Changing the name of a mobile app may seem like a simple branding tweak, but it involves several important considerations that can impact your app’s identity, discoverability, and user experience. Whether you’re a developer looking to refresh your app’s image or a business aiming to align the app name with your evolving brand, understanding the process and implications of renaming is crucial.
The name of your app plays a vital role not only in attracting users but also in how it appears in app stores, search results, and marketing materials.
Renaming an app isn’t just about picking a new title and uploading it to the store; it involves technical steps, policy compliance, and strategic marketing decisions. Many developers wonder if they can simply change the app name post-launch without affecting their app’s ranking or user base.
The reality is, while it is possible, there are nuances to consider such as platform restrictions, user perception, and backend configurations. Knowing how to navigate these aspects can save you from common pitfalls and ensure a smooth transition.
In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about changing a mobile app’s name from both a technical and strategic perspective. We will discuss the differences between changing the app’s display name versus its package name, the impact on app store optimization, and how to communicate the change effectively to your users.
By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to decide if renaming your app is the right move and how to execute it successfully.
Understanding the Difference Between App Name and Package Name
Before diving into the renaming process, it’s important to distinguish between the app name users see and the technical package name that identifies the app in app stores and on devices.
The app name, also called the display name, is the visible title under the app icon on phones and in app stores. It’s what users recognize and search for.
Changing this name is usually straightforward and can be done with app updates.
In contrast, the package name (Android) or bundle identifier (iOS) is a unique string that identifies your app internally within app stores and on devices. This name cannot be changed after the app is published without creating a new app listing entirely.
Key Differences and Their Importance
- App Name (Display Name): Visible to users, can be changed with updates.
- Package Name / Bundle Identifier: Unique ID for app store, cannot be changed once published.
- Changing the package name requires publishing a new app, losing existing downloads and reviews.
- Display name changes affect marketing, user perception, and app store search results.
“The package name is the app’s fingerprint in the app ecosystem – once set, it’s permanent.”
Understanding these distinctions helps prevent costly mistakes during the renaming process and clarifies what changes are feasible without starting from scratch.
How to Change Your Mobile App’s Display Name
Changing the display name of your mobile app is often the first step developers take to refresh their branding or better align with their target audience. This change is relatively simple but varies slightly between Android and iOS platforms.
For Android apps, the display name is defined in the strings.xml file or directly in the app’s manifest. You can update this string and submit an update to the Google Play Store.
Once approved, the new name appears in the Play Store and on users’ devices.
On iOS, the display name is set in the Xcode project under the app’s Info.plist file. Changing the CFBundleDisplayName key and submitting an update to the App Store accomplishes the rename.
Steps to Update Display Name
- Update the app name string in your project files.
- Build and test the app to ensure the new name displays correctly.
- Submit an app update to the relevant app stores.
- Communicate the change to your users via release notes or announcements.
Note: While the display name can be changed without affecting the app’s package name, it’s wise to consider how this affects your branding and user recognition to avoid confusion.
Limitations and Challenges of Changing the App Name
Changing your app’s name is not without hurdles, and some limitations may influence your decision. Beyond the technical distinctions, there are challenges related to app store policies, user expectations, and marketing.
One of the biggest limitations is that the package name can’t be changed after publishing. If you want to completely rename your app at this level, you’d need to release a new app, which means losing your existing install base, ratings, and reviews.
Additionally, app stores have policies about frequent or misleading name changes. Changing your app name too often or choosing a name similar to another app can cause rejection or ranking penalties.
Users might also be confused if the name changes drastically without clear communication.
Common Challenges Explained
| Challenge | Impact | Solution |
| Package Name Cannot Change | Must create new app listing to rename completely | Consider display name change or rebranding carefully |
| App Store Policy Restrictions | Potential app rejection or ranking loss | Follow naming guidelines and avoid frequent changes |
| User Confusion | Loss of recognition or trust | Communicate clearly and time changes strategically |
Understanding these challenges allows developers to plan their renaming strategy and minimize negative effects on their app’s success.
Impact on App Store Optimization (ASO) and User Experience
Changing your app’s name can influence your app store optimization and how users discover and interact with your app. The app name is a key factor in search rankings, visibility, and first impressions.
An effective name change can boost your app’s appeal by making it more relevant to current trends or keywords. However, a poorly executed change may cause a drop in visibility or confuse existing users.
It’s important to balance creativity with clarity, ensuring your new app name remains searchable, memorable, and aligned with your brand promise.
Considerations for ASO After Name Change
- Include relevant keywords to improve search rankings without keyword stuffing.
- Keep the name concise and easy to remember.
