Can't rename Apple Keyboard or Magic Mouse -Solved-

As of 10.15.7 (and possibly sooner), renaming seems to work (and stick).

One note to add, which may be slightly off-topic from the OP, but may help folks stumbling on this for a related reason.

I found my way here because I couldn't find the option to "Rename". The only option I had was to "Remove":

If you are in the same situation, here's the solution:

Unplug the Lightening cable from the device.

That will force it to connect via Bluetooth. Then you will find the option to rename it.

This works, until you remove the device and re-pair it. If removed and re-paired it will come up as the original/previous name. Not ideal if you looking to resell your old kit :(

This solution works:

1 Connect Device

2 Go to settings, right click on device, don't click the menu, leave it open

3 Turn off device

4 Select "rename" in the still open right click menu

5 rename the device and close the pop up

6 Turn device back on and connect

Wow, what a clever hack ... that works!

1 Connect Device

2 Go to settings, right click on device, don't click the menu, leave it open

3 Turn off device

4 Select "rename" in the still open right click menu

5 rename the device and close the pop up

6 Turn device back on and connect

Thanks rafasiqueira!

BRUUUUUUUUH, Rafasiqueira's method worked on my case (Catalina 10.15.7)

1 Connect Device

2 Go to settings, right click on device, don't click the menu, leave it open

3 Turn off device

4 Select "rename" in the still open right click menu

5 rename the device and close the pop up

6 Turn device back on and connect

Mostafa2021

User level:

Level 1

(4 points)

Jan 2, 2021 3:26 AM in response to Malcolm J. Rayfield

unfortunately, not working using macOS Big Sur, but you method inspires me to try other similar way

you can keep it connected and press Shift Key while apply the new name, it is working.

Although temporarily working on the device on which the procedures were followed, none of the solutions involving Catalina worked for me for good.

The only way I was able to rename my device (Apple Keyboard A1314) and see the name stick even when connecting to other BT devices was using an older version of Mac OS.

The fact that I could not rename a BT device through Catalina and other PCs/Smartphones was driving me crazy. Then I installed El Capitan on a SD card that was lying around and was able to rename it through the conventional method.

AFAIK, all other methods only work temporarily or just on one device.

Here are some helpful links to guide through installing older versions of Mac:

macworld.co.uk/how-to/mac-software/download-old-os-x-3629363/

macworld.co.uk/how-to/mac-software/bootable-mac-installer-3575875/

I took the mouse, that I was unable to re-name on Catalina, to an older Mini running 10.7.5. I renamed it there successfully and the new name stuck when returned to the Catalina machine. The renaming procedure is a little different on 10.7.5, but obvious. In 10.7.5 go to System Preferences > Bluetooth. Highlight the mouse in question, then go to the advanced features gear icon, and the rest is obvious.

Amigos tuve problemas para cambiar el nombre de mi Magic Mouse 1 en Catalina OS, tiene un BUG en esa Version de SO, tuve que ir a mi MacMini que tiene HighSierra y desde ahí renombrar mi Mouse, luego al volver a enlazarlo a dispositivo *** Catalina OS toma el nombre que definí en HighSierra, Saludos espero les sirva.

Same problem here but I was able to solve it.

Got a used Magic Mouse 1 under the name of its original owner. Tried renaming it in BT setting running Catalina 10.15.6 was successful in the BT setting but under:

About This Mac - Overview - System Report - Hardware - Bluetooth, name remains the same from the old owner. Opening the BT again, mouse goes back to original name.

Connected the mouse instead to my other MacBook running Snow Leopard, was detected and still with original owners' name. Renamed it under System Preferences - Mouse - Setup Bluetooth Mouse, Right Click on the Mouse - Rename.....

Successfully renamed the Magic Mouse 1.

Reconnected it again to OS Catalina, new name appeared. Tried renaming it again in Catalina, no success.

Solution: Renaming the Magic Mouse 1 on older OS X, Snow Leopard works.... - Partly SOLVED (since renaming should work in Catalina) sorry for those who do not have access to older OS..... :-(

This worked for me too! I was lucky enough to have an old MacBook Pro (early 2011) hanging around with macOS High Sierra 10.13.6. After pairing the mouse with that old computer I was able to rename it in the Bluetooth Preferences screen and the name change actually persisted.

I confirmed that this method works up to High Sierra (10.13 latest update) which I have installed on a 2011 MacBook Air. Didn't get to test on Mojave but definitely had the issue on Catalina. Still not updating to Big Sur till I hear better things!

unfortunately, not working using macOS Big Sur, but you method inspires me to try other similar way

you can keep it connected and press Shift Key while apply the new name, it is working.

THIS WORKS. I've been struggling with this issue on an older Magic Mouse and Apple Keyboard NO MATTER which iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook, Mac Pro1,1, Mac Pro 3,1, Mac Pro 4,1-5,1, NONE OF THESE MACHINES would successfully rename these devices. UNTIL I tried this solution. I was SO SURPRISED that it worked. I renamed the mouse 6 times in a row and rebooted, disconnected, removed and added. worked PERFECTLY EVERY TIME!!!!!!!

SUPER GREAT ADVICE

This solution actually works you will probably need a laptop Macbook in order to do this fix because you have to be able to click on rename after you turn off the mouse. I used my MacBook Pro in order to rename it.