When you purchase music, movies, or other media from the iTunes Store, Apple requires you to authorize the computer you use to access that content. iTunes authorization links your computer to your Apple ID, allowing you to play protected purchases and downloads. However, since Apple limits the number of authorized computers, knowing how to authorize and deauthorize a computer becomes especially important-particularly when switching devices, using a new computer, or reaching the authorization limit.
In this guide, we'll explain what iTunes authorization means and show you how to easily authorize or deauthorize a computer step by step.
Authorizing a computer in iTunes means linking that computer to your Apple ID so it can access and play content purchased from the iTunes Store. This authorization is required for protected media such as music, movies, TV shows, and audiobooks. Without authorization, iTunes will prevent the computer from playing or syncing certain purchased items. (How to Transfer Purchases from iPhone to iTunes?)
Apple allows each Apple ID to authorize up to "five computers" at the same time. This limit helps protect purchased content from unauthorized sharing. It's important to note that iPhones, iPads, and iPods do not count toward this limit-only computers do.
Computer authorization is different from device sign-in. Even if you are logged into your Apple ID on a computer, you still need to authorize it in iTunes to access protected purchases. Understanding how authorization works can help you avoid playback issues and manage your iTunes content more effectively.
Before authorizing a computer in iTunes, make sure you are using the correct Apple ID and that your computer is connected to the internet. Authorizing a computer allows you to play and access purchased music, movies, TV shows, and other protected content linked to your Apple ID.
You need to authorize a computer if you've purchased content from the iTunes Store and want to play it on a new or different computer. This is also necessary after reinstalling iTunes or signing in with a new Apple ID.
Steps to Authorize a Computer in iTunes:
Once completed, your computer will be authorized and able to access your purchased iTunes content.
After authorization, the computer becomes linked to your Apple ID (Forget Your Apple ID?). You can stream, download, and play purchased content on this computer without restrictions, as long as you stay within Apple's authorization limit.
Extra Bonus: How to Know the Number of Authorized Computers?
If you forget how many computers have been authorized, you can follow the below steps to know the number of authorized computers in Tunes:
1. Open the installed iTunes on your compute, then sign in your Apple ID account. Then you will see the main interface as pictured in the below.
2. Click on your name on the top window to show the drop-down list. Then just choose the "Account Info" option to continue.
3. Enter the password again and then you can clearly know how many computers have been authorized.
Deauthorizing a computer in iTunes is necessary when you no longer use a specific device, plan to sell or give away a computer, or have reached Apple's authorization limit. Removing unused authorizations helps you stay within the allowed number and keeps your Apple ID secure.
You should deauthorize a computer if it's an old or unused device, a shared computer you no longer access, or a system you plan to replace. Deauthorization is also useful when troubleshooting authorization-related errors in iTunes. (How to Deauthorize iTunes Account on Old/Dead Computer?)
How to Deauthorize a Single Computer:
Once completed, the selected computer will no longer be linked to your Apple ID for iTunes purchases.
Deauthorizing a computer does not delete any music or files stored on it. However, that computer will no longer be able to play or access protected content purchased with your Apple ID unless it is authorized again.
How to Deauthorize All Computers:
If you can't access a previous computer, you can deauthorize all authorized computers through your Apple ID account settings. Note that this option is available only once every 12 months and will remove authorization from all devices at the same time.
While authorizing or deauthorizing a computer in iTunes is usually straightforward, some users may encounter errors or unexpected messages during the process. Below are the most common issues and what they usually mean.
1. Authorization Limit Reached
Apple allows you to authorize up to five computers with one Apple ID. If you see a message saying you've reached the authorization limit, you'll need to deauthorize an old or unused computer before authorizing a new one.
2. "This Computer Is Already Authorized"
This message appears when the computer has already been linked to your Apple ID. In this case, no further action is needed, and you should be able to access your purchased content normally.
3. Apple ID Not Recognized or Incorrect Password
Authorization will fail if the Apple ID or password is entered incorrectly. Make sure you are using the same Apple ID that was used to purchase the content and check your internet connection.
4. Cannot Deauthorize a Computer You No Longer Have
If you no longer have access to a previously authorized computer, you won't be able to deauthorize it directly through iTunes. In this situation, you can use the "Deauthorize All" option in your Apple ID account settings.
5. iTunes Authorization Not Working Properly
Sometimes authorization issues are caused by outdated iTunes versions or temporary system errors. Updating iTunes to the latest version and restarting your computer can often resolve these problems.
iTunes authorization can be inconvenient, especially when you reach the authorization limit or no longer have access to an old computer. To avoid these restrictions, using an iTunes alternative is a smarter option for managing iPhone media files. Coolmuster iOS Assistant allows you to transfer, back up, and organize music and other data on your iPhone without authorization limits. It provides a more flexible and user-friendly way to manage iOS content directly from your computer.
Key Features of Coolmuster iOS Assistant:
How to Manage iPhone Media with Coolmuster iOS Assistant:
01 Download and install Coolmuster iOS Assistant on your computer. Launch the program and connect your iPhone using a USB cable. Unlock your device and trust the computer to ensure successful detection.
02 Once your iPhone is recognized, select the desired category such as Music from the left panel. Preview available files and choose the music files that you want to export to your computer.
03 Click the "Export" button to start the process. The selected media files will be transferred quickly, allowing you to back up, organize, or enjoy your iPhone content on computer without iTunes limitations.
Video Guide:
Q1: How many computers can I authorize in iTunes?
You can authorize up to five computers with the same Apple ID. This limit applies to computers only and does not include iPhones, iPads, or other iOS devices.
Q2: Does deauthorizing a computer delete my music or files?
No. Deauthorizing a computer only removes its access to protected iTunes purchases. Your music and other files stored on the computer will not be deleted.
Q3: Can I authorize a computer without installing iTunes?
No. iTunes must be installed and signed in with your Apple ID in order to authorize or deauthorize a computer.
Q4: What should I do if I no longer have access to an authorized computer?
If you can't access a previously authorized computer, you can use the "Deauthorize All" option from your Apple ID account settings to remove all authorizations at once.
Q5: Why am I asked to authorize the same computer again?
This may happen after reinstalling iTunes, upgrading the operating system, or changing system settings. Simply authorize the computer again using the same Apple ID.
Q6: Is there a way to manage iPhone music without iTunes authorization?
Yes. Using an iTunes alternative like Coolmuster iOS Assistant allows you to manage and transfer iPhone music freely without authorization limits.
Understanding how to authorize and deauthorize a computer in iTunes is essential for accessing your purchased music and media without interruptions. Since Apple limits the number of authorized computers, managing these authorizations properly can help you avoid common playback and access issues.
However, iTunes authorization is not always convenient, especially when dealing with old or inaccessible computers. In such cases, using an iTunes alternative like Coolmuster iOS Assistant offers a more flexible way to manage iPhone media files without authorization limits, giving you greater control over your music and data.
Related Articles:
Top 6 Ways to Fix Music Won't Play on iPhone/iPad
11 Best Free iTunes Alternatives for Windows in 2026
Feedback
Free Download for PC 
Free Download for Mac 
