Want your Bluetooth devices to have friendlier names—like “Living Room Headphones” instead of some cryptic model number? Smart move. Renaming Bluetooth devices makes them easier to recognize, especially when you’ve got several paired gadgets. In this guide I’ll walk you through every practical way to rename a Bluetooth device on Windows 11, explain why sometimes the option is missing, and give troubleshooting tips so the new name actually shows up where it matters.
Let’s make your device list neat and human-friendly. Ready? ✨
Why Rename a Bluetooth Device?
Why bother renaming a device? Simple:
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Faster recognition when multiple devices are nearby.
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Avoid pairing the wrong device (hello, two “Headset” entries!).
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Make shared PCs less confusing for other users.
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Personal touches — because “Dad’s Keyboard” is nicer than
BT_9843.
Think of it like labeling luggage before a trip: saves time and avoids headaches.
Does Renaming Change the Device’s Built-In Name?
Short answer: Usually not.
Long answer: Windows can store a local name for a paired device, but many Bluetooth devices broadcast their own firmware name (the one baked into the device). If the device broadcasts its name, Windows may show that broadcast name instead of your custom label — especially on other devices or after re-pairing.
So yes, renaming in Windows often creates a local alias on your PC. It doesn’t always rewrite the device’s own firmware name. If you need the name changed everywhere (e.g., so your phone and PC show the same name), you may have to rename it from the device itself or via its companion app.
Method 1: Rename via Windows 11 Settings (Fastest Way)
This is the most common and user-friendly approach.
Steps
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Open Settings (press
Win + I). -
Click Bluetooth & devices in the left sidebar.
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Under Devices, find the Bluetooth device you want to rename.
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Click the three dots (…) or click the device to open its card.
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Choose Rename (if the option appears).
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Type the new name and click Save or Rename.
That’s it — you should see the new name show up in the Settings page and quick-pair lists on that PC.
Tip: Quick keyboard route
Open Settings with Win + I → press Tab then type bluetooth & devices to jump quickly.
What if the “Rename” Option Is Missing?
No worries — Windows doesn’t always show a Rename button. This often happens when the device reports its own name to Windows or when the device type doesn’t support renaming from the OS.
Try the alternative methods below.
Method 2: Rename from Control Panel > Devices and Printers
This method can work for classic Bluetooth devices and devices that expose properties via the older Control Panel UI.
Steps
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Open Control Panel (search for it in Start).
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Click Devices and Printers.
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Locate the Bluetooth device under Devices.
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Right-click it and choose Properties.
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In the General tab you may see a Name field — edit it and click OK.
If you don’t see a Name field, the device may not expose a renameable property through this interface.
Method 3: Rename the Device from the Device Itself (Phone or App)
Some Bluetooth gadgets broadcast their name and ignore PC-side aliases. In that case, rename it directly from the source device.
For iPhone / iPad
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Go to Settings > Bluetooth.
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Tap the info (i) icon next to the device.
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Tap Name, enter the new name, and save.
For Android
Steps vary by Android skin, but generally:
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Settings > Connected devices > Bluetooth.
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Tap the gear or pencil icon next to the device.
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Edit Device name and save.
For Headphones / Wearables
Many manufacturers provide a companion app (Sony Headphones, Bose Connect, Samsung Wearable). Open the app and look for device settings — you can usually change the Bluetooth name there.
Pro tip: Renaming on the device itself typically updates the name across all paired hosts (PC, phone, tablet).
Method 4: Rename Your PC’s Bluetooth Name (So Other Devices See It Differently)
If you want other devices to see your PC under a new name (for example when other people pair to your computer), rename your computer rather than the peripheral.
Steps
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Open Settings (
Win + I) → System → About. -
Click Rename this PC.
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Enter the new computer name and restart when prompted.
This changes how your PC announces itself via Bluetooth and network discovery.
Method 5: Use Third-Party Tools (When Windows Won’t Cooperate)
There are utilities that let you manage Bluetooth device properties more deeply. Use these if Settings or Control Panel can’t rename your device.
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Bluetooth command line tools (power-user route)
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Device manager UIs from vendors
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Manufacturer utilities
Be cautious: only download tools from reputable sources. Third-party tools can sometimes write a local alias even when Windows’ UI can’t.
