How To Change iPhone’s Network Name (Hostname)

Step-by-step guide on how to change the network name of your iPhone or iPad. This guide will also help you to change the name of your iPad and iPod touch. 

What’s the Network Name?

Every device has the network name (a.k.a. hostname). When talking about Windows PC, your laptop or desktop can be accessed by hostname or IP-address on the LAN or even Internet. But mobile devices also have it.

The closest example: if you log in to your router’s web interface, open the DHCP Clients List section you can find your iPhone in the list mentioned by its hostname. By default apple devices have a network name like Brian’s iPhone or Amanda’s iPad. 

Why Change iPhone’s Network Name (Hostname)?

As you might understand, your iPhone’s hostname will appear on router’s settings page every time you connect to a wireless network. Consequently, administrators of that network (or router in particular) will be able to see it.

So if you don’t want your device to uncover your name when you access public or office network you may want to change iPhone’s hostname to another one. For instance, if you change “Amanda’s iPhone” to neutral “iPhone 7” or “Kitty”.

Related: Enable Private Address to prevent tracking your Apple devices

How To Change iPhone’s Network Name

Perform the following easy steps:

1. Go to Settings: 
   
2. Scroll down a bit and tap on General: 
3. Select About: 
   
4. Tap on Name: 
   
5. Change the name (first delete the old one and than type the new name).
6. Tap Done:

Now you may reboot your router, connect to wi-fi from your iPhone and ensure your device is visible by its new client name:

That’s it!