- Monitor app ranking and downloads after the change to assess impact.
- Update marketing materials and app descriptions to reflect the new name.
“A name change is an opportunity to reposition your app but requires careful ASO planning to sustain visibility.”
By aligning your new app name with ASO best practices, you can turn this change into a growth opportunity rather than a setback.
Communicating Your App Name Change to Users
Renaming your app affects your relationship with your users, so clear and proactive communication is essential. Users may wonder why the change happened and what it means for their experience.
To maintain trust and excitement, inform your users well in advance through multiple channels. This could include app update release notes, email newsletters, social media announcements, or in-app notifications.
Providing context about the change—whether it’s to better reflect your app’s purpose, expand features, or improve branding—helps users embrace the new name without confusion.
Effective Communication Strategies
- Announce the upcoming name change before releasing the update.
- Explain the reasons and benefits behind the new name.
- Use visual branding updates to reinforce the change.
- Provide support channels for user questions or feedback.
Taking these steps can turn the renaming process into a positive experience that strengthens your app’s community and user loyalty.
Legal and Trademark Considerations When Renaming
Choosing a new app name is not just a creative decision; it also involves legal and trademark factors. Ensuring your new name doesn’t infringe on existing trademarks or copyrights is critical to avoid costly disputes.
Conduct thorough research to verify that your proposed app name is unique and available for registration in your target markets. This may include searching trademark databases, domain availability, and app store listings.
If your app targets multiple countries, consider international trademark protection to secure your brand globally.
Legal Checklist for Renaming Your App
- Perform trademark searches in relevant jurisdictions.
- Check for existing app names or similar trademarks in app stores.
- Consult legal counsel for trademark registration and protection.
- Secure domain names and social media handles matching the new name.
Failure to address legal aspects can result in forced rebranding, removal from app stores, or legal action, disrupting your app’s growth and reputation.
Technical Steps for Renaming and Publishing the Updated App
Once you have decided on a new app name and addressed all strategic and legal concerns, the next step is to implement the change technically. This involves updating the app project files and submitting the new version to app stores.
For Android, update the android:label attribute in your manifest and the app name string resources. For iOS, update the CFBundleDisplayName in Info.plist and any relevant storyboard or UI elements.
After making these changes, thoroughly test your app to confirm the new name appears correctly on devices and in notifications. Then, submit the updated app to Google Play and the Apple App Store for review.
Submission Process Overview
| Platform | Key Files to Update | Submission Notes |
| Android | AndroidManifest.xml, strings.xml |
App package name remains unchanged; submit update via Google Play Console |
| iOS | Info.plist |
Submit update through App Store Connect, ensure compliance with guidelines |
Remember: Changing the display name does not affect your app’s identity in app stores but requires careful attention to detail to avoid inconsistencies.
When to Consider Publishing a New App Instead of Renaming
Sometimes, changing your app’s name is not enough, and publishing a new app may be the better route. This is particularly true if you want to change the package name or significantly overhaul your app’s functionality or brand identity.
Launching a new app means you start fresh with new downloads, ratings, and reviews, but it also means losing your existing user base unless you implement migration strategies.
This choice depends on your long-term goals, resources, and how deeply integrated the current app’s identity is with your business.
Factors Influencing the Decision
- Need to change package or bundle identifier
- Major redesign or pivot in app purpose
- Legal conflicts requiring a new brand
- Desire to target a different market segment
“Sometimes a fresh start is the best way forward, but it requires a well-planned migration strategy.”
You can learn more about brand changes and naming history from cases such as When Did Chic Fil A Change Their Name? Full History, which reveals insights into brand evolution and user perception.
Conclusion
Changing the name of your mobile app is a significant decision with far-reaching consequences. While updating the display name is relatively simple and can refresh your app’s image, altering the package name requires creating a new app listing, which can disrupt your user base and app store presence.
Understanding the technical distinctions and planning your approach carefully is essential to avoid pitfalls.
Strategically, your new app name should support your branding and app store optimization goals while maintaining clarity for your users. Communication plays a pivotal role in ensuring your audience embraces the change with minimal confusion.
Additionally, addressing legal and trademark considerations protects your app from future disputes and strengthens your brand’s position.
Whether you opt for a simple name update or a complete rebranding, remember that the app name is more than just a label—it’s the first impression and key to long-term engagement. Take your time, do your research, and leverage expert advice to make your app’s new identity a success.
For more inspiration on naming and identity, you might find What Was the Original Name for the Colosseum? Find Out Here and What Was Dorothy’s Last Name in The Wizard of Oz?
Find Out quite insightful as they explore the power and history behind names.