Advanced: Editing the Registry (Power Users Only)
Windows stores some device metadata in the registry and under Device records. Advanced users can search the registry for the specific device entry and change its friendly name — but this is risky.
Warning
Editing the registry can break devices or Windows if done incorrectly. Back up the registry (File → Export) and create a system restore point before making changes.
High-level Steps
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Open Registry Editor (
regedit). -
Search for the device’s Bluetooth address or current name under
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Enum\BTHENUM\(or similar Bluetooth-related branches). -
Find a
Device ParametersorFriendlyNamevalue and edit it. -
Reboot the PC.
I don’t recommend this unless you’re experienced and have backed everything up.
Troubleshooting: New Name Doesn’t Show Up on Other Devices
You renamed on Windows, but your phone still sees the old name — frustrating, right? Here’s why and how to fix it.
Why this happens
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The device broadcasts its firmware name; Windows’ rename created a local alias only for that PC.
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Other devices read the device’s broadcast name, not the PC’s alias.
Fixes
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Rename on the device itself (phone/app) — that updates the broadcast name.
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Remove/pair again: Unpair the device on both ends and pair anew; Windows may pick up your alias.
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Update firmware: Some devices allow changing the broadcast name via firmware update or companion app.
Troubleshooting: Rename Fails or Reverts After Reboot
If your new label disappears after a restart:
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Try unpairing and re-pairing after renaming.
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Check for driver issues: Update Bluetooth drivers (Device Manager → Bluetooth → right-click adapter → Update driver).
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Make sure multiple user accounts aren’t overwriting a shared device alias.
Tips for Managing Bluetooth Devices on Windows 11
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Use clear, descriptive names: e.g., “Kitchen Speaker — Sonos” or “Ana’s AirPods Pro”.
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Keep a pairing log if many guests connect to your PC.
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If a device won’t rename from Windows, rename from the device or companion app.
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Update drivers regularly — Bluetooth stack bugs can cause odd behavior.
Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
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Pitfall: Trying to rename a device that broadcasts its own name.
Avoidance: Rename from the device or its app. -
Pitfall: Editing registry without a backup.
Avoidance: Always export the registry key and create a restore point first. -
Pitfall: New name visible only on the PC where you renamed it.
Avoidance: Understand local alias vs. broadcast name; rename at source if you want global change.
Quick Checklist Before You Rename
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Is the device paired and connected? ✅
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Do you have the manufacturer app? ✅
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Have you tried Windows Settings → Bluetooth & devices? ✅
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Did you make a backup or restore point (for advanced edits)? ✅
If you checked all the boxes, you’re set.
Conclusion
Renaming a Bluetooth device on Windows 11 is usually quick and painless via Settings → Bluetooth & devices. But if Windows won’t let you, remember this rule of thumb: rename on the device itself (or in its app) for the change to stick everywhere. For power users, Control Panel or even registry tweaks are options — but back up first.
Think of it as giving your gadgets little name tags: a small step that makes daily life smoother and less confusing. If one method fails, try the next — you’ll have a clean, sensible device list in no time.
FAQs
Q1: I renamed a headset in Windows but my phone still shows the old name. Why?
Most phones read the device’s broadcast name (the name the headset reports). Renaming on Windows often creates a local alias only for that PC. Rename from the headset’s app or your phone to update the broadcast name.
Q2: Can I rename a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse in Windows 11?
Sometimes. Try Settings → Bluetooth & devices or Control Panel → Devices and Printers. If no option appears, check the device’s firmware/app or pair it to a phone and rename there.
Q3: Is renaming a device safe? Will it break anything?
Yes, renaming is safe. It’s essentially a label. Only be careful with registry edits — back up before changing anything.
Q4: My renamed device reverts after unpairing and re-pairing. What should I do?
Rename at the source (device or companion app) so it broadcasts the new name. After that, unpair and re-pair — the new broadcast name should be used.
Q5: I can’t find the Rename option in Settings. What’s my best next step?
Try Control Panel → Devices and Printers. If that fails, rename the device from its own settings (phone/app) or use a manufacturer utility. As a last resort, advanced users can search the registry for a FriendlyName entry — but back up first.