Modern smartphones iPhone They allow you not only to consume internet but also to distribute it, turning into a fully-fledged mobile router. The default name of the created network usually includes the name of the device owner, which can be convenient for identification among the crowd of other signals in a cafe or office. However, using a personal name as a public network identifier is not always secure and can reveal unnecessary information to outsiders.
Changing this setting is a simple process, but it requires understanding where exactly the necessary settings are located in the operating system. iOSUsers often confuse the phone name setting and the access point name, although these parameters are closely related in the ecosystem. AppleIn this article, we'll detail the steps, examine potential issues, and provide security tips for your personal hotspot.
It is worth noting that the settings interface may differ slightly depending on the version of the installed operating system. iOS interface The software is constantly being updated, so the location of some menu items may vary. Below is the current instruction, which covers most modern versions of the software.
Difference between device name and access point name
Before making changes, it's important to clearly understand the technical difference between the two types of names. In the operating system iOS There's a "Device Name" setting that appears in Bluetooth, AirDrop, and when connected to a computer via USB. This name becomes the default name of your Wi-Fi network when you enable tethering.
Many users mistakenly look for a separate "Wi-Fi Name" option, which doesn't exist in the standard menu. The logic Apple is built on unification: your phone is a single identifier in space, so it broadcasts the same name for all wireless protocols. Network SSID (Service Set Identifier) in modem mode is rigidly tied to the common name of the gadget.
This means that by changing the phone's name, you automatically change the name of the network being shared. This simplifies management, but it prevents you from naming the phone "Sergey's iPhone" or the Wi-Fi network "Free_WiFi_Zone." This connectivity ensures data consistency across all company services.
⚠️ Attention: Changing the device name will not only affect Wi-Fi, but also how your phone appears in friends and colleagues' Bluetooth device lists.
Understanding this dependency is critical to avoid wasting time searching for non-existent settings within the "Cellular" or "Tethering" menus. All changes are made exclusively within the main system settings.
Step-by-step instructions for changing your iPhone's name
The renaming process takes just a few seconds and doesn't require internet access or special access rights. You'll need access to your smartphone's main settings menu. Follow the steps below to make the changes correctly.
First, open the app Settings On the home screen. In the top menu, where your Apple ID and profile photo are usually displayed, look for the item labeled "General." Scroll down to find this section if it's not immediately visible.
In the General menu, select the option About this deviceAll technical information about the gadget is collected here: serial number, software version, memory capacity. The first line in this list is "Name." Click it to activate the editing field.
☑️ Check before renaming
Delete the current name and enter your desired one. You can use letters, numbers, and some special characters. Once entered, click "Done" on the virtual keyboard. The system will immediately apply the changes, and the new name will be displayed in all interfaces.
Configuring modem mode settings
After changing the device's shared name, it's recommended to check the tethering settings themselves. Here, you can ensure the network is accessible to other devices and, if necessary, set a password to protect traffic.
Go back to the main settings menu and find the item Modem mode (or "Cellular" → "Personal Hotspot" on some iOS versions). Make sure the "Allow Others" switch is turned on. If it's off, the network won't be visible to other devices, even if the name has already been changed.
This menu also displays the current Wi-Fi network name, which should now match the one you set earlier. Below that is the "Wi-Fi Password" field. Connection security directly depends on the complexity of this password, so it is recommended to use a combination of letters and numbers of at least 8 characters.
| Parameter | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Network name (SSID) | Reflects the device name | No personal data |
| Password | WPA2/WPA3 Access Key | Minimum 10 characters |
| Max. compatibility | Frequency operating mode | Turn on when problems occur |
| Administrator password | To set up via iTunes | Not required for Wi-Fi |
Pay attention to the "Maximum Compatibility" option. If you enable this switch, the access point will operate in the 2.4 GHz band, which will ensure connectivity for older devices but may reduce data transfer speeds.
The influence of frequency on speed
The 2.4 GHz band has lower throughput and is more susceptible to interference from microwaves and Bluetooth devices, but it penetrates walls better. 5 GHz is faster but has a shorter range.
