Updating your AirPods’ name on Windows 10 isn’t exactly the most straightforward process — because, of course, Windows has to make it a little harder than it should be. You might think all you need to do is connect and change the name, but without the right steps, it can be tricky. Sometimes, they don’t show up at all, or the name sticks even after you try renaming. This guide breaks down the real-world ways to make sure your AirPods get a personalized name that sticks, making it easier to pick them out in the Bluetooth list, especially if multiple devices are floating around.
How to Rename AirPods on Windows 10
These instructions are about actually changing the name that shows up on your Windows 10 device, not on your iPhone or Mac. That’s a different ballgame. Here’s what usually works. Keep in mind, if a method doesn’t do the trick, maybe try a different approach or restart your PC — weird stuff happens, especially with Bluetooth. The key is to ensure AirPods are connected and recognized properly first. Once renamed, the new label should appear every time you connect, but on some setups, you might need to re-pair them afterward to see the update. Just the way Windows likes to be annoying sometimes.
Fix 1: Rename via Bluetooth Settings — the standard way
This is the obvious route, but honestly, it’s the most reliable if your AirPods are showing up. On some machines, you’ll see a “Rename” button in the Bluetooth device properties, but on others, not so much — the option can be a little hidden or greyed out. That’s why, if this doesn’t work, you’ll need to try some workarounds.
- Make sure your AirPods are fully charged and nearby, then connect them to your PC via Bluetooth. Usually, you do this in Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- Locate your AirPods in the device list. If they aren’t there, disconnect and reconnect — or toggle Bluetooth off and on.
- Click on the AirPods name. If you see a “Rename” option, click that. If not, right-click (or double-click) to see if you get a properties window where you can change the name.
- Type in your preferred name and confirm. This change should stick, but sometimes Windows acts funny and ignores the update until you restart or re-pair the device.
Why does this help? Because Windows allows some device-specific renaming, but it’s *not* always reliable. Usually, it does work if the device supports it, but don’t be surprised if it’s weird or takes a few tries. On one setup, it worked the first time; on another, I had to disconnect and reconnect for the name to stick.
Method 2: Use a third-party tool or workaround
If Windows’ native options fail, some savvy users resort to firmware tricks or third-party apps.Winhance and similar tools claim to manipulate device info at a deeper level, but…beware. They can be a bit fiddly and may not always work with Apple devices specifically. Still, for some, it’s worth a shot, especially if the name is a big deal for quick recognition.
Again, the idea is that Windows stores device info in a way that can sometimes be edited outside the normal Bluetooth settings. Use these tools carefully, and always back up settings if possible. Not sure why, but sometimes the device’s name appears correctly on older or less updated Windows 10 systems after fiddling with these utilities.
What else might help if nothing works?
Sometimes, the simplest fix is to reboot the PC and re-pair the AirPods. Yep, sounds dumb, but Bluetooth connections can get pretty wonky after a while, especially if you’ve connected and disconnected multiple devices. Also, make sure your Windows is up to date — recent updates sometimes fix Bluetooth bugs. And double-check your Bluetooth drivers: outdated or corrupted drivers can cause all sorts of weird behavior.
Summary
- Connect your AirPods and make sure they show up in Bluetooth devices.
- Try renaming directly in Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- If the option isn’t available, disconnect, restart, and try reconnecting.
- Consider third-party tools if Windows doesn’t cooperate — but beware of potential glitches.
- Sometimes, a quick restart or driver update helps clear out the bugs.
Wrap-up
Hopefully, one of these methods gets your AirPods a new name that actually sticks. It’s kinda weird how Windows treats Bluetooth device names — sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t, and often it’s a hit or miss. But with a mix of reconnecting, restarting, and maybe a helper app, it’s usually possible to get there. Just keep in mind that some devices just don’t play nicely, and the process can be a little frustrating. Still, when it works, it’s so much easier to recognize your AirPods among other Bluetooth gear.