Deauthorizing a Computer Removes Your Apple ID Access

Deauthorizing a computer in iTunes stops that machine from playing music, movies, TV shows, and audiobooks you bought through your Apple account. When you deauthorize, the computer loses the right to access your iTunes library on that device — but your purchases remain in your account and available on other authorized computers.

You deauthorize through iTunes on the computer itself, or remotely through your Apple account settings if you no longer have access to the machine. Most people deauthorize when they sell a computer, give it away, or stop using it regularly. Apple lets you authorize up to five computers at once under one Apple ID, so deauthorizing frees up that slot for a new device.

Key Takeaways

  • You can deauthorize a computer directly in iTunes on that machine by going to Account menu and selecting Deauthorize This Computer.
  • If you cannot access the computer, you can deauthorize it remotely through your Apple ID account settings on the web.
  • Deauthorizing does not delete your purchases — it only removes that specific computer's permission to play them.
  • You can authorize and deauthorize the same computer multiple times, so you are not locked out permanently.
  • If you have authorized five computers and want to add a sixth, you must deauthorize one first.

Deauthorizing on the Computer Itself

Open iTunes on the computer you want to deauthorize. At the top of the window, click the Account menu (on Windows) or look under the menu bar for Account (on Mac). Select Deauthorize This Computer from the dropdown.

A window will appear asking you to confirm. Enter your Apple ID and password, then click Deauthorize. iTunes will show a message saying the computer has been deauthorized. Close iTunes. The computer no longer has permission to play your purchased content, though you can authorize it again later using the same Apple ID.

This method works only if you can physically access the computer and iTunes is installed and working. If the computer is broken, lost, or you no longer have it, use the remote deauthorization method instead.

Deauthorizing a Computer You Cannot Access

Go to appleid.apple.com in a web browser and sign in with your Apple ID and password. Click Devices in the left sidebar (or under your account name, depending on your screen size). You will see a list of all computers and devices authorized under your Apple ID.

Find the computer you want to deauthorize and click it. A details page will open showing the device name, model, and serial number. Click Remove from Account or a similar button (the exact wording varies by region). Confirm the action when prompted. The computer is now deauthorized, even though you do not have physical access to it.

This remote method works for any computer you have ever authorized, regardless of whether it still works or where it is. You can deauthorize all five computers at once this way if needed, then start fresh by authorizing new machines.

What Happens After You Deauthorize

Once a computer is deauthorized, anyone using that machine cannot play music, movies, TV shows, or audiobooks from your iTunes library. If someone tries to open a purchased file, iTunes will ask them to authorize the computer with an Apple ID — but it does not have to be yours.

Your purchases do not disappear from your account. You can still read and play them on any other authorized computer, or on your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV. If you deauthorize by mistake, you can authorize the same computer again when ready using your Apple ID.

If you sold or gave away the computer, deauthorizing protects your account by preventing the new owner from playing your content without their own Apple ID. It is a good security step before handing over any device that was connected to your iTunes account.

Authorizing a Computer Again

To re-authorize a computer after deauthorizing it, open iTunes and go to Account menu, then select Authorize This Computer. Enter your Apple ID and password. iTunes will confirm the authorization, and the computer will regain access to your purchased content.

You can authorize and deauthorize the same computer as many times as you need. There is no limit on how many times you can toggle a single machine on and off — only on how many machines can be authorized at the same time (five per Apple ID).

Troubleshooting Deauthorization Problems

If the Deauthorize option is grayed out or not appearing, make sure you are signed into iTunes with the correct Apple ID. Go to Account menu and check that you are logged in. If you are not, click Sign In and enter your credentials. Then try deauthorizing again.

If you cannot remember which Apple ID authorized a computer, check the Account menu in iTunes — it will show the email address of the currently signed-in account. If that is not the account that authorized the computer, sign out and sign in with the correct Apple ID before deauthorizing.

If you have lost access to the Apple ID that authorized a computer, you can still deauthorize it remotely through appleid.apple.com using any Apple ID you control. However, you will need to recover or reset the original Apple ID password if you want to authorize that computer again later with the same account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can deauthorize it remotely through appleid.apple.com if you have access to that Apple ID account (you may need to reset the password). If you have no access to the Apple ID at all, contact Apple Support — they can help you regain access or remove the computer from your account.

Will deauthorizing delete my music and movies?

No. Deauthorizing only removes that computer's permission to play your purchases. Your music, movies, and shows stay in your Apple ID account and remain on any other authorized computers or devices you own.

What if I deauthorized all five computers by mistake?

You can authorize them again when ready. Open iTunes on each computer, go to Account menu, select Authorize This Computer, and sign in with your Apple ID. You are not locked out — you just need to re-authorize each machine.

Do I need to deauthorize before selling my computer?

Yes, it is a good idea. Deauthorizing prevents the new owner from playing your purchased content without their own Apple ID. It also protects your account if they try to access iTunes settings. Always deauthorize before handing over any device connected to your account.

Can I deauthorize a computer that is broken or lost?

Yes. Use the remote method at appleid.apple.com, sign in with your Apple ID, go to Devices, find the computer, and click Remove from Account. You do not need physical access to the machine to deauthorize it this way.