Deauthorize a Computer Through iTunes on That Computer

The fastest way to deauthorize a computer is to do it directly on that computer while you still have access to it. Open iTunes, go to the Account menu (or Store menu, depending on your version), and select "Authorizations." From there, click "Deauthorize This Computer" and enter your Apple ID and password when prompted. iTunes will confirm the deauthorization when ready.

This method works on both Mac and Windows machines. On a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, the process is slightly different: open the Music app instead of iTunes, then go to Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer. The result is the same — your computer is removed from your account.

Key Takeaways

  • You can deauthorize a computer directly through iTunes or the Music app on that machine by selecting Account or Store, then Authorizations, then Deauthorize This Computer.
  • If you no longer have access to the computer, you can deauthorize all computers at once through your Apple ID account settings on Apple's website, but this action has a waiting period.
  • You are allowed to authorize up to five computers on your Apple ID at any given time; deauthorizing frees up one slot.
  • Deauthorizing does not delete your music or affect your library — it only removes the computer's permission to play protected content you purchased.

Deauthorize All Computers at Once Through Your Apple ID

If you have sold a computer, lost access to it, or straightforward cannot reach it, you can deauthorize all your computers from Apple's website. Sign in to your Apple ID account at appleid.apple.com, go to the Devices section, and look for the option to deauthorize all computers. Apple will ask you to confirm, and the action takes effect when ready.

Be aware that Apple limits how often you can use this option. You can deauthorize all computers only once per year. If you deauthorize all computers and then need to do it again within twelve months, you will have to wait until the year is up. Plan accordingly if you are managing multiple machines or expect to change your setup soon.

What Happens When You Deauthorize a Computer

Deauthorizing a computer removes its permission to play music, audiobooks, and video you purchased through iTunes. The computer can no longer access protected content tied to your Apple ID. Your library and files remain on the computer — nothing is deleted — but you will not be able to play protected purchases without reauthorizing.

If someone else uses that computer, they will not be able to play your purchased content unless they authorize it under their own Apple ID. This is useful if you are selling a machine or giving it away and want to prevent unauthorized access to your media.

Why You Might Need to Deauthorize

You have a limit of five authorized computers per Apple ID. Once you hit that limit, you cannot authorize a new computer until you deauthorize one of the existing five. If you have upgraded machines over the years, old computers may still be taking up slots even though you no longer use them.

Deauthorizing also serves a security purpose. If a computer is lost, stolen, or compromised, removing it from your account prevents anyone with access to that machine from playing your purchased media or making unauthorized purchases.

Reauthorize a Computer After Deauthorizing

If you deauthorize a computer by mistake or want to use it again later, you can reauthorize it at any time. Open iTunes or the Music app, go to Account or Store, select Authorizations, and choose "Authorize This Computer." Enter your Apple ID and password. The computer will be added back to your account when ready, as long as you have not exceeded your five-computer limit.

Reauthorizing does not count against your once-per-year deauthorize-all limit. You can authorize and deauthorize individual computers as many times as you need within a year.

Troubleshooting Deauthorization Problems

If you see an error message when trying to deauthorize, make sure you are using the correct Apple ID and password. Some older versions of iTunes may require you to update the software before the deauthorization option appears. Check the Apple menu for software updates and install any available versions.

If you cannot access a computer at all and the deauthorize-all option is grayed out or unavailable, you may have already used your once-per-year deauthorize-all action. In that case, you will need to wait until the year has passed since your last deauthorize-all action. Contact Apple Support if you believe your account has been compromised or if you need an exception to this policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deauthorize a computer I no longer own?

Yes. If you have sold or given away a computer, you can deauthorize it remotely through your Apple ID account settings on appleid.apple.com. You do not need access to the physical machine. Keep in mind you can only deauthorize all computers once per year, so use this option carefully if you manage multiple machines.

Will deauthorizing delete my music library?

No. Deauthorizing only removes the computer's permission to play protected purchases. Your music files, playlists, and library remain on the computer. You straightforward will not be able to play protected content until you reauthorize under an Apple ID.

How many computers can I authorize at the same time?

You can authorize up to five computers on a single Apple ID. Once you reach five, you must deauthorize one before you can authorize another. This limit applies across all your devices tied to that Apple ID.

What is the difference between deauthorizing and signing out?

Signing out of your Apple ID removes your account from the computer entirely. Deauthorizing keeps your account on the computer but removes permission to play protected purchases. Deauthorizing is the right choice if you want to keep your account but prevent media playback.

Can I deauthorize a computer if I forgot my Apple ID password?

You will need your Apple ID password to deauthorize through iTunes on that computer. If you forgot it, you can reset it at iforgot.apple.com, then use the new password to deauthorize. Alternatively, use the deauthorize-all option on appleid.apple.com if you have access to your Apple ID account.