How to Rename AirPods on iOS, Android, & Windows Devices

Apple AirPods with blank name tag
Apple AirPods with blank name tag

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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.

Renaming your AirPods isn’t the only cool trick you can do with your AirPods. You can use them as hearing assistants through Live Listen, share music with others, and more!

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:

  1. Open Settings > Bluetooth

    Bluetooth Settings on iOS
    Bluetooth Settings on iOS
  2. Click the “i” icon beside your AirPods to pull up more options.

    More AirPods Settings on iOS
    More AirPods Settings on iOS
  3. Click on “Name” and edit it as you see fit.

    Renaming your AirPods on iPhone
    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:

  1. Go to System Preferences on your Mac.

    System Preferences on Mac
    System Preferences on Mac
  2. Click the Bluetooth icon.

    Mac Bluetooth Settings
    Mac Bluetooth Settings
  3. Right-click/Two-finger click your AirPods and select Rename.

    AirPods settings on Mac
    AirPods settings on Mac
  4. Enter the name you want, and click Rename.

    Rename the AirPods on Mac
    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.

As of now, the AirPods renaming feature is not available on Chrome OS.

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:

  1. Go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth

    Enter the Bluetooth Settings screen
    Enter the Bluetooth Settings screen
  2. Tap the gear/more button beside the connected AirPods.

    Tap the gear icon next to your AirPods
    Tap the gear icon next to your AirPods
  3. Click the pen icon and type in the name you want to see.

    Click the pen icon to rename.
    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:

This renaming process also works for any Bluetooth device connected to your Windows device — not just for AirPods.
  1. Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound.

    Hardware and Sound settings on Windows 10
    Hardware and Sound settings on Windows 10
  2. Click Devices and Printers.

    Devices and Printers in Windows Control Panel
    Devices and Printers in Windows Control Panel
  3. Right-click the AirPods you want to rename and then click Properties.

    AirPods on Windows 10 Control Panel
    AirPods on Windows 10 Control Panel
  4. Go to the Bluetooth tab and edit the name.

    Changing the AirPods name on Windows 10
    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:

  1. Go to Settings > Bluetooth

    Going to iPhone Bluetooth Settings
    Going to iPhone Bluetooth Settings
  2. Click the “i” button

    AirPods Settings on iPhone
    AirPods Settings on iPhone
  3. Tap on “Forget This Device

    Forgetting AirPods on iOS
    Forgetting AirPods on iOS
  4. Then hold down the AirPods setup button until it turns white.

    Pressing the AirPods' setup button
    Pressing the AirPods’ setup button
If all else fails, try renaming your AirPods and adding a blank space after typing the new name. We’ve tried this and it occasionally works! This quick fix is not officially acknowledged by Apple but it’s worth a shot.

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!

Were you able to successfully rename your AirPods? If not, what solution worked for you? Let us know in the comments below.

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