Knowing how to change your AirDrop name and adjust the settings provides you an easy and secure method for sharing files between Apple devices. This article guides you through the simple steps to update your AirDrop name on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac computer.
We highlight some of the differences since the release of iOS 16 and also cover some troubleshooting tips for common issues. Lastly, we discuss a new way to share with the release of iOS 17!
What You Need to Know
- To change your AirDrop name simply rename your iPhone, iPad, or Mac in the device settings.
- Prior to iOS 16, iPhone users had to update their “My Contact” card in the Contacts App to change the AirDrop Name. That is no longer necessary!
- AirDrop provides a fast and secure way to transfer files between Apple devices.
- A new feature called Bringing Devices Together was released with iOS 17 to make sharing even easier!
Quick Answer: How to Change Your AirDrop Name?
The steps to change your AirDrop name is similar across all Apple devices.
- To change the AirDrop name on iPhone or iPad open Settings > General > About > Name. Update the Name field.
- To change your AirDrop name on a Mac click the Apple Icon in the top left corner of the screen. Select System Settings > General > About and enter the new name next to the Name field.
If you would like more detailed step by step instructions continue reading!
How to change AirDrop name on iPhone
Changing the AidDrop name on an iPhone was more difficult prior to iOS 16. Previously you needed to edit the information in your “My Contact” card in the Contacts App to update AirDrop. However, since the release of iOS 16 you simply change the name of your phone.
To change the iPhone Device Name:
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap About
- Tap the Name and update the device Name
- Exit the screen and the name has been updated
When you use AirDrop the person will see the new name inside AirDrop.
How to Change AirDrop Name on Your iPad
In order to change the device name on an iPad, you will follow a similar set of steps. To complete the process:
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap About
- Then tap Name
- Enter the new name of the device
The new name will be displayed when someone opens AirDrop within 30 feet of your device.
How to Change AirDrop Name on a Mac
There are a few different ways to update the name of your Mac. But here is the easiest and most straightforward method:
- Click the Apple Icon in the upper left corner of the screen
- Select System Settings
- Select General and then About
- Click in the space next to Name and you can update the Mac name
How do You Turn on AirDrop?
It’s very easy to turn on AirDrop. First, make sure that both Wifi and Bluetooth are enabled on your device. You can check this from inside Control Center:
- Swipe down from the Upper righthand corner of your iPhone or iPad
- Now you can verify that Wifi and Bluetooth are enabled
Apple also recommends that you turn off the personal hotspot when using AirDrop.
Next, make sure that the person you want to AirDrop with is nearby. They should be within 30 feet of your device.
Enable iPhone AirDrop
Next we need to make sure AirDrop Receiving is enabled on your devices. On your iPhone or iPad:
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap AirDrop
- If Receiving Off is selected change it to Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes
Enable AirDrop on Mac
On a Mac there are a few ways to access the AirDrop settings. One way is to:
- Open Finder
- Select AirDrop in the left menu
- Change the Allow me to be to be discovered by setting to Contacts Only or Everyone
Once this setting has been enabled you can begin moving files between devices using AirDrop. If the other person has chosen Contacts Only they will need to have your contact information saved on their device. Make sure the contact card has either your mobile number or your Apple ID email saved.
How to Send and Receive Files Using AirDrop
Once you have completed the previous steps you are ready to begin using AirDrop. Simply open any app that has information you want to share.
For instance, you can open Safari, then follow these steps:
- Tap the Share button
- Then tap AirDrop
Once you tap AirDrop you will be given a list of all AirDrop devices in the area. Select the person or device you’d like to share with.
The other person will be prompted to Accept and then the information will be transferred.
Special AirDrop Feature Available in iOS 17
One new AirDrop feature has been released with iOS 17 called Bringing Devices Together. This feature allows you to hold two iPhones, head to head to transfer information. This allows you share your contact information – Apple calls this NameDrop. You can also easily transfer photos.
To turn on Bringing Devices Together open Settings > General > AirDrop. Once it is enabled, hold your iPhone up to another iPhone running iOS 17. A screen will open asking if you would like to receive the other persons contact information and share your info.
My AirDrop Name Didn’t Change
Some people have had issues updating the device name of their Mac, iPhone, or iPad. If you have this problem, the first thing you should do is shutdown and restart the device. This will fix the problem the majority of the time.
If the problem continues after rebooting, go through the steps to change the name on your device one more time.
Once you have gone through the steps again, and if you continue to have the problem, you should make sure you are running the latest software. To check for software updates on an iPhone or iPad:
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Select Software Update
Here you will see if there are any software updates available. If there are, download and install them and see if the problem is fixed.
Conclusion
In this article we have walked through updating your AirDrop name on all Apple types of devices. Whether you’re troubleshooting or just aiming for a more personalized device setup, these steps ensure a smooth and secure experience. Remember, keeping your device’s software up-to-date is key to enjoying the latest features and ensuring compatibility across all your Apple devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How close do I need to be to the other device to send something via AirDrop?
You need to be within 30 feet of each other for AirDrop to work. Remember to have both Wifi and Bluetooth enabled.
Why is my AirDrop Name not showing in AirDrop?
First make sure the devices are within 30 feet of each other. Then open Settings > General > AirDrop and check that you are set to Contacts Only or Everyone for 10 Minutes. If you are set to Contacts Only make sure you have a contact with the information for the person you want to AirDrop with.
How do I turn AirDrop off?
To turn AirDrop off on your iPhone or iPad open Settings > General > AirDrop and select Receiving Off. This will completely disable AirDrop
To turn AirDrop off on your Mac click the Apple Icon in the top left corner of the screen. Click System Settings > General > AirDrop & Handoff. Then choose No One next to AirDrop.
Can I make AirDrop anonymous?
You cannot make AirDrop anonymous. But you can choose a non-descriptive name that people would not associate with you.
Jim is an entrepreneur and technology enthusiast who has over 20 years of experience in the technology field. Over the course of his career he has held numerous tech leadership roles.
Currently, he owns Smarter Tech Talk, a platform he launched in September 2023, dedicated to offering detailed analyses of consumer technology and applications. With this venture he hopes to use his deep expertise and passion for technology to provide others practical advice and guide them through todays complex technology landscape.