The basic process: sign in on your computer, then authorize it
To authorize a computer for Apple TV, you sign into your Apple account on that computer, then complete a one-time authorization step. Apple requires this to confirm you own the device and to link it to your account for streaming purchases and subscriptions. The process takes a few minutes and happens entirely on your computer — you do not need your Apple TV device present.
Authorization is different from straightforward signing in. When you authorize a computer, Apple records that device as one of up to five computers per account that can play your purchased content. Once authorized, that computer can stream to your Apple TV or play content directly without needing to sign in again each time.
Key Takeaways
- You authorize a computer through the iTunes or Apple Music app by signing into your Apple account and selecting the authorize option from the Account menu.
- Each Apple ID can authorize up to five computers at once; if you reach the limit, you must deauthorize an old computer before authorizing a new one.
- Windows computers use iTunes; Mac computers use the Music app (on macOS 10.15 and later) or iTunes (on earlier versions).
- Once authorized, your computer can stream purchases and subscriptions to Apple TV without signing in repeatedly.
- You can deauthorize a computer from the same menu if you sell it, give it away, or no longer need it linked to your account.
How to authorize on a Mac
On a Mac running macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later, open the Music app. Click Music in the top menu bar, then select Account. Choose Sign In and enter your Apple ID and password. If you are already signed in, skip this step.
After signing in, go back to Music in the menu bar and select Account again. This time, click Authorize This Computer. Enter your Apple ID and password once more when prompted. Your computer is now authorized. You will see a confirmation message, and the menu option will change to Deauthorize This Computer, which confirms the authorization worked.
If your Mac runs an older version of macOS, use iTunes instead of the Music app. The steps are the same: open iTunes, go to Account in the menu bar, sign in if needed, then select Authorize This Computer.
How to authorize on Windows
On Windows, open iTunes. Click Account in the top menu bar (or in the menu if you are using a newer layout), then select Sign In. Enter your Apple ID and password.
Once signed in, return to Account and click Authorize This Computer. You will be asked to enter your Apple ID and password again. After you do, a confirmation message appears. The menu option will now show Deauthorize This Computer, confirming the authorization is active.
What to do if you have already authorized five computers
Apple limits each account to five authorized computers. If you try to authorize a sixth computer, you will see a message saying you have reached the limit. To authorize the new computer, you must first deauthorize one of the old ones.
Open the Music app or iTunes on any authorized computer, go to Account, and select Deauthorize This Computer. Enter your Apple ID and password. That computer is now deauthorized and no longer counts toward your limit. You can then authorize your new computer using the steps above.
If you no longer have access to an old computer — for example, you sold it or it broke — you can deauthorize all computers at once through your Apple ID account settings on Apple's website. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, scroll to Security, and look for the option to deauthorize all computers. This resets your limit to zero, and you can then authorize your current devices.
Why authorization matters for Apple TV streaming
When your computer is authorized, it can send content to your Apple TV without repeatedly asking for your password. This is especially useful if you stream movies, TV shows, or music you have purchased through the iTunes Store, or if you use services like Apple Music or Apple TV+.
Authorization also protects your account. By limiting the number of computers that can access your purchases, Apple prevents unauthorized devices from using your content. If you share your Apple ID with family members, each person can authorize their own computer, up to the five-computer limit.
Deauthorizing a computer you no longer use
If you sell, give away, or replace a computer, deauthorize it to free up one of your five slots. Open the Music app or iTunes on that computer, go to Account, and select Deauthorize This Computer. Enter your Apple ID and password when prompted.
If the computer is no longer in your possession or will not start, sign into your Apple ID account at appleid.apple.com, go to Security, and select the option to deauthorize all computers. This removes all five authorizations at once, allowing you to start fresh with your current devices. You will need to re-authorize any computers you still use.
Troubleshooting authorization problems
If the Authorize This Computer option does not appear, make sure you are signed into your Apple account. Open the Music app or iTunes, check the Account menu, and confirm your name appears there. If you see Sign In instead of your name, click it and enter your credentials.
If you enter your password and receive an error, your Apple ID or password may be incorrect. Try signing out and signing back in. If the problem continues, visit iforgot.apple.com to reset your password, then try authorizing again. Make sure you are using the correct Apple ID — the same one you use for your Apple TV or iTunes purchases.
If you see a message that you have reached the five-computer limit but you do not recognize all the computers listed, deauthorize all computers from your Apple ID account settings online, then authorize only the devices you currently use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to authorize my computer if I only use Apple TV+?
If you watch Apple TV+ only through a web browser or the Apple TV app, you do not need to authorize your computer. Authorization is required only if you want to stream iTunes purchases or use the Music app to play content on your Apple TV.
Can I authorize a computer that is not connected to the internet?
No. Your computer must be connected to the internet to authorize. The authorization process sends information to Apple's servers to verify your account and register the device.
What happens if I authorize a computer and then change my Apple ID password?
Your computer remains authorized. Changing your password does not deauthorize devices. However, if you sign out of the Music app or iTunes on that computer, you will need to sign back in with your new password before you can stream content again.
Can I authorize a work computer or a borrowed computer?
Yes, but be aware that anyone using that computer can access your purchases and subscriptions while it is authorized. If you authorize a shared or borrowed computer, deauthorize it as soon as you no longer need it, or deauthorize all computers and re-authorize only your personal devices.
How do I know which computers are currently authorized on my account?
You can see a list of authorized computers by signing into your Apple ID account at appleid.apple.com, going to Security, and looking for device information. You can also deauthorize all computers from this page if you need to reset your list.