Overview
| macOS | Windows | Linux | iOS / iPadOS | Android |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
You describe the naming format in a prompt. Factorial IT turns that prompt into a hostname for each device and pushes it through MDM.
How to use
- Go to MDM > Controls > Add new control and choose Device naming.
- Write the naming prompt. Be precise: describe the format using things like device type, serial number or employee name.
- Say what to do in edge cases, such as devices with no serial number or devices with no one assigned.
- Use only letters, numbers and hyphens.
- Check the preview to see the names it produces before you deploy.
- Choose where the control applies: all devices, specific device groups, or a custom target.
If older network systems in your company enforce the NetBIOS length limit, keep names under 15 characters. This matters most for Windows devices.
How it works
Factorial IT runs the naming prompt when a device is enrolled or when its assigned employee changes. It then sends the resulting hostname to the device through MDM. This happens in the background: the employee does nothing and no restart is needed.
Whenever the details behind a name change, the name is worked out again, so your inventory stays up to date.
Change or switch off the control
- Open the control from MDM > Controls to edit or disable it. Disabling stops enforcement. It does not remove settings already applied on devices.
Tips and Best Practices
- Give a concrete format in the prompt. Name the parts you want, such as device type, serial number or employee name, and the order.
- Cover the edge cases. Tell the prompt what to do for devices with no serial number and for unassigned devices.
- Always check the preview before deploying. It shows exactly what names devices will get.
- Stay under 15 characters if you have Windows devices on older networks. Longer names can break NetBIOS-based systems.
Troubleshooting and FAQ
Troubleshooting
A name contains characters you did not expect. Only letters, numbers and hyphens are allowed. Adjust the prompt and check the preview again.
A Windows device has trouble on an older network. The name may be longer than the 15-character NetBIOS limit. Change the prompt to produce shorter names.
A device kept its old name after you disabled the control. This is expected. Disabling stops enforcement but does not undo names already applied.
FAQ
-
Does the employee have to do anything when the name changes?
No. The change happens in the background with no restart.
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When is a device renamed?
When it is enrolled, when its assigned employee changes, and whenever the details used in the name change.
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Does the control work on iPhone, iPad or Android?
No. It supports macOS, Windows and Linux.