The mobile phone is much more than just a communication tool: it has become the core of our digital lives. Customize your Android phone It is key to differentiate and manage it more effectively, especially in connectivity and security contexts. While many users configure a lock code and other parameters, they often forget an essential detail that can make the difference: the Device NameThis small tweak becomes more important if you have more than one phone at home, share devices with other people, or simply need to easily recognize your device when connected to Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth, home automation devices, or even cloud services and location apps.
In this tutorial we are going to show you in an exhaustive way How to change the name of your Android phone, why doing so can save you trouble, and what implications this change has on both day-to-day management and security. We'll delve deeper into all variants and scenarios, from basic customization to advanced wireless connectivity settings, plus privacy and compatibility recommendations based on your smartphone brand or model.
Why is it important to give your Android phone a custom name?
Out of the box, most Android phones come with a generic name, usually a combination of the brand and model ("Samsung Galaxy A35," "Xiaomi Redmi Note 12," etc.). This not only feels impersonal, but can also cause identification problems In contexts where there are several similar devices. Imagine a home with several phones from the same manufacturer, or an office where you need to quickly pair your phone with a headset, a laptop, or a car's multimedia system. If all the devices have the same name, confusion is guaranteed.
Personalizing your phone name offers several advantages:
- Quick identification when you connect your smartphone to WiFi, Bluetooth networks or IoT devices.
- Avoid confusion when sharing files with other nearby mobile phones or when installing apps from Google Play remotely.
- Improves privacy and security, as you can avoid showing personal information or the exact model.
- Give your device personality, reflecting your style and differentiating it in connection lists.
Many users are unaware that your Android phone appears with that name in Google Play, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, network sharing, and even location apps like Find My Device.Therefore, choosing a suitable name can help you recover your phone if you lose it or simply manage your daily connections more conveniently.
How to change the name of your Android phone step by step (all brands and versions)
Changing the name of your Android device is a quick and easy process, although it may vary slightly depending on the brand and version of Android you have installed. On most mobile phones (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, Realme, Motorola, etc.) The steps are practically identical. Here's the most common way to do it:
- Unlock your phone and access the "Settings" app., identifiable by the gear icon.
- Scroll down until you find the option called "About of the phone" (It may also appear as “About phone”, “Phone information”, or under “System” depending on the manufacturer).
- Within the "About phone" menu, find and tap on "Device Name" or simply "Name".
- An editable text field will open: delete the default name and write the new name that you prefer
- Save your changes by clicking “OK,” “Save,” or the confirmation icon.
On some Android phones and versions, the menu may be located under "System." If you're not sure, you can use the top search bar in Settings and enter "Device Name" to go directly.
Example of name change in different brands
Some layers of customization may slightly modify the path:
- Samsung: Settings > About phone > Device name
- Xiaomi (MIUI): Settings > About phone > Device name
- Huawei: Settings > About phone > Device name
- Motorola: Settings > System > About phone > Device name
- Oppo, Realme, OnePlus: Settings > About phone > Device name
In all cases, the process is safe and reversible: you can change the name as many times as you like.
Recommendations when choosing a new mobile name
The name of your mobile phone can say a lot about you, so it is important choose it wisely. Not only because it will be displayed on networks and devices, but also for security and privacy reasons.
- Avoid using overly generic names like "John's Phone" or "Android." If there are several people in your circle with the same name, confusion is inevitable. Add a distinctive feature like your initial, a characteristic ("John S23 Ultra"), or a personalized nickname.
- Do not use sensitive information such as your full last name, phone number, or addresses.
- Combine letters, numbers or symbols easily recognizable only by you (Avoid using data that could put your privacy at risk).
- If you share a phone (with family or business), agree on a name that reflects its primary function: "Kitchen Tablet," "Luis Work," etc.
Remember that this name will be visible in other connections (Bluetooth, WiFi Direct, file transfer, home automation systems, etc.), so choose a unique and easy-to-identify name.
