Deauthorizing a Computer Removes Its Access to Your iTunes Library

When you deauthorize a computer, you disconnect it from your Apple ID and prevent it from playing content you've purchased through iTunes or Apple TV. The computer can no longer stream movies, TV shows, or music tied to that account. This is useful if you're selling a computer, giving it away, or straightforward want to revoke access from a device you no longer use.

You can deauthorize a computer from the computer itself, or remotely from any other device. If you've forgotten a password or no longer have access to the computer, you can deauthorize all computers at once through your Apple ID account settings online.

Key Takeaways

  • Deauthorizing removes a computer's ability to play content purchased through your Apple ID, but does not delete files already on that computer.
  • You can deauthorize one computer at a time through iTunes or the Apple TV app, or deauthorize all computers at once online.
  • Apple allows you to authorize up to five computers per account, so deauthorizing frees up a slot if you've reached that limit.
  • If you forget your Apple ID password, you can still deauthorize all computers remotely through your Apple account page.

Deauthorize a Single Computer Using iTunes or the Apple TV App

On the computer you want to deauthorize, open iTunes (on older Mac or Windows machines) or the Apple TV app (on newer Macs running Catalina or later). In iTunes, click the Account menu at the top, then select Authorizations and choose Deauthorize This Computer. You'll be asked to enter your Apple ID and password to confirm.

On a Mac with the Apple TV app, click TV in the menu bar, then go to Account and select Deauthorize This Computer. On Windows with the Apple TV app, click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left, then Account, and choose Deauthorize This Computer. Enter your Apple ID credentials when prompted.

The deauthorization takes effect when ready. You won't see any confirmation message, but the computer will no longer be able to play protected content from your library. If you try to play a purchased item, you'll be asked to authorize the computer again.

Deauthorize All Computers at Once Online

If you no longer have access to a specific computer or want to deauthorize everything at once, log into your Apple ID account at appleid.apple.com. Click Devices in the left sidebar, then find the computer you want to remove and click the X button next to it. You can remove computers one at a time this way.

To deauthorize all computers at once, scroll down on the Devices page and look for the option to Deauthorize All (the exact wording varies by region). This removes every computer from your account in a single action. You'll need to re-authorize any computer you want to use again before it can play protected content.

Deauthorizing remotely through your Apple ID account is the fastest option if you've sold a computer, lost it, or straightforward can't access it anymore. There's no waiting period — the change is when ready.

What Happens After You Deauthorize

After deauthorization, the computer can no longer play movies, TV shows, audiobooks, or music you've purchased through iTunes or the Apple TV app. Files already downloaded to that computer remain there, but they won't play without authorization. If someone else uses the computer, they won't be able to access your purchased content.

If you change your mind, you can authorize the computer again at any time by opening iTunes or the Apple TV app, signing in with your Apple ID, and selecting the authorize option. You're allowed to authorize up to five computers per account, so deauthorizing one frees up a slot if you've hit that limit.

Common Reasons to Deauthorize a Computer

The most common reason is selling or giving away a computer — deauthorizing ensures the new owner can't access your purchased content. You might also deauthorize if you've upgraded to a new machine and no longer use the old one, or if you've reached your five-computer limit and need to authorize a different device.

Some people deauthorize computers they suspect have been compromised or shared with someone they no longer trust. Since each authorized computer can read and play your purchased content, removing access is a security measure. If you're concerned about unauthorized access, deauthorizing all computers and then re-authorizing only the ones you currently use is the safest approach.

Troubleshooting Deauthorization Problems

If you see an error message when trying to deauthorize, make sure you're signed in with the correct Apple ID — the one that authorized the computer originally. If you've forgotten which Apple ID was used, check the Account menu in iTunes or the Apple TV app to see which account is currently signed in.

If the computer is no longer working or you can't access it, use the online method through appleid.apple.com instead. You don't need the physical computer to deauthorize it remotely. If you're still having trouble, restart the computer and try again, or wait a few minutes before attempting deauthorization — sometimes the system needs time to process the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deauthorize a computer I don't have access to anymore?

Yes. Log into appleid.apple.com, go to Devices, and remove the computer from the list. You don't need the physical computer to deauthorize it remotely. If you've lost the computer or it's broken, this is the fastest way to disconnect it from your account.

Will deauthorizing delete my downloaded movies and shows?

No. Files already on the computer stay there, but they won't play without authorization. If you deauthorize and then re-authorize the same computer later, you can play those files again without re-downloading them.

What's the difference between deauthorizing one computer and deauthorizing all?

Deauthorizing one computer removes only that device from your account. Deauthorizing all removes every computer at once. Use "deauthorize all" if you want a fresh start or if you've lost track of which computers are authorized.

How many computers can I authorize at the same time?

You can authorize up to five computers per Apple ID account. If you've reached that limit, you must deauthorize one before authorizing a new computer. There's no waiting period between deauthorizing and re-authorizing.

Do I need my password to deauthorize a computer?

Yes, you'll need your Apple ID password to deauthorize from the computer itself. If you've forgotten your password, you can deauthorize remotely through appleid.apple.com using your Apple ID and the password recovery process.