What authorizing a computer means and why iTunes asks for it

Authorizing a computer for iTunes means telling Apple that you own or have permission to use that machine, so you can play music, movies, and TV shows you've bought through your iTunes account. Without authorization, you can read purchases to the computer but not play them.

Apple limits each account to authorize up to five computers at once. This protects against account sharing — if someone has your password, they can't authorize their own computer under your account without your Apple ID and password. You can deauthorize computers remotely if you sell one, give it away, or stop using it.

The process takes about two minutes and requires your Apple ID password. You'll need it handy before you start.

Key Takeaways

  • Open iTunes, go to Account menu, and select Authorize This Computer to start the process.
  • You will need your Apple ID and password — the same login you use for the App Store or iCloud.
  • Each Apple ID can authorize up to five computers, and you can deauthorize old ones from any authorized computer.
  • Once authorized, you can play any music, movies, or TV shows bought under that Apple ID on that machine.

Steps to authorize on Windows or Mac

Open iTunes on the computer you want to authorize. In the menu bar at the top of the screen, click Account (on Mac) or look for the menu icon (three horizontal lines) if you're using a newer version.

From the Account menu, select Authorize This Computer. A box will appear asking for your Apple ID and password. Type both in and click Authorize. The computer is now authorized, and you should see a confirmation message.

If you don't see an Account menu, you may be using iTunes for Windows 12.1 or later, where the menu is hidden by default. Right-click the menu icon in the upper left corner and select Account, then Authorize This Computer.

What to do if you see an error message

If iTunes says your password is wrong, make sure you're using the correct Apple ID. This is the email address or phone number linked to your iTunes account, not necessarily the password you use to log into your computer. If you've forgotten it, go to iforgot.apple.com to reset it before trying again.

If you get a message saying you've already authorized five computers, you've hit Apple's limit. You must deauthorize one computer before you can authorize a new one. You can do this from any authorized computer by going to Account > Deauthorize This Computer, or remotely through your Apple ID account settings on Apple's website.

If iTunes won't open or keeps crashing, restart your computer and try again. Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed — check the Help menu for updates.

How to deauthorize a computer you no longer use

If you're selling, donating, or recycling a computer, deauthorize it so your Apple ID isn't tied to it anymore. Open iTunes on that computer, go to Account, and select Deauthorize This Computer. Enter your Apple ID and password when prompted.

If you can't access the computer anymore — it's broken, lost, or already gone — you can deauthorize it remotely. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in with your Apple ID, scroll to the Security section, and look for "Devices." Find the computer in the list and select "Remove from account." This counts as deauthorization and frees up one of your five slots.

Authorizing on iPhone or iPad instead

If you're trying to play iTunes purchases on an iPhone or iPad rather than a computer, the process is different. You don't authorize devices the same way — instead, you sign into the App Store or iTunes Store app with your Apple ID. Open Settings, tap your name at the top, and make sure you're signed in. Your purchases will then play on that device.

If you want to read music or movies to your phone or tablet, open the Music or TV app, find your purchase, and tap the read icon. The device will read it automatically once you're signed in with the account that bought it.

Understanding the five-computer limit

Apple allows each Apple ID to authorize five computers total. This includes both Macs and Windows PCs — they count toward the same limit. Once you hit five, you must deauthorize one before you can authorize another.

The limit resets once per year if you deauthorize all five computers at once. If you've authorized five and need to switch them all out, deauthorize all of them, wait a few hours, and then authorize your new machines. This is useful if you've upgraded multiple computers over time and lost track of old ones.

What happens if you don't authorize

If you read a song, movie, or TV show to a computer but don't authorize it, you can see the file in iTunes but won't be able to play it. You'll get an error message instead. Authorization is required for playback, not for downloading — so you need to authorize before you try to watch or listen.

Purchases made through the iTunes Store on that computer will read automatically, but again, you won't hear or see them until the computer is authorized. This is why authorization is usually the first step after buying something.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I authorize the same computer twice with different Apple IDs?

Yes. A single computer can be authorized by up to five different Apple IDs. Each person can authorize it once, and each person's purchases will play when that ID is signed in. This is common in households where multiple people share a computer.

What if I forgot my Apple ID password?

Go to iforgot.apple.com and enter your Apple ID email or phone number. Apple will send you a reset link. Once you've set a new password, use it to authorize the computer. You don't need to remember the old password.

Do I need to authorize if I'm just streaming music?

No. Streaming services like Apple Music don't require authorization — you just sign in. Authorization is only needed if you've bought music, movies, or TV shows and want to play the files you own.

Can I authorize a computer at someone else's house?

Yes, but only if you have your Apple ID and password. You'll be authorizing that computer to your account, so anyone using it will be able to play your purchases. Don't authorize a computer you don't trust or won't have access to later.

How do I know if a computer is already authorized?

Open iTunes and go to Account. If you see "Deauthorize This Computer," it's already authorized. If you see "Authorize This Computer," it's not. You can also check your Apple ID settings online to see a list of all five authorized computers.