How to Change App Name in Android Easily

Changing the name of an Android app can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re new to app development or customization. However, with the right approach and understanding of Android’s structure, this process becomes straightforward and manageable.

Whether you’re rebranding your app, fixing a typo, or simply want a fresh new identity, renaming your Android app involves a few key steps that are essential to get right.

The app name isn’t just a label; it’s the first impression users get when they discover your creation. It appears under the app icon on devices, in the Google Play Store, and within the app drawer.

Therefore, ensuring your app name communicates your brand’s essence while adhering to Android’s naming conventions is vital. In this post, we’ll explore the practical steps to change your app’s name, the underlying files involved, and tips to avoid common pitfalls.

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to efficiently rename your Android app without breaking the build or confusing your users. Let’s dive into the details and make your app’s new name shine brilliantly in the crowded market.

Understanding the App Name in Android

Before jumping into renaming your app, it’s crucial to understand where the app name is defined and how Android uses it. The app name is not just a simple string but part of the app’s resources and metadata.

Primarily, the app name is specified in the strings.xml file, located in the res/values directory. This file contains all the user-facing text for the app, including the app’s label.

The AndroidManifest.xml file then references this string resource to display the app name.

This separation of the app name into resource files allows for easy localization and updates without touching the core code. When you rename your app, you’re basically updating this string resource, which Android reads to display the app’s title on devices and in stores.

How Android Displays the App Name

Android uses the android:label attribute in the AndroidManifest.xml file to identify the app’s name.

• This attribute often points to a reference like @string/app_name, linking to the actual text in strings.xml.
• If you change the string resource, the app name updates everywhere the label is used.
• Alternatively, a hardcoded string can be used, but this is discouraged because it complicates localization.

“Understanding the connection between AndroidManifest.xml and your resource files is key to efficiently renaming your Android app.”

Changing the App Name in Android Studio

Android Studio is the official IDE for Android app development. It offers a user-friendly interface to change your app’s name with minimal effort.

This section outlines the step-by-step process for renaming the app within Android Studio.

The easiest and safest way to update your app’s name is to modify the app_name string resource in your project. This ensures the change is reflected throughout your app and is compatible with localization.

Step-by-Step Renaming Process

• Open your project in Android Studio.
• Navigate to res/values/strings.xml.
• Locate the <string name="app_name"> tag.
• Change the text inside this tag to your desired app name.
• Save the file and rebuild your project.

After rebuilding, the new app name will appear on your device under the app icon and in the app drawer. If your project supports multiple languages, be sure to update the respective strings.xml files in the localized folders.

Sometimes, the android:label attribute in AndroidManifest.xml may point to a hardcoded string instead of the string resource. In that case, modify the label to reference the string resource like this:

<application
    android:label="@string/app_name"
    ... >

Doing so keeps your app flexible and easier to maintain.

Modifying the App Name for Different Build Variants

Developers often create multiple build variants of the same app, such as free and paid versions or debug and release builds. Each variant might require a unique app name to differentiate them clearly on the device and store.

Android Studio supports this by allowing you to override resources for each build variant. You can specify different app names for each flavor or build type without affecting the others.

How to Set Variant-Specific App Names

To customize app names for different variants, follow these steps:

• Create separate resource folders for each variant, for example, src/free/res/values/strings.xml and src/paid/res/values/strings.xml.
• In each strings.xml, define the app_name string with a variant-specific name.
• Build the project using the desired variant, and Android Studio will automatically pick the correct app name.

Build Variant	App Name (app_name string)
Free	MyApp Free
Paid	MyApp Pro

This approach offers flexibility, especially when managing multiple versions within the same project.

“Using build variant-specific resources is a best practice to maintain clean and scalable app configurations.”

Renaming the App Package and Its Impact

While changing the app name is mostly about the display label, some developers also want to rename the app package. The package name uniquely identifies your app on devices and the Play Store.

Renaming the package is more complex and should be done with caution because it can affect updates and user data. This section explains the difference between the app name and package name, and when you might want to change the package.

Understanding Package Name vs. App Name

• App Name: The visible name users see on their devices.
• Package Name: The unique identifier for your app, e.g., com.example.myapp.

Changing the package name is only necessary if you want to publish a new app or avoid conflicts. Keep in mind:

• Google Play treats apps with different package names as different apps.
• Changing the package name means users cannot update from the old app; it’s considered a new app.
• You will need to update the package references in your code and project files.

