How to set friendly network name of android computer?
I see names of computers in my router’s DHCP leasing list. My android galaxy tab is listed under an alphanumeric name. How do I set a friendly name that I like?
asked Apr 4 ’12 at 15:03
On Android 4. 4 and lower, you can change the hostname to a less cryptic name in the Developer Options under Settings. Under the “Debugging” section in the Developer Options you will see an option called “Device hostname” which should currently be set to this rather cryptic name. You can change it to any alpha numeric name you like.
If you are on Android 5. 0, that option is not there anymore. Though using the ADB shell still works. See bayuah’s answer. Root doesn’t seem to be required on my phone. From the answer linked above:
adb shell
getprop name
setprop name
wjandrea5686 silver badges19 bronze badges
answered Jan 22 ’13 at 15:45
timonskutimonsku6288 silver badges13 bronze badges
7
Open terminal. Enter the following:
su
Root access is required.
answered Jan 12 ’15 at 11:26
bayuahbayuah1811 silver badge5 bronze badges
Hostname is used to easily identify and remember hosts connected to a network. It’s set on boot, e. g. from /etc/hostname on Linux based systems. Hostname is also a part of DHCPREQUEST (standardized as code 12 by IETF) which a DHCP client (Android device in our case) makes to DHCP server (WiFi router) to get an IP address assigned. DHCP server stores the hostnames to offer services like DNS. See details in How to ping a local network host by hostname?.
Android – instead of using Linux kernel’s hostname service – used property name (since Android 2. 2) to set a unique host name for every device which was based on android_id. This hostname property was used for DHCP handshake (as added in Android 2. 2 and 4. 0). In Android 6 name continued to be used (1, 2, 3, 4) in new Java DHCP client when native dhcpcd was abandoned and later service was removed in Android 7. Since Android 8 – when android_id became unique to apps – name is no more set, so a null is sent in DHCPREQUEST. See Android 8 Privacy Changes and Security Enhancements:
name is now empty and the dhcp client no longer sends a hostname
So the WiFi routers show no host names for Android 8+, neither we can set / unset / change it.
However on rooted devices you can set name manually using setprop command or add in some init’s file to set on every boot. Or use a third party client like busybox udhcpc to send desired hostname and other options to router. See Connecting to WiFi via ADB Shell.
answered Nov 22 ’19 at 20:36
Irfan LatifIrfan Latif2213 silver badges9 bronze badges
In some Android phones, you may change in Wi-Fi Direct
Settings
WiFi
Top right menu > Advanced
Wi-Fi Direct
Top right option Rename device
Write your new device name and press OK
Turn off and on your Wi-Fi
If it has no effect, restart your phone.
Important: Not all Android phones have this option, and not all phones modify their hostname correctly, even after modifying the device name from that option.
answered Mar 2 ’18 at 10:51
Paulo CoghiPaulo Coghi9541 gold badge10 silver badges14 bronze badges
2
The name that is sent to the DHCP server is not the hostname as is commonly thought, it’s the VID (Vendor ID Code) which you cannot change. You could try changing the name at the router level if possible.
answered Apr 4 ’12 at 15:20
paradd0xparadd0x8, 6236 gold badges34 silver badges43 bronze badges
4
This solution is using the commands posted by @bayuah above, but not using adb nor su at all.
This is on a rooted device (Nougat AOSP 7. 1. 2).
Using JuiceSSH terminal, enter two commands:
answered Apr 7 ’18 at 22:25
On my Galaxy Edge S7 the device friendly name can be changed under “About phone” (near the bottom of the Settings menu):
Since I configured it to “Matthijs mobiel”, our local router gave me the hostname “”. Unfortunately it sounds like your router might be assigning a name based on MAC address rather than based on the device friendly name, in which case this probably won’t help (though you can try configuring a name that’s a valid hostname already, perhaps it will work).
answered Feb 19 at 22:43
MatthijsMatthijs2362 silver badges5 bronze badges
Simply download and install the app called “Change Hostname” from the Play Store and enjoy editing your android device hostname (android-xxxxxxxxxxx).
Root access is required though, sorry for the non-rooted users.
