Xcode - Completely renaming a watchOS project

April 9, 2026

Seek and Rename

There are multiple places where a project name can be found, deep in the depths of a project hierarchy. For a complete rename, all of these name instances need to be changed. For a small project that has hardly started, it may be quick to just create a new project with a new name. However, for big projects this is not a convenient option. This short guide will help you fully rename your big project.

Let’s Get To Work

  1. Rename the root project folder and open the project in Xcode.
    2. Screenshot 1
  2. Select the first target and change the identity name. This will also rename the other targets and project name.

    3. Be patient

    A popup confirmation window will appear with a rename button. After pressing rename, it may take a good few seconds depending on the size of the project.

    Screenshot 2
    Screenshot 3


  3. Rename the App and Extension folder names.
  4. Edit the scheme and change the 2 names.

    5. Screenshot 4


  5. Change the display and identity names of the App and Extension targets.

    6. Screenshot 5
    Screenshot 6


  6. Find and replace any of the old names under the Build Setting tab, for both App and Extension targets.

    7. Screenshot 7
    Screenshot 8


  7. Update the Bundle display under the Info tab for both App and Extension targets.

    8. Screenshot 9


  8. Open the Storyboard interface in source view, and rename the old names with ‘WatchKit_App’ and ‘WatchKit_Extension’ in the name.

    9. Screenshot 10


  9. Close Xcode and open the project folder in a text editor. Find and update any files with the old name listed.

    10. Screenshot 11


  10. Open the project in Xcode. Open Properties and Locations. Find and delete the old derived data (old project folder).
    11. Screenshot 12
  11. Clean the project (Command-Option-Shift-K).
  12. Build the project (Command-B) to validate that there are no errors.