What is the real purpose of changing your phone name?
Changing the name of your Android device impacts numerous aspects of your daily life:
- Bluetooth connections: Make pairing and file transfer easier by clearly identifying your device in lists of nearby devices.
- WiFi and WiFi Direct networks: When you share the Internet (WiFi hotspot) or files, others will see your phone without any confusion.
- Apps and services: On Google Play, location services like Find My Device, or when casting media to a Smart TV.
- Security and localization: If you lose your phone, a personalized name can help you recover it or prove ownership.
When sending files, connecting with hands-free car, installing apps remotely or displaying alerts from the cloud, The new name will be your technological identity.
Practical example of connectivity and security
Suppose you're in an office with many devices. If your phone is named "Galaxy S23" and there are five of them, you could accidentally accept a file that's not meant for you, or accidentally connect to someone else's speaker. A specific name like "GalaxyS23-LuisOffice" eliminates these risks.
Furthermore, avoid showing your full last name It is essential in public use situations, for example, when connecting to WiFi in open spaces, it is better to use "Irene_BCN" than your full name and surname, to protect your privacy.
Step by Step: How to Change the Bluetooth Name on Android
Normally, the Bluetooth name matches the general name of your phoneHowever, some brands and models allow you to assign a different nickname just for the Bluetooth connection. This is useful if you're interested in hiding your real name when sharing via Bluetooth, or further differentiating your devices in a crowded list.
- Open "Settings" and access the "Connections" or "Connected Devices" menu..
- Click on the option "Bluetooth" (activates the connection if it is not already).
- On some models, you will need to press the three dots above or the gear icon and search "Device Name".
- Edit the name, delete the previous one and enter your preferred Bluetooth setting. This change will only be visible when sharing files or pairing devices via Bluetooth.
What happens to other devices or systems when changing the name?
The new name will be reflected in most connective systems. It is common for this change to be replicated in:
- Google Play (When you install apps from your computer, you'll see your phone's new name in the list of devices.)
- Location services such as “Find My Device.”
- File Transfers (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, Nearby Share, etc.).
- Multimedia and home automation systems (smart speakers, smart TVs, cars, etc.).
Some devices (especially older Bluetooth speakers or car multimedia systems) may require you to unpair and re-pair after the change in order for them to recognize the new name.
If you restore your phone to factory settings, the name will revert to the default (make and model), so you'll have to customize it again if you prefer.
Troubleshooting and Additional Considerations
- I can't find the "Device Name" option.: Try searching for “name” or “device name” from the search bar in the Settings app.
- The change is not reflected in Bluetooth: Turn Bluetooth off and back on, or restart your device. In some cases, remove your phone from the list of paired devices and pair again.
- I don't see the updated name on Google Play.: It may take a few hours to sync; please close and reopen Google Play on your computer.
- Some apps do not show the updated name: Wait for the next automatic synchronization, which usually occurs after restarting your phone.
On the other hand, some older devices or customized versions of Android may not allow easy name changes, although this is becoming less common.
Advanced Personalization and Privacy Tips
- Create a naming convention If you have multiple devices at home: for example, “Tablet-Living Room”, “Redmi-Mom”, “S21-Office”.
- Do not use offensive words or personal information Even as a joke: many apps and systems share your phone's name when connecting to external networks.
- Use names that make it easier to manage from Google Play, WiFi Direct, or home automation apps.
- Remember that you can change it as many times as you need, so adjust it according to the use you will give it at each stage.
Changing the name of your Android device is one of the simplest and most practical ways to Personalize and protect your digital lifeWhether you're trying to quickly identify your phone in a jumble of devices, improve security when sharing files, or simply reflect your personality, this simple change opens up a whole new world within the Android ecosystem. Whatever your brand, the process is quick, secure, and completely reversible. Make this adjustment and enjoy a connected experience tailored to your needs.