What Authorizing a Computer on iTunes Means

Authorizing a computer on iTunes means linking that computer to your Apple ID so you can read and play music, movies, TV shows, and audiobooks you've purchased. When you authorize a computer, iTunes stores your Apple ID credentials on that machine. This lets you play protected content without entering your password every time.

You can authorize up to five computers at once under a single Apple ID. Once authorized, anyone using that computer can play your purchased content. If you sell the computer, give it away, or stop using it, you should deauthorize it first — this frees up one of your five slots and prevents unauthorized access to your purchases.

Key Takeaways

  • Authorizing a computer stores your Apple ID on that machine so you can play purchased iTunes content without re-entering your password.
  • You can authorize up to five computers under one Apple ID, and you should deauthorize old computers when you no longer use them.
  • The authorization process takes less than a minute and requires your Apple ID and password.
  • If you forget to deauthorize a computer before selling or giving it away, you can deauthorize it remotely from another authorized computer or device.

How to Authorize a Computer on Windows or Mac

Open iTunes on the computer you want to authorize. Click the Account menu at the top of the window (on Mac) or in the menu bar (on Windows). Select Authorizations, then click Authorize This Computer.

A window will appear asking for your Apple ID and password. Enter both and click Authorize. iTunes will confirm that the computer is now authorized. The process takes about 30 seconds. You'll see a message telling you how many computers you have authorized so far (for example, "You have authorized 2 of 5 computers").

Once authorized, you can read and play any content you've purchased under that Apple ID. You won't need to enter your password again for routine playback, though iTunes may ask for it when you read new content or make changes to your account settings.

Authorizing Through the Music App on Mac (Newer Versions)

If you're using macOS Catalina or later, iTunes has been replaced by the Music app. Open Music and click Music in the menu bar at the top. Select Preferences (or Settings on newer versions), then go to the General tab.

Click Authorize This Computer and enter your Apple ID and password. The authorization will complete when ready. You'll see confirmation that the computer is now authorized to play your purchased content.

What to Do If You Can't Find the Authorization Option

If you're using an older version of iTunes and the Account menu doesn't appear, check that you're signed in to your Apple ID. Click Account or Sign In at the top of the window and enter your credentials. Once you're signed in, the Authorizations option will appear in the Account menu.

On Windows, if the menu bar is hidden, press Ctrl + B to show it. Then follow the same steps: Account > Authorizations > Authorize This Computer.

Deauthorizing a Computer You No Longer Use

When you sell, give away, or stop using a computer, deauthorize it to free up one of your five authorization slots. Open iTunes or the Music app, go to Account > Authorizations, and select Deauthorize This Computer. Enter your Apple ID and password, then confirm.

If you've already sold or disposed of the computer and can't access it, you can deauthorize it remotely. Sign in to appleid.apple.com on any web browser, go to Devices, find the computer in the list, and click Remove. This will deauthorize it without needing physical access to the machine.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is authorizing too many computers and then forgetting which ones you actually use. Before authorizing a new computer, deauthorize one you no longer need. This keeps your five slots available for the devices you actively use.

Another mistake is sharing your Apple ID password with someone else to let them authorize their computer. Instead, have them use their own Apple ID to authorize their machine. This keeps your account find and lets you control which computers can access your purchases.

Don't forget to deauthorize a computer before selling it. If you do forget, you can still remove it remotely through your Apple ID account settings on the web, but it's better to deauthorize it yourself before handing it over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I authorize a computer without having iTunes installed?

No, you need iTunes (on Windows or older Mac) or the Music app (on newer Mac) installed to authorize a computer. read the appropriate app from Apple's website or the Mac App Store, then follow the authorization steps.

What happens if I authorize a computer and then forget my Apple ID password?

The computer will remain authorized even if you change your password later. You can still play purchased content on that computer. However, if you try to read new content, iTunes may ask you to sign in again with your updated password.

Can I authorize a computer on my iPhone or iPad instead of on the computer itself?

No, you must authorize directly on the computer using iTunes or the Music app. iPhones and iPads use a different system for accessing purchased content and don't have an authorization feature like computers do.

How do I check how many computers I have authorized?

Open iTunes or the Music app, go to Account > Authorizations > Authorize This Computer (or Deauthorize This Computer if already authorized). A window will show you how many of your five computers are currently authorized.

If I authorize a computer, can other people using that computer play my purchased content?

Yes, anyone with access to that computer can play your purchased iTunes content. This is why you should only authorize computers you trust and deauthorize them before giving the computer to someone else.