Your iPhone does more than just call, text, and browse the web. One of its most powerful features is the Personal Hotspot, which turns your phone into a portable Wi-Fi connection. Whether you’re sharing internet with your laptop, tablet, or friends, the hotspot name—also known as the network name or SSID—is what shows up when someone tries to connect.
But here’s the thing: many users don’t realize they can customize their iPhone’s hotspot name. If you’ve ever seen a generic name like “John’s iPhone” or “iPhone (12)” show up on someone else’s device, that’s the default. You might want to change it to something more personal, professional, or private.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to change the hotspot name on your iPhone, step by step. We’ll also explore why it matters, how it affects your device’s visibility, and what to watch out for after changing it.
What Is an iPhone Hotspot Name?
Your iPhone’s hotspot name is the Wi-Fi network name that shows up when other devices scan for available networks. It’s typically based on the device’s name, which is why so many people see “Emma’s iPhone” or “iPhone 14 Pro Max” as the available hotspot name.
The hotspot name is:
- What other users see when you enable Personal Hotspot
- What your other devices use to connect
- Derived directly from your iPhone’s name
If you want to change your hotspot name, you’re really changing your iPhone’s device name.
Why You Might Want to Change Your Hotspot Name
Customizing your hotspot name has several benefits:
1. Privacy and Security
Default names often include your real name, which could reveal your identity to strangers nearby.
2. Easy Recognition
If you’re in a crowded place like a café, changing the name makes it easier for your own devices or friends to find the right hotspot.
3. Branding or Personality
You might want to use a funny name, something creative, or a business-related label—especially if you use your iPhone hotspot for work.
4. Avoiding Confusion
If multiple people have similar hotspot names (e.g., “iPhone”), it’s helpful to distinguish yours clearly.
Step-by-Step: How to Change Hotspot Name on iPhone
Let’s get to the heart of it. Changing your iPhone’s hotspot name requires changing your device name.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
- Unlock your iPhone and go to the Settings app (the gray gear icon).
Step 2: Tap on General
- Scroll down and tap General to open system-wide options.
Step 3: Tap on About
- At the top of the General menu, tap About.
Step 4: Tap on Name
- You’ll see the current name of your iPhone. Tap Name to open the editing screen.
Step 5: Enter Your New Name
- Type the new name you want. This will be used as your hotspot name too.
- Tap Done on the keyboard.
That’s it! You’ve now successfully changed the hotspot name.
How to Verify the Change
To confirm that your new name is applied to your Personal Hotspot:
Step 1: Go Back to Settings
- From the home screen or Settings app, go to Settings > Personal Hotspot.
Step 2: Enable Hotspot
- Toggle Allow Others to Join ON.
- Look at the message beneath it: “To connect using Wi-Fi, look for ‘Your New iPhone Name’.”
This confirms that your new name is now being broadcast as the hotspot network name.
Tips for Choosing a Good Hotspot Name
Here are a few things to keep in mind when picking a new name:
✅ Keep it Short and Clear
Long names may be cut off on small screens or devices.
✅ Avoid Special Characters
Some devices may not support emojis or special symbols in Wi-Fi names.
✅ Be Unique
Make it easy to spot your hotspot in a crowd.
✅ Avoid Personal Info
To maintain privacy, avoid including your real name or location.
✅ Have Fun with It
Names like “Loading…”, “FBI Surveillance Van”, or “WorkFromHome_5G” can add a little humor.
How to Change the Password Alongside the Name (Optional)
Changing the hotspot name is one part of the puzzle—you might also want to update the Wi-Fi password to secure your connection.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot.
- Tap Wi-Fi Password.
- Enter a new password (must be at least 8 characters).
- Tap Done.
Now your hotspot has both a custom name and a strong password.
How the New Hotspot Name Affects Other Devices
Once you change the name:
- Previously connected devices may not auto-connect, as the network name (SSID) has changed.
- You’ll need to manually reconnect by selecting the new hotspot name and entering the password again.
- Apple devices like MacBooks and iPads should recognize the change more smoothly via iCloud, but it’s still a good idea to reconnect manually once.
Will This Change Affect Other Settings or Devices?
Changing the hotspot name (via the iPhone name) can impact other services:
- AirDrop: Your new device name shows up when sharing files.
- Find My: Your iPhone will now appear with the new name in the Find My app.
- iCloud Devices: Your new name will be visible in your Apple ID device list.
- Bluetooth Pairing: Some paired devices may need to reconnect.
These changes are usually harmless and may even help better identify your device across services.
How to Revert to the Old Name
If you ever want to go back:
- Go to Settings > General > About > Name.
- Type in your previous iPhone name.
- Tap Done.
You can change your iPhone’s name as often as you like.
Troubleshooting: Hotspot Name Not Updating?
Sometimes, the name might not show up correctly. Try these solutions:
1. Restart Your iPhone
Hold the power button and slide to turn off. Then power back on.
2. Toggle Hotspot Off and On
Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot, turn off Allow Others to Join, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.
3. Forget and Rejoin the Hotspot
On your laptop or other device, go to Wi-Fi settings and forget the network, then reconnect using the new name.
4. Check for iOS Updates
Go to Settings > General > Software Update to make sure you’re on the latest version.
How to Change Hotspot Name on iPad (If Cellular Enabled)
If you’re using a cellular iPad with a Personal Hotspot feature, the process is nearly identical:
- Go to Settings > General > About > Name.
- Edit the name and tap Done.
This name will now be used as your hotspot network name.
FAQs About Changing Hotspot Name on iPhone
Q: Can I use emojis in my hotspot name?
Technically yes, but not all devices recognize or display emojis in Wi-Fi SSIDs properly. Stick to alphanumeric characters for best compatibility.
Q: How often can I change my hotspot name?
As often as you like! There’s no limit to how many times you can rename your iPhone.
Q: Will changing the hotspot name disconnect devices?
Yes, connected devices will disconnect since they’re looking for the old network name. They’ll need to reconnect using the new name.
Q: Will my hotspot name stay the same across all Apple devices?
The name change only applies to the device you updated. If you have other Apple devices, you’ll need to change their names individually.
Q: Does this change affect my Apple ID or iCloud settings?
No, changing your device name and hotspot name doesn’t affect your Apple ID or cloud data.
Conclusion: Personalize Your iPhone Hotspot the Smart Way
Changing your iPhone’s hotspot name is a small tweak that can make a big difference—for privacy, organization, and convenience. Whether you’re rebranding it for fun or removing personal information, the process is quick, easy, and fully reversible.
Now that you’ve learned how to customize your iPhone’s hotspot name, take a moment to test it out. Rename your hotspot to reflect your personality or purpose, and make your digital connections just a little bit more you.
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