How Do I Deauthorize a Computer on iTunes?

iTunes is a young service of Apple that boasts more than 800 million users since its inception in 2001. It provides music streaming as well as digital purchases for its many users. Unfortunately, iTunes allows for a maximum of five authorized computers; however, these changes are easy to make. Open Apple Music or iTunes and go to your account, then select Authorizations.

Adam Goldkamp is the editor / author responsible for this content.
Dec 9, 2022

Apple provides many services in addition to its devices, and iTunes was developed in 2001 to better organize media files of its consumers. Today, the app can be downloaded onto Windows PCs to better aid music lovers who also enjoy Apple products but don't own a MAC. One important feature of iTunes is authorizing and de-authorizing computers for its users' Apple IDs. Please read on to learn more.

Some FAQs to Remember

  1. You can only have five authorized computers linked to your Apple ID and each computer counts as one authorization, even if it's the same computer.
  2. If you want to de-authorize one computer, you must de-authorize all the computers.
  3. If you already have five authorized computers and want to authorize another, you must de-authorize one.
  4. You can only authorize a computer you have access to, and you can only de-authorize all computers once per year.
  5. If you wanted to authorize a MAC, you can use the Apple Music, Apple TV or the Apple Books app, and after you authorize your MAC in one of these apps, you can access every iTunes purchase.
  6. At this time, viewing the list of computers authorized on your iTunes isn't available, you're allowed to view the number only.

If you have any questions about computer authorizations, please reach out to iTunes customer service agents here.

Authorize or De-authorize Your Mac

  1. Please open either the Apple Music app or the Apple TV app and select Account. Please verify that you're signed in with your Apple ID.
  2. Next, select Authorizations, then which computer you'd like to de-authorize or authorize. You may be required to sign in to confirm your choice.

Authorize or De-authorize Your PC

  1. Open the iTunes app and click on the Accounts tab near the top of the window and verify that you're signed into with your Apple ID.
  2. Go to the Authorizations option in the drop-down menu and then select either Authorize this Computer or De-authorize this Computer.
  3. Sign into your account to confirm your choice and click the appropriate button to save.

Further questions?

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Adam has been tirelessly trying to help customers find the best tips and tricks to get through phone trees and writing many guides for prickly customer service problems. He's been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Inside Edition and Bloomberg.
How Do I Deauthorize a Computer on iTunes?

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How do I de-authorize a computer on iTunes
De-authorizing computers on your iTunes account made simpler

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