Can't Rename a Bluetooth Device on iPhone, but I can on Android

Question

Level 1

19 points

Can't Rename a Bluetooth Device on iPhone, but I can on Android

I've read the previous posts about how if you don't see the "name" option on your iPhone when clicking on the information icon, that means the BT device does not allow the name to be changed (yes, I had the device connected to my iPhone at the time). If that is the case, then why CAN I rename that same BT device on my Android phone?

Has Apple come up with a way to do this yet? Seems simple, but I'm not a code writer.

iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 16

Posted on May 9, 2023 2:23 AM

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Answer 1

Aug 12, 2023 7:50 AM in response to mes250

What I found - I could not rename the device when it was not connected. When I connected the device, I could click on the name text-field and rename it.

Also, I have two headsets of the same type - one at home, one in the office. I had to remove both of them, then add one of them again. Then I was able to rename it.

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Answer 2

brbo

Level 8

38,539 points

May 9, 2023 11:18 PM in response to mes250

Hi mes250,

welcome to the Apple (user-to-user) Community.

Re: "Can't Rename a Bluetooth Device on iPhone"

Apple have this (archived) article (2021) online:

How to: Change the name of a Bluetooth accessory

There's also a (non-Apple) article online (May 2022) which is similar:

https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-change-bluetooth-device-name-iphone/

says:

1. "Open Settings and go to Bluetooth.
2. All devices have an information icon next to their name (with the letter i). Tap on the icon for the connected device you want to rename.
3. Select Name.
4. Type in the desired name and go back to the previous page to finish the process."

NB: You may need to tap "Done".

If this is not working for you, you may want to send feedback to Apple.

They will likely not reply, yet your feedback will reach those who can make changes. If others also have this issue, things may change in an update.

Web-form for feedback to Apple:

Feedback - iPhone - Apple

All the best :-)

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Answer 3

mes250 Author

Level 1

19 points

May 10, 2023 4:25 AM in response to brbo

Thanks for your reply. I did try that, but don't get the "name" option. Others have said it is because the BT device won't let you rename it, but as I was saying, I can rename that device with my Android phone.

I've found threads about this problem from years back, so who knows if Apple will do anything about it. However, I will take your advice and leave feedback for Apple (thanks for the link).

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Answer 4

Dina

Level 2

204 points

Dec 8, 2023 5:27 AM in response to Sidebardive

That’s what worked for me. Paired and connected, then the name field was available. I have two pairs of the same earbuds.

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Answer 5

brbo

Level 8

38,539 points

May 10, 2023 3:22 PM in response to mes250

Thank you mes250! Grateful for your reply.

Mmm... maybe the manufacturers of the bluetooth device that you can not rename on your iPhone, are only catering for Android users.

Thank you for letting Apple know!

Cheers :-)

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Answer 6

mes250 Author

Level 1

19 points

May 10, 2023 6:17 PM in response to brbo

Good point. My devices range from JBL, LG, Samsung, Bose, and a variety of others. I've tried several, but not all. I will try each one when I have them connected and see what happens just in case. Thanks again

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Answer 7

Sep 10, 2023 10:49 AM in response to mes250

I found the answer!!!!!

the reason why there is no NAME to click on when trying to re-name Bluetooth devices is because EACH device HAS to be PAIRED for that name can be clicked on to customize one from another.

it's aggravating not being allowed to edit it without having it paired/in-use for each device. But glad I didn't spike my iPhone 13 in frustration because I was close.

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Answer 8

Sep 10, 2023 12:04 PM in response to Tracker6669

Tracker6669 wrote:

I found the answer!!!!!

the reason why there is no NAME to click on when trying to re-name Bluetooth devices is because EACH device HAS to be PAIRED for that name can be clicked on to customize one from another.

I think you mean connected. If the device shows up in the menu, it's paired. When the device is in use, it's considered connected.

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