To rename your package, use the refactor tool in Android Studio:

• Right-click on the package name in the Project view.
• Select Refactor > Rename.
• Choose Rename package and update all occurrences.
• Verify and test your app thoroughly after renaming.

“The package name is a critical identifier and should be changed only when absolutely necessary.”

Handling Localization for Your App Name

If you want your app to reach a global audience, it’s important to localize your app name. Localization ensures that users see the app name in their native language, which can enhance user experience and engagement.

Android supports localization by allowing you to create multiple versions of the strings.xml file for different languages. Each file contains translations that Android selects based on the device’s locale settings.

Steps to Localize the App Name

• Create folders for each language, e.g., res/values-es/ for Spanish.
• Inside each folder, create a strings.xml file.
• Translate the app_name string in each file.
• Build and test the app on devices with different language settings.

For example, your project structure might look like this:

• res/values/strings.xml – English (default)
• res/values-fr/strings.xml – French
• res/values-ja/strings.xml – Japanese

Localization provides a polished and professional touch to your app, making it more accessible worldwide.

Language	App Name Translation
English	MyApp
French	MonAppli
Japanese	マイアプリ

Updating the App Name on Google Play Store

Changing your app’s name locally is just one part of the process. If your app is published on Google Play, you’ll also need to update the app name in the Play Console to reflect your changes.

The Play Store app name is what users see before downloading and what appears in search results. It should align with your app’s internal name for consistency and branding.

How to Update the App Name on Google Play

• Log in to your Google Play Console.
• Navigate to your app’s dashboard.
• Go to Store presence > Main store listing.
• Update the Title field with your new app name.
• Save changes and submit an update for review.

Note that changes to the Play Store listing may take several hours to propagate. Also, make sure your new name complies with Google’s policies to avoid rejection.

Consistency between your app’s displayed name and the Play Store title helps users recognize your app easily and builds trust.

“An app’s name on Google Play is as important as the app itself—it’s your brand’s first handshake with potential users.”

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips

While changing an app name is generally straightforward, developers sometimes encounter issues that can cause confusion or build failures. Being aware of these common pitfalls can save you time and frustration.

Typical Problems and Solutions

• App name not updating after change: This often happens when you forget to rebuild or clean the project. Running Build > Clean Project and then Build > Rebuild Project usually fixes this.
• Incorrect app name on device: Make sure you’re updating the correct strings.xml file, especially if using multiple flavors or build variants.
• Hardcoded labels in AndroidManifest.xml: Switch to referencing string resources instead of hardcoded text for easier maintenance.
• Google Play Store name mismatch: Update the store listing separately in the Play Console; it won’t change automatically.

If you’re interested in understanding more about names and their meanings, you might enjoy exploring topics like the origins and significance of the name Adam or what the name Amy means. These insights can inspire your app naming process as well.

Best Practices for Naming Your Android App

Choosing the right app name is just as important as changing it correctly. A well-chosen name can boost your app’s discoverability and appeal.

Here are some best practices to keep in mind when naming or renaming your app:

• Keep it short and memorable: Long or complicated names can be hard to remember and type.
• Reflect the app’s purpose: The name should give users an idea of what the app does.
• Check for uniqueness: Avoid names already taken on the Play Store or by trademarks.
• Consider localization: Ensure the name works well in different languages and cultures.

Names also carry emotional and cultural weight. If you want to dive deeper into the significance and origins of names, consider reading about the meaning of the name Lily or the origins and significance of the name Tyler.

Such knowledge can add layers of meaning to your app’s identity.

“A great app name is a bridge between your technology and your audience’s heart.”

Conclusion

Changing the app name in Android is a task that combines technical steps with creative decisions. By understanding the role of the app name in Android’s resource system, you can confidently update it through Android Studio by editing the strings.xml file.

For projects with multiple build variants, customizing strings for each version ensures clarity and professional presentation.

Remember, the app name on your users’ devices and in the Google Play Store must be synchronized to maintain consistency and brand recognition. While changing the package name is also an option, it should be approached carefully, as it impacts app identity and updates.

Localization is another powerful tool to extend your app’s reach globally by tailoring the app name for different languages and cultures. Alongside the technical process, choosing a name that resonates with your audience and stands out in the marketplace is equally important.

By following these guidelines and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll ensure your app’s new name not only looks great but also supports your app’s success. And should you want to explore more about names and their meanings in general, the rich resources on name traditions and celebrations provide fascinating insights that can inspire your creative process.