The name of your device is displayed on local networks, when connected to headsets, in lists, and even on some lock screens. Standard names like Android-devices are displayed in local networks Wi-Fi, when connected to Bluetooth-headsets, in lists Google Play Games and even on some lock screens. Standard names like "Android_1234" or "Galaxy_A52" not only look unaesthetic, but also complicate the identification of the gadget among other devices. Fortunately, you can rename a smartphone or tablet in a few minutes - both through the built-in settings and using hidden functions.

In this article you will find current ways to change the name for all versions Android (from Android 8.0 Oreo to Android 15), including methods for devices with shells Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI, Oppo ColorOS and "clean" Android. We will also look at why the name may reset after updates and how to prevent this. If you want your gadget to finally receive a unique name, read on.

Why rename an Android device?

At first glance, the name of the device seems like a trifle, but in practice it affects several key aspects:

  • 🔍 Ease of identification: In a house with 3-4 gadgets, it is easier to find your smartphone in list Bluetoothdevices or Wi-Fi Directif it has a unique name.
  • 🛡️ Security: Standard names like "HUAWEI_P40" give out the device model, which can be used for targeted attacks (for example, through vulnerabilities of a specific firmware).
  • 🎮 Synchronization in games: In Google Play Games or Steam Link the device name is displayed in the list of connected devices.
  • 📶 Local networks: When configuration DLNA, Miracast or Google Cast a unique name helps avoid confusion.

Moreover, some applications (for example, Tasker or Automate) use the device name to create automated scenarios. If you plan to use the gadget in a smart home system (Google Home, Samsung SmartThings), its name will become part of voice commands like "Hey Google, turn on the camera on [device name]".

📊 Have you ever changed the name of your Android device?
Yes, through the settings
Yes, using ADB
No, I didn’t know that this was possible
I tried it, but it didn’t work

Method 1: Standard Android settings (the easiest method)

Most modern devices allow you to change the name directly in the settings menu. The path may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but the general logic remains the same. Let's consider a universal algorithm:

  1. Open the application Settings (gear icon on the main screen or in the application menu).
  2. Go to section About phone (on some devices - About device or Phone information).
  3. Find item Device name (may be called Device name or Device name).
  4. Touch the current name, enter a new one (up to 32 characters, without special characters) and save the changes.

On devices with shells, the path may differ:

  • 📱 Samsung One UI: Settings → About device → Device name
  • 📱 Xiaomi MIUI: Settings → About phone → Device name (or Settings → Connections and sharing → Device name)
  • 📱 Oppo/Realme ColorOS: Settings → About phone → Device name
  • 📱 Google Pixel (pure Android): Settings → System → About phone → Name device

If the item Name devices is not in the section About the phone, check the section Connections or Bluetooth —on some firmware the option is hidden there.

Come up with a name in advance (up to 32 characters)

Check the battery charge (minimum 20%)

Disable VPN (may block changes)

Reboot the device if the name does not change-->

Method 2: Through the Bluetooth settings (alternative option)

On some devices (especially old ones or with custom firmware), the device name is tied to the Bluetooth-module In this case. you can change it through the menu Bluetooth:

  1. Open Settings → Connections → Bluetooth (or Settings → Devices → Bluetooth).
  2. Activate Bluetoothif it is disabled.
  3. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner (menu) and select Rename device or Device name.
  4. Enter a new name and save changes.

Important: This method does not work on all devices. If there is no renaming option, try other methods from this article.

💡

Use only data-i="129">in the device name. Latin letters, numbers and symbols _-. Cyrillic, emoji or spaces may cause errors when connecting to some devices (for example, car radios).

Method 3: Using ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, on devices with heavily limited firmware), you can change the name via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires connection to a computer, but gives more control.

You will need:

  • 🖥️ A computer with Windows, macOS or Linux
  • 📱 USB cable (preferably original)
  • 🛠️ Installed drivers ADB (you can download from official Android website)

Instructions:

  1. Enable on your smartphone Developer mode:
    • Go to Settings → About phone.
    • click on Build number 7 times (the notification "You have become a developer!").
    • Go back to Settings → System → For developers and activate USB debugging.
  • Connect your smartphone to the computer and confirm permission for debugging on the device screen.
  • Open the command line (CMD on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) and enter: 
    adb devices

    Make sure your device is shown in the list.

  • Run the command to change the name (replace New_name with what you want): 
    adb shell settings put global device_name "New_name"
  • Reboot the device: 
    adb reboot

    • If the name has not changed after the reboot, try also running the command for Bluetoothmodule: 

    adb shell settings put global bluetooth_name "New_name"

    What to do if ADB does not see the device?

    1. Check if USB debugging is enabled in the developer settings.

    2. Try a different USB cable (not all cables support data transfer).

    3. Install drivers for your smartphone model (for example, Samsung USB Driver for Samsung devices).

    4. Restart your computer and smartphone.

    5. administrator.

