How to put your name on the iPhone lock screen

Last update: 4th October 2026
  • Use custom focus modes to display text labels on the lock screen.
  • Linking specific focus profiles with selected wallpapers.
  • Modifying the device name for network services and AirDrop.

Person holding an iPhone with a neutral screen, ideal for illustrating system settings configuration and lock screen customization.

Have you ever wondered how to make your iPhone clearly display who owns it without unlocking it? While it might seem trivial, it's a super useful feature, especially when you're in a crowded place, traveling, or simply want to personalize your device so it doesn't go unnoticed.

The truth is, Apple hasn't included a magic button that says "put name here," but don't worry, there's a clever trick using built-in system features. We'll explain how to take advantage of Focus Mode and other settings to have your name appear on screen elegantly and easily.

The master trick: using Focus Modes

Close-up of an iPhone in a natural environment, representing personal identity and device customization.

The most effective way to make your name visible on the lock screen is to use Focus Mode creatively . Originally designed to block notifications while you work or sleep, these tools also allow you to display a custom label at the bottom of the lock screen, similar to the Always On Display feature on Android.

To get started, follow these detailed steps:

  • First, enter the menu of Settings of your device.
  • Find and select the option called Concentration modes.
  • You'll see the default profiles, but we want something unique, so press the + button located in the upper right corner.
  • When it asks you what type of mode you want, choose the option of Personalized to start from scratch.
  • Now comes the important part: in the name field, write your own name or any phrase you want to be visible. You can also choose a color and an emoji that represents you to make it more eye-catching.
  • Click Next and then select Customize focus mode.
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If you don't want your phone to behave strangely, you can leave the settings as they are. This way, your iPhone will still receive all calls and notifications normally, but will display your name on the lock screen while the mode is active. If you'd rather not have to manually activate it each time, you can use Smart Wake-up so your name appears only when you arrive at certain places or at specific times.

How to activate and link the name to your screen

Once you've created your custom mode, you need to activate it to make your name visible. You can do this by swiping in from the top right corner to open Control Center , tapping "Focus," and selecting the profile with your name.

Additionally, iOS allows you to link a specific mode to a particular wallpaper. To do this, press and hold the side button to lock your phone, then press and hold the lock screen. Tap the Personalize button , and you'll see that you can tap the Focus section and select the mode you created. This way, every time you use that wallpaper, the label with your name will be automatically applied .

Change the public name of the device

Person interacting with the screen of a modern smartphone in an indoor environment, illustrating navigation through the Settings menus.

Aside from what you see on the lock screen, there's another name that's crucial to change: the iPhone name that others see. This is what appears when you share your internet connection or when someone tries to send you a file via AirDrop . By default, it usually says "iPhone of," but you can get creative or be more professional.

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To change this information, simply go to Settings , enter the General menu , and then tap on About . There you'll find the Name option; simply tap it, delete the existing entry, and enter your new username. The change is saved instantly, so you can now personalize your digital identity to be more original or anonymous, as you prefer.

Mastering these small settings allows your iPhone to be more than just another tool; it gives it a distinct identity. Whether it's setting up an empty Focus mode to display your name on the lock screen or editing your general information so AirDrop correctly identifies you, you have complete control over how others see you and how you identify your device in any situation.