How to Change Your Contact Name on iPhone: A Personal Journey from “Master” to Something More Appropriate

Have you ever made a decision that seemed funny at the time, only to realize later how cringeworthy it can be? That’s precisely the scenario I find myself navigating after naming my iPhone contact “Master” nearly 15 years ago. Back then, it was a lighthearted choice; I thought it was amusing to hear Siri address me with that title—images of my smartphone calling out, “Where would you like to go, Master?” still make me chuckle.

However, as life has carried me forward into adulthood and parenthood, I’ve come to recognize that this quaint quirk no longer fits with my current identity. The occasional reminder of my youthful humor pops up at the most unexpected moments, including when I share notes with friends or colleagues, and my contact name scrolls by as “Master.”

If you find yourself in a similar situation—having set a nickname that’s more embarrassing than endearing—you’re probably wondering how to rectify it. Thankfully, changing this contact name back to something more suitable is a straightforward process. Here’s how you can update your name on an iPhone:

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Contact Name

Open the Contacts App: Begin by launching the Contacts app on your iPhone. This can be done either by tapping the icon directly or by using the search function.
Find Your Profile: Scroll through your contacts or use the search bar at the top to locate your own contact entry that shows “Master.”
Edit Your Contact: Once you have located your profile, tap on it to view the details. Here, there will be an option to edit—look for the “Edit” button typically located in the upper right corner of the screen.
Update the Name: In the editing screen, change “Master” to your desired name. This could be your first name, a nickname, or whatever feels appropriate for your current life stage.
Save Your Changes: After you’ve made your adjustments, be sure to tap “Done” or “Save” in the top-right corner to ensure your new name is stored.
Revisit Shared Notes: Take a moment to check any notes or other applications where your contact name may still appear. You may need to refresh or share entries again to see your updated name.