Security and privacy issues
Changing the standard "iPhone" name to something unique isn't just a matter of aesthetics, but also a matter of digital hygiene. Standard names often contain the device series, which can hint to attackers about potential vulnerabilities of a particular model.
Using an anonymous name, such as "Guest_Device_01" or "Mobile_Hotspot," hides the owner's information. If you're in a public place, an attacker, seeing the network "iPhone_Ivan_Petrov," could try to guess your password or use social engineering techniques by addressing you by name.
- 🔒 Do not use your phone number, address, or full name in the network name.
- 📡 Avoid names that indicate your profession or position if you share the Internet in public places.
- 🚫 Don't leave your hotspot open without a password, even for a short time.
It is also worth remembering about the function Maximize Compatibility (Maximum Compatibility). Enabling this mode switches the access point to the 802.11n (2.4 GHz) standard, which is less secure and slower than modern standards, but is necessary for connecting older laptops or gaming consoles.
⚠️ Attention: If you frequently use public Wi-Fi, don't rely on the network name as a security measure. Always use a VPN to encrypt your traffic.
Possible problems and solutions
Sometimes users encounter a situation where, after renaming a device, other devices don't see the new network or continue to display the old name. This is due to data caching on connected devices.
The first thing to do if problems occur is to restart both devices: the iPhone sharing the internet and the device attempting to connect. This will clear the network settings cache and force both devices to re-query the list of available networks.
If the issue persists, try "Forget Network" on the receiving device. To do this, go to Wi-Fi settings, tap the information icon next to your network, and select "Forget this network." Then, search again and enter the password.
Also, make sure your mobile data is enabled. Personal hotspot mode won't work if mobile data is disabled in your cellular settings, even if you have network coverage.
Using personal hotspots on macOS
For equipment owners Apple Users of other platforms have better luck thanks to the Instant Hotspot feature. If your Mac and iPhone use the same Apple ID, you don't have to enter your password or even search for the network.
After renaming your iPhone, your device will appear with the new name in the "Personal Hotspots" section of your Mac's Wi-Fi menu. Simply click it, and a connection will be established automatically via Bluetooth pairing.
This is convenient because you don't need to keep your iPhone screen unlocked to confirm the connection. However, if you've changed the device name, it may not update immediately on your Mac. In this case, signing out of iCloud and signing back in, or simply waiting for iCloud Keychain to sync, will help.
Frequently asked questions and operator restrictions
It's important to note that the ability to share your internet depends not only on your phone's settings but also on your data plan. Some carriers block or limit data traffic via tethering, especially on unlimited plans.
If you've changed the network name, but the internet isn't working on connected devices (even though the Wi-Fi icon is lit), check your balance and plan terms. Your carrier can see the type of device your phone is connected to via TTL requests, regardless of the network name.
In rare cases, carriers may impose their own names on access points when using proprietary apps, but this mostly applies to Android smartphones. On iPhones, the network name remains under the user's complete control until the firmware is updated or the network settings are reset.
Can I use special characters and emojis in my network name?
Technically, iOS allows you to enter emoji and many special characters. However, some older devices (printers, older laptops, game consoles) may not display these characters correctly or may not connect to the network at all. It is recommended to use only Latin characters and numbers for maximum compatibility.
Will the network name reset when updating iOS?
No, updating the operating system via OTA (over-the-air) or via a computer preserves all user settings, including the device name. However, a complete reset of content and settings will return the device to the default name "iPhone."
Does the network name affect internet speed?
The SSID itself has no effect on data transfer speed or connection stability. However, an overly long SSID with non-standard encoding may, in theory, increase device identification time during scanning, but in practice, this is unnoticeable.
How to hide a Wi-Fi network on iPhone?
The default iOS settings don't include a "Hide SSID" option for Personal Hotspot. Your network will always be broadcast when Personal Hotspot is enabled. To hide your traffic, use a strong password and WPA2/WPA3 encryption, which is enabled by default.