.
- Enter the new name and tap Done.
You can now try sending something to another Apple device using AirDrop and see if the name is changed.
How to change AirDrop’s name on Mac
Changing the device name (AirDrop name) on Mac is as easy as on the iPhone and iPad. Here’s what you need to do:
- Click on the Apple icon at the top left corner and select System Preferences.
- Then go to Sharing.
- There you should see the Computer Name box.
- Enter your Mac’s new name and close the window.
Mac should automatically save the new name. Keep in mind that you also change your local network address with this. If the AirDrop name remains the same, try rebooting the device and repeat the steps above.
How to fix Apple device isn’t showing the new AirDrop name
You should know that not all Apple devices have the AirDrop feature. It’s available on iPhones and iPads running iOS 7 or later and on Macs and MacBooks released in 2012 or later that run at least OS X Yosemite.
If the iOS or macOS version is OK, but you still can’t change the AirDrop name, you can try to reboot your Apple device.
How to reboot iPhone
To restart your iPhone X, 11, 12, 13, or later, press and hold the Volume and Side buttons simultaneously until the power-off slider appears. Then drag the slider and wait 30 seconds for your smartphone completely to turn off. After that, press and hold the Side button to turn on your iPhone.
To reboot your iPhone 6, 7, 8, or SE (2nd or 3rd generation), press and hold the Side button until the power-off slider appears. Then drag the slider and wait 30 seconds for your smartphone completely to turn off. After that, press and hold the Side button again until you see the Apple logo.
To restart your iPhone SE (1st generation), 5 or earlier, press and hold the Top button until the power-off slider appears. Then drag the slider and wait 30 seconds for your iPhone completely to turn off. After that, press and hold the Top button again to turn the device on.
How to reboot iPad
To restart an iPad without a Home button, press and hold the Top and Volume buttons simultaneously until the power-off slider appears. Then drag the slider and wait 30 seconds for your tablet completely to turn off. After that, press and hold the Top button to turn on your iPad.
To restart an iPad with a Home button, press and hold the Top button until the power-off slider appears. Then drag the slider and wait 30 seconds for your tablet completely to turn off. Finally, press and hold the Top button to turn on your iPad.
How to reboot Mac
It’s much easier with Mac. Click on the Apple icon and select Restart.
After you have rebooted your Apple device, try changing the AirDrop name again, as shown above.
Why can no one see my AirDrop?
If you find that no one can see your Apple device via AirDrop, there may be a problem with its settings. For example, your iPhone and iPad have several modes: Receiving Off, Contacts Only and Everyone for 10 Minutes. With the first option enabled, no one will be able to see your mobile device. But you can change it:
- Open Settings and go to General.
- Then tap AirDrop.
- Finally, select Contacts Only or Everyone.
Also check that Bluetooth is switched on. What’s more, some users report that Personal Hotspot interferes with AirDrop. Therefore, it is worth turning it off.
If you are experiencing the same problem on your Mac, you can fix it in much the same way.
- Go to Finder.
- Select AirDrop from the side menu.
- Ensure that Allow me to be discovered by is set to Everyone.
Your device should now be visible to others and you can receive files. If you are still unable to set up AirDrop or it’s not working for you, the best solution is to visit the nearest Apple Store or contact Apple Support.
