AirDrop is a convenient feature on Apple devices that lets you share files, photos, and more with people nearby. But did you know you can change the name that appears when you use AirDrop?
There could be several reasons why you might want to change your name on AirDrop. Maybe you want to keep your privacy or just prefer a different name.
In this article, I will show you how to change your AirDrop name on both iPhone/iPad and MacBook. I will also explain how to make your AirDrop name anonymous if that’s what you prefer.
Table of Contents
How to Change Your AirDrop Name on iPhone or iPad
The name displayed on AirDrop is the same as the name set for your iPhone or iPad. If you want to change your AirDrop name, you’ll need to update your device’s name. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
- Scroll down and tap on “General“.
- In the General menu, tap on “About“.
- You’ll see an option called “Name” at the top of the screen. Tap on it.
- Here, you can enter a new name for your device. This is the name that will appear when you use AirDrop.
- After entering your new name, tap “Done” on the keyboard. Your AirDrop name will now be updated.
How to Change Your AirDrop Name on MacBook
Just like on iPhone, you can change your AirDrop name by updating the name of your MacBook. Follow these steps:
- Click on the Apple icon at the top left of your screen.
- Select “System Settings…” (or “System Preferences” on older versions) from the menu.
- Go to the General section in the System Settings.
- Select “About” from the options available.
- Here you will see an option to edit your MacBook’s name.
- Select the previous name and delete it. Then enter a new name. That’s it!
This new name will be displayed when you use AirDrop.
Note that you can also use an emoji as part of the name. Make sure not to include any personal information in the name such as your phone number.
How to Make Your AirDrop Name Invisible
If you want to make your AirDrop name invisible, you can use special blank characters to create a name that appears as though it’s blank. This character is invisible but still occupies space. Just follow these simple steps:
- Copy the blank space between these two brackets: [⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀]
If you can’t copy it, you can search for a blank Unicode character online. - Now open Settings on your iOS device.
- Go to General > About.
- Tap Name at the top.
- Erase the current name you have set.
- Paste the special blank character in the text field.
- Tap Done on your keyboard to save the changes.
This will make your AirDrop name invisible. As simple as that!
FAQs
No, changing your AirDrop name is the same as changing your device’s name. The new name will be used for all purposes, not just AirDrop.
Your AirDrop name is visible to other Apple devices that are nearby and have AirDrop enabled. if you have AirDrop set to “Everyone”, any nearby Apple device can see your AirDrop name. If you have it set to “Contacts Only”, only people in your Contacts list who have an Apple device can see your AirDrop name.
Yes, you can make your AirDrop name more private by setting your AirDrop to “Contacts Only”. This way, only people in your contact list can see your name when they use AirDrop to try and send you files. Simply, open Control Center on your iOS device and hold the card with the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons. After that, select “AirDrop” and tap “Contacts Only”.
So that’s how you can change your AirDrop name on iPhone/iPad or MacBook. If you have any questions regarding this topic, let us know in the comments below.
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Vivek ChaudharyVerified AuthorThis author is verified as a trusted expert and senior writer. A formal process has been completed to confirm their identity and qualifications.
