What authorizing a computer for iTunes means

Authorizing a computer for iTunes means linking your Apple ID to that specific machine so you can play music, movies, TV shows, and other content you've bought from the iTunes Store. Without authorization, you can read purchases to your computer, but you won't be able to play them. Apple limits authorization to five computers per Apple ID at any one time — this is their way of preventing one purchase from being shared across dozens of machines.

The authorization process is straightforward and takes less than a minute. You'll need your Apple ID and password, and you'll do it through the iTunes app (on Windows or older Macs) or the Music app (on newer Macs). Once authorized, that computer can play your iTunes purchases without asking for your password every time.

Key Takeaways

  • Authorization links your Apple ID to your computer so you can play iTunes purchases on that machine.
  • You can authorize up to five computers per Apple ID, and you can deauthorize them anytime to free up a slot.
  • On a Mac running Catalina or later, use the Music app; on Windows or older Macs, use iTunes.
  • If you forget your password or can't remember which computers you authorized, you can deauthorize all of them at once from your Apple ID account settings online.

How to authorize a computer on Windows or older Mac

Open iTunes and go to the Account menu at the top of the window. Click Sign In and enter your Apple ID and password. Once you're signed in, return to the Account menu and select Authorize This Computer. A dialog box will appear asking you to confirm — click Authorize again, and you're done.

Your computer is now authorized for one year. After that year passes, you'll need to authorize it again, but iTunes will remind you when the time comes. You don't have to do anything in the meantime — you can play all your purchases without interruption.

How to authorize a computer on Mac Catalina and later

On newer Macs, iTunes was replaced by the Music app. Open Music and look at the menu bar at the very top of your screen. Click Music, then Preferences (or Settings on the newest versions). Go to the General tab, then click Authorize This Computer. Enter your Apple ID and password when prompted, and you're authorized.

The process is nearly identical to older versions — the only difference is where you find the menu. If you don't see an Authorize option, you may already be signed in to your Apple ID on that Mac. Check the General tab to see if your Apple ID appears there; if it does, your computer is already authorized.

What to do if you can't remember your password

If you've forgotten your Apple ID password, you'll need to reset it before you can authorize your computer. Go to iforgot.apple.com on any web browser, enter your Apple ID email address, and follow the steps to reset your password. Apple will send you a verification link or code, and you'll create a new password. Once that's done, return to your computer and authorize it using your new password.

If you don't remember which email address is linked to your Apple ID, you can search your email for receipts from iTunes purchases — they'll show your Apple ID. Alternatively, if you have another Apple device (iPhone, iPad, or another Mac), you can check the Settings or System Preferences to see which Apple ID is signed in there.

How to deauthorize a computer

You can deauthorize a computer anytime to free up one of your five authorization slots. On Windows or older Mac, open iTunes, go to Account, and select Deauthorize This Computer. On newer Mac, open Music, go to Music > Preferences (or Settings) > General, and click Deauthorize This Computer. You'll be asked to confirm with your Apple ID password.

Deauthorizing is useful if you're selling or giving away a computer, or if you've reached your five-computer limit and want to authorize a new machine. Once you deauthorize, that computer can no longer play your iTunes purchases, though the files themselves remain on the hard drive.

Deauthorizing all computers at once

If you've lost track of which computers you've authorized, or if you can't access one of them, you can deauthorize all five at once through your Apple ID account online. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in with your Apple ID and password, scroll down to the Devices section, and click Manage. Look for the option to deauthorize all computers (the exact wording varies by region, but it's usually labeled clearly). Confirm, and all your authorizations will be cleared when ready.

After you deauthorize all computers, you'll need to re-authorize each machine you actually use. This is a useful reset if you've moved to a new computer and want to start fresh, or if you're concerned about unauthorized access to your iTunes library.

Troubleshooting authorization problems

If you see an error message when trying to authorize, the most common cause is an incorrect password or a sign-in problem. Double-check that you're entering your Apple ID email address and password correctly — Apple IDs are case-sensitive for passwords. If you're still stuck, try signing out of your Apple ID entirely (go to Account > Sign Out), then sign back in and try authorizing again.

Another common issue is reaching your five-computer limit. If you get a message saying you can't authorize any more computers, you'll need to deauthorize one of your existing machines first. If you don't have physical access to one of those computers, use the online deauthorization method described above to clear all authorizations, then re-authorize only the machines you currently use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to authorize my computer to read iTunes purchases?

No — you can read purchases to your computer without authorization. You just won't be able to play them until you authorize. Authorization is the step that unlocks playback on that specific machine.

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

The new owner will be able to play all your iTunes purchases on that computer unless you deauthorize it first. Before you sell or give away a computer, always deauthorize it to protect your library. You can do this remotely through your Apple ID account online if you don't have the computer in front of you.

Can I authorize the same computer twice?

No — each computer can only be authorized once per Apple ID. If you try to authorize it again, iTunes or Music will tell you it's already authorized. If you want to switch to a different Apple ID on the same computer, you'll need to deauthorize first, then authorize with the new ID.

Does authorization expire?

Yes — authorization lasts for one year from the date you authorize. After that, you'll need to authorize again. iTunes or Music will remind you when the year is up, and the process takes the same 30 seconds as the first time.

Can I authorize a computer I don't own?

Technically yes, but you shouldn't. Authorization ties your Apple ID to that machine, which means anyone using it can play your purchases. Only authorize computers you personally control or trust completely.