    Method 4: Applications for renaming (without root access)

    If you don’t want to mess around with ADB or delve into the settings, you can use third-party applications They do not require root access, but may have limitations depending on the application. version Android.

    Top 3 tested applications:

    Application Android support Features Link
    Device Name Changer 8.0 and higher Simple interface, changes the name for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Direct Google Play
    Rename My Device 7.0–12.0 Supports emoji in the name, but may not work on new devices Google Play
    Device ID Changer 6.0 and higher Changes not only the name, but also other identifiers (requires caution!) Google Play

    How to use:

    1. Download and install one of the applications.
    2. Open it and enter a new name device.
    3. Click Apply or Change Name.
    4. Reboot the device (if the application prompts).
    ⚠️ Attention: Applications like Device ID Changer can change not only the name, but also other system parameters (for example Android ID). This may lead to problems with authorization in some applications (banks, instant messengers). Use them only if you understand the risks!

    Method 5: Changing the name via root access (for experienced)

    If your device has root access, you can change the name directly in the system files. This method gives maximum control, but requires caution - incorrect actions can lead to system failures.

    Instructions:

    1. Install any file manager with support root (for example, Root Explorer or Solid Explorer).
    2. Go to the path: 
      /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases/settings.db
    3. Open the file settings.db in the editor SQLite.
    4. Find the table global and change the values in the lines:
      • device_name —the name of the device in the system
      • bluetooth_name —the name for Bluetooth
  • Save the changes and reboot the device.

    • An alternative method (via Terminal Emulator):

    su

    settings put global device_name "New_name"
    

    settings put global bluetooth_name "New_name"
    

    reboot

    ⚠️ Attention: Editing system files may disrupt operation Android! Before making changes, make a backup (nandroid backup) via TWRP or another recovery If the device stops working after the changes. boot, try resetting to factory settings.

    Why is the device name reset after the update?

    Many users are faced with the fact that after the update Android the device name returns to the standard one (for example, "Xiaomi_11T"This). occurs due to the peculiarities of the firmware:

    • 🔄 Resetting default settings: Some manufacturers (especially Xiaomi and Realme) reset user settings during major OS updates.
    • 📦 System file conflict: If the name has been changed through ADB or root, the update may overwrite the system databases.
    • 🔗 Linking to a Google account: On some devices, the name is synchronized with the account Google, and after the reset the old one is restored value.

    How to prevent a reset:

    • Use standard settings to change the name (not ADB or root).
    • Before updating, make a backup via Settings → System → Backup.
    • If the name has been reset, just rename the device again - it will take no more than a minute.
    💡

    On devices c MIUI and ColorOS the name is most often reset after updates. To avoid this, rename the gadget through official settings, not third-party utilities.

    Frequent errors and their solutions

    When renaming a device, users often encounter typical problems. the most common of them and ways to eliminate them:

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    The name does not change through the settings The manufacturer has blocked the function or is using an outdated one firmware Try the method with ADB or a third-party application
    After renaming, the device is not visible in Bluetooth The name contains invalid characters (Cyrillic, Emoji, spaces) Use only Latin characters, numbers and symbols _-
    The name is reset after a reboot Conflict with the system cache or application that controls it Bluetooth Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Show system → Bluetooth
    ADB gives an error no permissions USB debugging is not enabled or there are no rights Check the developer settings and reconnect the device

    If none of the methods worked, your firmware may have strict restrictions. In this case, only custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) or contacting the manufacturer's support service will help.

    ⚠️ Attention: On some devices Samsung s One UI 5.0+ changing the name via ADB may cause the service to fail. com.android.bluetoothIf after renaming Bluetooth stops working, run the command: 
    adb shell pm clear com.android.bluetooth

    This will reset settings Bluetooth to factory settings.

    Is it possible to use emoji in the device name?

    Technically yes, but not recommendedSome devices (for example, car stereos or columns) do not support displaying emoji, and instead they will be shown as crappy or empty squares. Also, emoji can cause errors when connecting to Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast.

    How to rename a device if it does not turn on?

    If you have a smartphone does not load, you can only change its name through fastboot or recovery, but this requires deep knowledge. In most cases, it is easier to wait for the device to be repaired and rename it in the standard way. The device name does not affect its performance.

    Will the new name be displayed in Google Account?

    No, the device name in the settings Android and the device name in Google Account (on the page device management) are different parameters. To change the name in your account, you need to remove the device from the list and log in again.

    Is it possible to rename a device without access to the settings (for example, if the screen is broken)?

    Yes, but for this you will need a computer and ADBConnect the device to the PC, activate USB debugging (if the screen still works a little) and use it. command: 

    adb shell settings put global device_name "New_name"

    If the screen is completely inoperative, but USB debugging was enabled earlier, you can try the same commands. Otherwise, just repair the screen.

    Why is my device displayed on the network with a different name?

    This can happen for several reasons:

    • The name for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is set separately (check both parameters).
    • The router or other device is caching the old name (try rebooting router).
    • The function is used Random MAC (on some devices it resets the name).