How to Rename a Bluetooth Headset

Why rename a Bluetooth headset

Bluetooth headsets often show up as generic model numbers or short factory names. If you own more than one, the names can be hard to tell apart. Renaming the entry on your phone or computer makes it easier to pick the right headset from the connection list and to avoid connecting to a teammate's or family member's device by mistake. This is especially helpful if you switch between best Bluetooth headsets or wireless headsets.

A clear name can also help in apps that show the active audio device. Instead of seeing a serial number, you can see something like "Office Headset" or "Gaming Headset." The process takes less than a minute on most devices.

What changing the name actually does

When you rename a headset in the operating system, you are usually editing the saved Bluetooth pairing information on that device, not writing a new name into the headset's memory. The old name may still appear on other devices where it has already been paired.

Some headsets have a companion app or firmware updater that can change the device name stored on the headset itself. That name is what the headset broadcasts when it is discoverable. If you need the renamed label to appear everywhere, check whether the headset maker's app supports this. See headset pairing explained for more on how connections work.

Rename on Windows

On Windows 10 and Windows 11, open Settings, go to Bluetooth and devices (Windows 11) or Devices (Windows 10), and select Devices. Find your headset in the list, click the More options button next to it, and choose Rename. Type the new name and press Enter.

If the rename does not stick, remove the headset and pair it again. The steps for a clean connection are in set up a headset on Windows.

• If you do not see a Rename option, make sure the headset is connected, not just saved.
• On older Windows versions, open Control Panel, go to Devices and Printers, right-click the headset, open Properties, and edit the name on the Bluetooth tab.

Rename on Mac

On a Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS) and click Bluetooth. Find your headset in the list. Control-click the device name and choose Rename, or click the info button next to the name and edit the text field.

macOS may ask you to enter the computer password when you change a Bluetooth device name.

• The new name is saved to that Mac.
• If Control-click does not show Rename, click the info (i) icon instead.

Rename on iPhone and iPad

On iOS, open Settings, tap Bluetooth, and find the headset under My Devices. Tap the info button (the circle with an i) to the right of the device name, then tap Name. Type a new name and tap Done on the keyboard.

On iOS, renaming updates the label used by that iPhone or iPad. If you also use the headset with a Mac or another Apple device, check the Bluetooth settings there to see whether you need to rename it separately.

• The change applies to that iPhone or iPad.
• If the rename option is missing, confirm that the headset is connected before opening the device info screen.

Rename on Android

On Android, the path depends on the phone maker, but the common route is Settings, Connected devices, then Connection preferences or Bluetooth. Find the headset, tap the gear icon next to it, and look for a rename, pencil, or edit option.

If your Android phone does not show a rename option for a particular headset, try the headset maker's app or check the firmware updater. A headset that has not been updated may keep showing the factory name; see headset firmware updates explained.

• Samsung phones: Settings, Connections, Bluetooth, tap the gear icon, then tap the pencil or Rename.
• Pixel phones: Settings, Connected devices, tap the device name, then tap the pencil icon.

If the rename does not hold

A name change can fail if the headset is not fully connected, if the OS has a stale pairing entry, or if the headset itself is overwriting the name through its own firmware. Start by forgetting the device in Bluetooth settings and pairing it again. If that does not help, reset the headset to factory settings if the model supports it. See reset a headset to factory settings and troubleshoot Bluetooth connection drops.

Companion apps sometimes need the headset to be in pairing mode before they can rename it. Run the app, connect, look for a device settings or about screen, and choose the rename field there. After the change, the headset may reboot or briefly disconnect.

Keep in mind that the name stored in the headset is separate from the label used by each computer or phone. If you want the same custom name on both a Windows laptop and an Android phone, edit the name on both systems.

Safe listening after you reconnect

While you are in Bluetooth settings, it is a good time to review your listening volume. Long or repeated exposure to loud sound can damage hearing. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders notes that sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss with enough exposure. If a headset sounds too quiet at a normal volume, check the source device volume and the app volume before raising the system volume further. See headset volume too low causes for tips.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Why does my headset still show the old name on another device?

Renaming in a phone or computer's Bluetooth settings changes the label that device uses. It does not rewrite the name stored inside the headset. Edit the name again on each device, or use the headset maker's companion app to change the broadcast name.

Can I rename any Bluetooth headset?

Most headsets can be renamed from the Bluetooth settings of the device you are using. The option may be called Rename, Edit, or a pencil icon. If your headset does not show that option, try the manufacturer's app.

Will renaming break the Bluetooth pairing?

No. Renaming only changes the display name; the pairing keys and connection settings remain the same. If the name change does not take effect, you can forget the device and pair it again.

Do I need to rename the headset on every device?

Usually yes. The new name is stored in each host device's Bluetooth list. To have the same name everywhere, change it on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android separately.

What should I do if the rename option is grayed out?

Make sure the headset is connected, not just saved. Disconnect and reconnect it, then open Bluetooth settings again. If the option is still grayed out, remove the device and pair it once more.