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Change Hostname Android

• March 12, 2022
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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 Latif2313 silver badges10 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, 6436 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 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!

[Q] How to find hostname? | XDA Forums

[Q] How to find hostname? | XDA Forums
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Thread starter
dk-v1
Start date
Dec 10, 2012
Tags
question
#1
Title says it all.
I need to find the hostname of my device. Any info will be appreciated.
#2
Should be under development in settings.
Sent from yours truly..
ΧΔΑ Fraternity’s Rush Chairman
#3
Development device id?
Sent from my MB865 using xda app-developers app
#4
Android does not use hostnames, everything uses localhost.
If you have a real requirement for a hostname you can use an alias in the /system/etc/hosts file after the localhost entry. Though most if not all android app are made to work with localhost.
If you are say running an ssh server you would just need your IP address to get to it externally. This will work with any service including something like air droid.
#5
one quick question, if i delete the hots file, would it be bad for my phone, any risk of getting any kind of brick?, i need to disable that file because it’s blocking pages on my browser, and preventing me to reach download pages i use from time to time
Sent from the gray stuff inside my skull
#6
Guess I could’ve put a little more detail in the OP.
I’m having issues connecting to a forum I use quite often, but only through my phone. The admin asked for the hostname of my device. Which brought me here.
Something about conflicting host names and another banned user.
#7
You can’t delete that file. The next time you boot, you may end up in a bootloop. If you are having issues then you probably used some sort of ad block software, they usually have a way to put your hosts file back to stock in the app you used. I use ad away and it edits the hosts file to block ads, but I can put it back to stock from there as well.
———- Post added at 09:29 PM ———- Previous post was at 09:24 PM ———-
Well, then you are getting assigned an external hostname from your cell provider, they do that. I have the same issue with IRC when using my phones. IRC has a way for mobile users to connect over sts though. I would explain, to that site admin, that you connect from a mobile phone and that your hostname is being sent from your mobile provider. And that you can’t control that. I can’t tell you how to find the hostname they assign, easily, other than asking your cell provider, I had to get mine from ATT, and it was a pia since it is a dhcp hostname and changes with your cellular IP.
Last edited: Dec 11, 2012
#8
Well, then you are getting assigned an external hostname from your cell provider, they do that. I can’t tell you how to find the hostname they assign, easily, other than asking your cell provider, I had to get mine from ATT, and it was a pia since it is a dhcp hostname and changes with your cellular IP., good food for thought.
#9, good food for thought.
Can’t they just use your mac address? It’s not going to change (unless you spoof it), and it’s an easy way to identify hosts.
#10
actually it came along with scv7 rom never used an ad block apk, would it be fine to manually remove/edit the line from inside the file?
#11
Yes, you can.. but you probably wanna do it on your computer – root explorer will truncate it and cut off a lot..
Or you can clean it out entirely, and then use an ad blocking app to enable/disable. See here:
Sent from my paranoid phone’s mind
#12
You can edit the host file as you see fit, but blatantly removing it obviously can cause problems because it’s a go to file for DNS lookups, and DNS is integral to network operation. If you want to block a site you set the url to point to the local host or more specifically your loopback interface 127. 0. 1
You can remove if you want because if the address isn’t defined in the host file, your browser, app, whatever is doing the lookup will try your connection’s DNS server next. If you wanted to prank someone, you could for example set to redirect to anything you wanted by adding the entry in the host file.
#13
Be careful what you tell people, please, do a little research before answering someones question, if you don’t really know for sure.
The hosts file has NOTHING to do with DNS lookups, it is a local hostname file, and is used instead of and before (if setup that way) DNS is used. DNS is handled by the file and tells the os who your DNS server is, there is also another file that tells the os the order in which you perform EVERY lookup (usually that is the file).
Here is a wikipedia description of what a hosts file actually does, it is a pretty accurate description:
(file)
As for the ad blocks, they are using full DNS names to resolve hosts back to the local loopback address which is the black hole of networking in an os (that is because it will send any request back to itself and put it in a null space, since there is no web-server running on the phone or localhost). The DNS search order on an android phone is hosts file, then DNS, that is why the ad block works as it does.
The ad blocking used in scv7 is from a plugin in the ROM kitchen, that does the same thing that ad away does. You can remove the line, but you would be best to remove all but the localhost line at the top. As alteredlikeness mentioned it is best to edit it through adb. Completely removing the file is a bad idea though.
#14
Dns requests will look for remote hosts ip’s from host/s file (1st phase). If remote distenation (normal case) is not in hosts file, then the DNS client (in this mobile) will try to resolve it via the distensions lookup table file (2nd phase)
So, by default, the internal loopback 127. 1 is in hosts file, if you added as * in hosts, the client will connect to directly if you requested (without trying to look to distensions or to ask DNS servers)
You can trace ad blocking app action (replacing the hosts file with addresses of ads servers and redirect them to 127. 1
Sent from my ME865 using xda app-developers app
———- Post added at 10:30 PM ———- Previous post was at 10:08 PM ———-OP,
For your problem, try to use Google DNS servers 8. 8. 8 and 8. 4. 4
#15
Humm, I think I already said this in my last reply and even included a wiki link to explain this to those that may not understand this so well.
———- Post added at 03:34 PM ———- Previous post was at 03:31 PM ———-
OP,
What good is that going to do using google dns servers? He is getting a hostname from his cell provider that is conflicting with one that a site that he frequents, has blocked. changing his DNS servers will do nothing to help that. And to the person who asked about the whole deleting the hosts file, this also does no good. Technically this would be a great solution for someone having issues resolving things, but no one in this thread is.
#16
You didn’t said that, seems you do not understand the case well, the hosts file is the first step in DNS resolving chain, and you said that nothing to do with it.
#17
Again you are the one who does not understand. the hosts file has NOTHING to do with DNS!!!!
A hosts file is a local resolution and happens BEFORE dns is ever called. I do this for a living!!!
take a look at the wiki I posted, and I quote from my above statement:
it is a local hostname file, and is used instead of and before (if setup that way) DNS is used. DNS is handled by the file and tells the os who your DNS server is, there is also another file that tells the os the order in which you perform EVERY lookup (usually that is the file).
Might pay to actually read posts completely before posting information, especially when they are not 100% correct!
#18
As you like WIKIman!!
#19
It just helps to explain information in simple most of the time correct terms to people, that may not fully understand. It listed it out, very closely to how I explained it. I have been in the UNIX/Linux computer world for 20 years. I have been doing networking and designing systems for a very long time.
UNIX and linux servers and hosts files existed before DNS existed, so DNS is a whole separate thing from the hosts file resolution.
If you do not like wiki, then here is another link that explains it as I have also said it:
If that was meant as a slap, I just have to laugh! But again, I see it too many times that people think they know, but they are only 80% correct most of the time, if you do not know and can not show your work, don’t post it. Sounds like you have something to prove here, so go ahead and school me!
#20
Well this thread got a little lively…
I’ll ask about the MAC address. Otherwise, I’ll just deal with it when I’m on the go. At least for “ban” is lifted on the 14th, so we’ll see what happens then.

Frequently Asked Questions about change hostname android

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

How do I find my hostname on Android?

Android does not use hostnames, everything uses localhost. If you have a real requirement for a hostname you can use an alias in the /system/etc/hosts file after the localhost entry.Dec 10, 2012

How can I change my Android hostname without root?

Go to Settings > Developer Options and scroll down to Device Hostname. Search for “hostname”, and download hostname changer app.