Category filter
How to Rename a Device or Set Friendly Name?
In Hexnode UEM, administrators can organize and identify endpoints by either Renaming the hardware (changing the name on both portal and device) or setting a Friendly Name (display name change only).
Renaming vs. Friendly Name: Key Differences
While both features improve device identification, they impact the device’s local settings differently.
| Feature | Portal Name Changes | Local Device Settings Change | Supported Platforms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rename Device | Yes | Yes | Supervised iOS/tvOS, Windows 10/11. |
| Set Friendly Name | Yes | No (Only changes in Hexnode app) | All supported platforms. |
Renaming a Device
The Rename Device action replaces the device’s identity on the management console and within the actual system settings of the hardware.
Prerequisites and Constraints
- iOS/tvOS: Must be Supervised (iOS 5.0+ / tvOS 9.0+).
- Windows: Windows 10 v2004+ or Windows 11 (Pro, Enterprise, Education).
- Character Limit: Maximum of 63 characters.
- Windows Note: The name updates locally only after a system restart.
How to Rename a Single Device
- Navigate to the Manage tab.
- Select the device to open the Device Summary page.
- Navigate to Actions > Edit > Rename Device.
- Enter the new name. Uncheck Append Number.
- (Optional) Check Update Friendly Name to sync the portal display name.
- Click Execute.
How to Rename Devices in Bulk
- Go to the Manage tab and select multiple devices.
- Navigate to Actions > Edit > Rename Device.
- Configure the naming convention:
- Same Name: Enter name and uncheck Append Number.
- Sequential Naming: Check Append Number and set a Starting Number (e.g., “iPad-5”, “iPad-6”).
- Click Execute.
Supported Wildcards for Renaming
Use these variables to automate naming based on device data:
- %deviceid%, %devicename%, %email%, %imei%, %osname%, %serialnumber%, %osversion%, %username%.
Setting a Friendly Name
A Friendly Name acts as an alias. It changes how the device appears in the Hexnode UEM console and the Hexnode app without altering the underlying OS hostname.
How to Set a Friendly Name (Single Device)
- Navigate to Manage > Device Summary.
- Select Actions > Edit > Set Friendly Name.
- Enter the alias and click Save.
Bulk Options for Friendly Names
When selecting multiple devices under the Manage tab, navigate to Actions > Edit > Set Friendly Name and choose:
- Set Collective Name: Applies a uniform name to all selected devices. You can use Append Number and Starting Number to differentiate them (e.g., “Sales-Workstation-1”).
- Set Distinctive Name: Allows the administrator to enter a unique friendly name for each selected device individually in a single window.
Supported Wildcards for Friendly Names
- %deviceid%, %email%, %imei%, %osname%, %serialnumber%, %osversion%, %username%.
Troubleshooting Guide
Windows Device Name Update
- Problem: The PC name remains unchanged even after a “successful” Rename action.
- Resolution: Restart the device. Once the reboot is complete, the new name will be active and any blocks on the “Rename this PC” option will be lifted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does “Set Friendly Name” change the hostname on Windows?
No. The Set Friendly Name action only changes the label within the Hexnode portal and the Hexnode UEM app. To change the actual computer name, the Rename Device action must be used.
Why hasn’t the Windows device name updated after a successful Rename action?
On Windows 10 and 11, the operating system requires a restart to finalize the hostname change. The “Rename this PC” option on the device may be temporarily blocked until this restart occurs.
What happens if a user renames the device locally?
If a user modifies the device name directly in the settings, Hexnode detects the change and updates the name on the portal. This event is recorded in the Activity Feed and Audit History reports.
What is the maximum length for a device name?
The final name, whether entered manually or generated via wildcards, will be truncated to the first 63 characters.
