how to change an app's name | how to change the app name in android
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how to change an app’s name | how to change app name in android

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How to change app name in android (Complete Beginner Guide)

Changing an Android change app name is one of the easiest tasks in Android development. Whether you are using Android Studio, Flutter, React Native, or APK Editor, there are different methods available. This guide explains every method in detail so even a beginner can change an app’s name without difficulty.

What is an Android App Name?

The App Name is the text displayed below the application icon on the home screen and in the app drawer.

For example:

  • WhatsApp
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube

These names are called the Application Labe

Method 1: Change App Name in Android Studio (Recommended)

This is the official and safest method.

Step 1: Open Android Studio

Open your Android project.

Step 2: Open strings.xml

Go To

app
└── src
└── main
└── res
└── values
└── strings.xml

You will find something like:

My Application

<resources>
    <string name="app_name">My Application</string>
</resources>

Step 3: Change the App Name

<resources>
    <string name="app_name">Smart Calculator</string>
</resources>

Save the file.

Step 4: Run the Project

Click

Run ▶

Build > Run App

Now the new application name will appear.

how to change an app's name | how to change the app name in android

Method 2: Change AndroidManifest.xml

Open

AndroidManifest.xml

You will see:

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

You can directly write:

<application
    android:label="Smart Calculator">

However, using @string/app_name is considered the best practice because it supports multiple languages.

Method 3: Change Name in Flutter

Open

android
   app
      src
         main
             AndroidManifest.xml

Locate:

android:label="flutter_app"

Change it to:

android:label="My Calculator"

Or use the Flutter package:

flutter_launcher_name

Then run:

flutter pub get

After that:

flutter pub run flutter_launcher_name

Method 4: Change App Name in React Native

Open

android/app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml

Find:

<string name="app_name">MyApp</string>

Replace it with:

<string name="app_name">Weather App</string>

Build the app again.

Method 5: Change App Name in Existing APK

If you only have the APK file (not the source code), you can still change the app name using APK editing tools.

Popular tools include:

  • APK Editor
  • APKTool
  • MT Manager
  • APK Easy Tool

General process:

  1. Open the APK.
  2. Decompile it.
  3. Edit the strings.xml or AndroidManifest.xml.
  4. Save the changes.
  5. Rebuild the APK.
  6. Sign the APK.
  7. Install the modified APK.

Note: Modifying third-party apps without permission may violate licenses or terms of use. Only edit apps you own or have permission to modify.

Method 6: Change App Name Using Build Variants

Different app names can be used for different builds.

Example:

Free Version
My App Free
Premium Version
My App Pro

In Gradle:

productFlavors {
    free {
        resValue "string", "app_name", "My App Free"
    }

    paid {
        resValue "string", "app_name", "My App Pro"
    }
}

Method 7: Change Name for Different Languages

In English:

res/values/strings.xml
<string name="app_name">Weather</string>

Hindi:

res/values-hi/strings.xml
<string name="app_name">मौसम</string>

Android automatically displays the appropriate name based on the user’s device language.

how to change an app's name | how to change the app name in android

Why Doesn’t the App Name Change?

Possible reasons include:

  • The project wasn’t rebuilt.
  • The app wasn’t reinstalled.
  • Cache needs to be cleared.
  • The launcher cache hasn’t refreshed.
  • The wrong strings.xml file was edited.
  • The build variant is using a different resource.

Difference Between App Name and Package Name

App NamePackage Name
Visible to usersHidden from users
Can be changed anytimeDifficult to change after publishing
Example: CalculatorExample: com.company.calculator

Best Practices

  • Keep the name short.
  • Make it easy to remember.
  • Avoid special characters.
  • Use your brand name if applicable.
  • Keep it under about 30 characters to avoid truncation on many devices.

Examples:

  • Expense Tracker
  • Smart Notes
  • Daily Budget
  • Weather Live
  • QR Scanner

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I change my app name after publishing on Google Play?

Yes. You can update the app name in a new release through the app resources and submit the update.

Will changing the app name delete user data?

No. Changing only the display name does not affect user data.

Can two apps have the same app name?

Yes. The app name can be the same, but the package name must be unique.

Does changing the app name affect rankings?

No. Rankings are influenced by many factors, but simply changing the app’s display name does not directly improve or reduce search rankings.

Can I use emojis in the app name?

Technically, Android supports many Unicode characters, but using emojis is generally not recommended because it looks unprofessional and may display inconsistently.

Conclusion

The easiest and most reliable way to change an Android application’s name is by editing the app_name value in the strings.xml file and rebuilding the project. For Flutter and React Native, the process is similar, while APK editing tools can help if you only have the APK file. Always rebuild, sign (if needed), and reinstall the app to see the updated name.

With these methods, even a beginner can successfully change an Android application’s display name in just a few minutes.

You can change the app name displayed on the home screen by modifying the strings.xml and AndroidManifest.xml files.

How to change an app’s name in Android Studio Full Detail

Step 1: Update strings.xml

  1. Open your Android Studio project.
  2. Go to: app/src/main/res/values/strings.xml
  3. Find the line: <string name="app_name">YourOldAppName</string>
  4. Change it to your new app name: <string name="app_name">YourNewAppName</string>
how to change an app's name | how to change the app name in android
how to change an app’s name | how to change the app name in android

Step 2: Update AndroidManifest.xml (If Necessary)

  1. Go to: app/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml
  2. Find the <application> tag: <application android:label="@string/app_name"
  3. If you want a custom name without using strings.xml, replace it directly: <application android:label="YourNewAppName"

Step 3: Rebuild & Run the App

  1. Click Build > Rebuild Project in Android Studio.
  2. Run the app on an emulator or phone.

Your app name is now updated on the home screen and launcher!

Android Studio में किसी ऐप का नाम बदलने के लिए आपको दो जगह बदलाव करने होते हैं:

1. Change App Name (Displayed on Home Screen)

Step 1: Go to res/values/strings.xml

<resources>
    <string name="app_name">Your New App Name</string>
</resources>

"app_name" यही वो नाम है जो आपके ऐप आइकन के नीचे दिखता है।

2. Ensure Manifest Uses That Name

Step 2: Go to AndroidManifest.xml

Check this line inside <application> tag:

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

अगर यहाँ hardcoded label हो जैसे:

android:label="Old App Name"

तो इसे बदलकर कर दें:

android:label="@string/app_name"

3. Clean & Rebuild the Project

Run this in Android Studio:

  • Build > Clean Project
  • Then: Build > Rebuild Project

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