The AirDrop feature on Mac computers allows users to quickly and easily transfer files between Apple devices, such as Macs, iPhones, and iPads. When using AirDrop, your Mac will broadcast its name so that other nearby Apple devices can see it and send files. By default, your Mac’s name is set to the name you gave when you first set up your computer, but you can change it anytime.
So if you decide to change the AirDrop name on Mac, you can do it quite easily. At the same time, if you have problems with the AirDrop name not showing up, you can find out how to fix it.
What to do to change the AirDrop name on Mac?
To change your AirDrop name on a Mac, you need to change the name of your computer. So to change the AirDrop name on your Mac, follow these steps:
- Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen and select “System Preferences.”

- In System Preferences, click on the “Sharing” icon.

- In the Sharing preferences, you will see a field labeled “Computer Name.” Change the name to the desired name for your AirDrop.

- Close System Preferences.
Your Mac and AirDrop names will be updated and visible to other Apple devices nearby. It is also important to note that changes to your computer name will also change the AirDrop name.
Why change the name of AirDrop on a Mac?
There are several reasons why you may want to change the name of your AirDrop on a Mac:
Personalization
You may want to personalize your device by giving it a unique name that reflects your personality or preferences.
Organization
If you have multiple Macs, changing the name of each one can help you distinguish between them, especially if they are used in different places or by different people.
Confusion
If multiple people are using AirDrop nearby, having different names for each device can help to avoid confusion and ensure that files are sent to the correct device.
Privacy
If you’re in a public place or sharing a workspace with others, changing the name of your AirDrop can help maintain privacy by making it less likely for other people to send files to your device accidentally.
Once you change your AirDrop name, you can make it easier to identify and use your Mac when sending or receiving files using AirDrop.
What to do if the device doesn’t display the Mac’s AirDrop name?
If you have changed the name of your Mac’s AirDrop, but it is not showing up on other devices, there could be several reasons for this. Here’s a more detailed explanation of some of the steps you can take to resolve the issue:
Check AirDrop settings
To use AirDrop, the sending and receiving device must have their AirDrop settings set to “Everyone.” To check this, you need the following:
- Go to the “Finder” on your Mac.
- Select “AirDrop” from the side menu, and ensure that “Allow me to be discovered by” is set to “Everyone.”

On the receiving device, open a Finder window, select “AirDrop” from the left-side menu, and ensure that “Allow me to be discovered by” is also set to “Everyone.”
Restart your devices
Sometimes restarting both devices can resolve the issue and allow the updated AirDrop name to be displayed. To restart a Mac, click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and select “Restart.” Hold down the power button on an iPhone or iPad until the “Slide to Power Off” slider appears, then slide to power off the device. Wait a few seconds, then hold the power button to turn the device back on.
Check proximity
AirDrop uses Bluetooth to establish the initial connection, so both devices need to be close enough to each other for AirDrop to work.
Disable and re-enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Disabling and re-enabling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can sometimes resolve connectivity issues and allow the updated AirDrop name to be displayed. On a Mac, you need the following:
- Go to the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.“
- Then click on “Network” and “Bluetooth” to turn them off and on again.
On an iPhone or iPad, go to “Settings,” then “Wi-Fi,” and “Bluetooth” to turn them off and on again.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, other factors could affect AirDrop’s ability to display the updated name. In this case, you may need to troubleshoot the problem further or seek technical support from Apple.