# 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**
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While both features improve device identification, they impact the device’s local settings differently.

FeaturePortal Name ChangesLocal Device Settings ChangeSupported Platforms**Rename Device**YesYesSupervised iOS/tvOS, Windows 10/11.**Set Friendly Name**YesNo (Only changes in Hexnode app)All supported platforms.**Renaming a Device**
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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**

1. Navigate to the **Manage** tab.
2. Select the device to open the **Device Summary** page.
3. Navigate to **Actions > Edit > Rename Device**.
4. Enter the new name. Uncheck **Append Number**.
5. (Optional) Check **Update Friendly Name** to sync the portal display name.
6. Click **Execute**.

### **How to Rename Devices in Bulk**

1. Go to the **Manage** tab and select multiple devices.
2. Navigate to **Actions > Edit > Rename Device**.
3. 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”).
4. 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**
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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)**

1. Navigate to **Manage > Device Summary**.
2. Select **Actions > Edit > Set Friendly Name**.
3. 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**
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### **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)**
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### **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**.