Regards.
answered Feb 8 ’13 at 2:35
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How to check your device name | Trend Micro Help Center
LAST UPDATED: JUN 29, 2021
Check where you can find the name of your device. This is important when identifying devices connected to your home network, WiFi, Hotspot or Bluetooth.
On Android
Open the Settings app, then tap About phone. It will show the device info, including the device name.
On Windows
Click the Start button, then go to Settings > About. You can also access it via the shortcut button below:
Check device name
On iOS
Open the Settings app. Tap General, then tap About. It will show the device info, including the device name.
On Mac
Go to > System Preferences > Sharing.
Check your computer name at the top of Sharing Preferences.
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How to Change Your Phone Name on Android – Lifewire
What to Know
Stock Android: Go to Settings > Bluetooth > Device Name > enter the new name > checkmark msung: Go to Settings > About Phone > Device Name > enter the new name > ‘s a good idea to set a unique name for privacy reasons; you can change the phone name multiple times.
This article teaches you how to change your phone’s device name on Android and any limitations involved in the process.
How to Change Your Phone Name on Android
Changing your Android phone name is only a few steps away, providing you know where to look. Here’s how to change your phone name on Android.
Most Android phones use the same terminology, but you may need to look out for terms such as Phone Name or even Device Name.
Tap Settings.
Tap Bluetooth.
Tap Device Name.
Enter the new name for your phone.
Tap the checkmark icon.
Your Android phone has now been renamed.
How to Change the Name on a Samsung Phone
Changing your phone name on a Samsung phone is very similar, but there are some minor differences. Here’s how to change your Samsung phone name.
Tap About Phone.
Tap Save.
Your Samsung phone has now been renamed.
Why Do I Need to Change My Phone Name?
It’s not essential to change your phone name, but it can be helpful to do so. Below are a few reasons why changing your phone name is a smart move.
It improves security. Generally, your phone’s presence is advertised wherever you go via Bluetooth. Your phone name is how others can identify it, so if you’re letting the world know you have the latest headset, you may prefer to protect your ‘s easier to spot in a crowd. Have you misplaced your phone and trying to track it down via Bluetooth? A personalized name may make it easier to spot virtually or for others to identify whose phone it ‘s easier to pair with devices. If you live in a household full of phones, it’s simply easier to pair your phone with Bluetooth speakers and other devices if it has a unique helps you identify your phone. If you own multiple phones, it’s easier to give them a specific name like Sally’s phone instead of Phone ‘s fun! Your phone is your phone; why not give it a name that reflects your personality? Much like renaming a router, it’s a fun nerdy way to stand out from a crowd.
Are There Any Limitations to Changing Your Phone Name?
Not really. There are no limits on how many times you rename your device so you can change it around as and when you need to. That’s what makes it so simple to set up quirky in-joke names before switching over to something more responsible as and when required.
Avoid using offensive names as it can and will be considered rude in public scenarios, but otherwise, let your imagination run wild. Be sure it’s something you’ll remember though the next time you want to pair your Android phone with another device.
FAQ
How do I change my caller ID name on Android?
How you change your caller ID name depends on your phone carrier. You might need to call customer service, or you may be able to do it online.
How do I change my Google name on my Android?
To change the name on your Google account on Android, go to Settings > Google > Manage your Google Account > Personal info. Tap your name to change it, then tap Save.
How do I rename my iPhone?
Go to Settings > General > About > Name. Tap X next to your name, then enter a new name. You can also change your iPhone name via iTunes.
Thanks for letting us know!
Frequently Asked Questions about change android hostname
How do I find my hostname on Android?
On Android Open the Settings app, then tap About phone. It will show the device info, including the device name.Jun 29, 2021
How do I change my hostname on my phone?
How to Change Your Phone Name on AndroidTap Settings.Tap Bluetooth.Tap Device Name.Enter the new name for your phone.Tap the checkmark icon.Your Android phone has now been renamed.Sep 13, 2021
Can you change device name Android?
On your device, go to Settings > General, then tap About. Tap the first line, which shows the name of your device. Rename your device, and tap Done.Mar 23, 2021
