Authorizing a Computer Lets iTunes Access Your Purchased Content

To play music, movies, TV shows, or audiobooks you bought from iTunes on a particular computer, you must first authorize that computer through your Apple ID. Authorization links your computer to your account and confirms you own the rights to use that content on that device. Without authorization, iTunes will block playback of protected purchases.

You can authorize up to five computers at once under a single Apple ID. If you reach the limit and need to use a sixth computer, you must deauthorize one of the existing computers first. The process takes less than a minute and requires only your Apple ID credentials.

Key Takeaways

  • Open iTunes or the Music app, go to Account menu, and select Authorize This Computer to complete the process in one step.
  • You need your Apple ID and password to authorize; the same ID you used to purchase the content.
  • One Apple ID can authorize up to five computers, and you can deauthorize a computer remotely if you no longer use it.
  • Authorization is permanent until you manually deauthorize the computer or change your Apple ID password.

Steps to Authorize on Windows or Mac

On a Mac running the Music app or iTunes, click the Account menu at the top of the screen. Select Authorize This Computer. A window will appear asking for your Apple ID and password. Enter both and click Authorize. The computer is now linked to your account.

On Windows, open iTunes, click Account in the menu bar, and select Authorize This Computer. Enter your Apple ID and password when prompted. Click Authorize to finish. Your computer can now play all protected content tied to that Apple ID.

If you do not see an Account menu, make sure you are signed into iTunes with your Apple ID first. Go to Account > Sign In, enter your credentials, and then return to authorize the computer.

What Happens When You Authorize a Computer

Once authorized, that computer can play any music, movies, TV shows, or audiobooks purchased under your Apple ID. You do not need to re-enter your password each time you open a protected file. The authorization stays active until you deauthorize the computer or change your Apple ID password.

If you change your Apple ID password for security reasons, all previously authorized computers will be deauthorized automatically. You will need to authorize them again using your new password. This is a built-in safety measure to prevent unauthorized access if your password is compromised.

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. On Mac, open the Music app or iTunes, click Account, and select Deauthorize This Computer. Enter your Apple ID and password, then click Deauthorize.

On Windows, the process is identical: open iTunes, go to Account menu, select Deauthorize This Computer, and enter your credentials. The computer is now unlinked from your account and cannot play protected purchases.

If you no longer have access to a computer you previously authorized, you can deauthorize it remotely. Visit appleid.apple.com, sign in with your Apple ID, go to Devices, find the computer in the list, and select Remove. This counts as a deauthorization and frees up a slot for a new computer.

When You Have Reached Your Five-Computer Limit

If you try to authorize a sixth computer and see a message that you have reached your limit, you must deauthorize one of the existing computers first. You can deauthorize any computer you own, even if it is not in front of you, by using the Apple ID website.

Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in. Click Devices in the left menu. Find the computer you want to remove and select Remove. Wait a few minutes, then try to authorize the new computer. The authorization should now succeed.

Troubleshooting Authorization Problems

If authorization fails, first confirm you are using the correct Apple ID and password. The ID you use to authorize must be the same one you used to purchase the content. If you have multiple Apple IDs, make sure you are signed into iTunes with the right one.

If you see an error message, check your internet connection. Authorization requires a live connection to Apple's servers. Restart your computer and try again. If the problem persists, sign out of iTunes completely, restart the app, sign back in, and attempt authorization once more.

On Mac, if the Account menu is grayed out or missing, make sure you have the latest version of the Music app or iTunes. On Windows, update iTunes through the Microsoft Store or by downloading the latest version from Apple's website. Outdated software sometimes blocks authorization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I authorize the same computer twice?

No. Once a computer is authorized under your Apple ID, authorizing it again does nothing. If you want to switch the authorization to a different Apple ID, you must first deauthorize the computer, then authorize it with the new ID.

What happens if I authorize a computer and then sell it?

The new owner will not be able to play your protected purchases on that computer unless they sign in with your Apple ID, which you should not share. Before selling or giving away a computer, deauthorize it so your account is no longer linked to it.

Do I need to authorize a computer to buy content from iTunes?

No. You can purchase music, movies, and shows from iTunes without authorizing a computer. Authorization is only required to play protected content you have already bought. Content purchased as DRM-free plays on any computer without authorization.

If I change my Apple ID password, do I need to re-authorize my computers?

Yes. Changing your Apple ID password automatically deauthorizes all computers for security. You will need to authorize each computer again using your new password the next time you try to play protected content.

Can I authorize a computer at a library or internet café?

Technically yes, but it is not recommended. Authorizing a computer links your Apple ID to that device. If someone else uses that computer later, they could access your purchases. Only authorize computers you own or have exclusive control over.