What authorizing a computer for iTunes actually does

Authorizing a computer for iTunes means telling Apple that this specific device is allowed to play music, movies, and other content you've purchased from the iTunes Store using your Apple ID. Without authorization, you can read purchases to the 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 a copy-protection measure — it prevents someone from buying one song and sharing it with dozens of devices. When you authorize a computer, you're essentially registering it as a trusted device linked to your account.

You only need to authorize once per computer. After that, any content you've purchased will play automatically. If you sell the computer or stop using it, you can deauthorize it remotely from any other authorized device, which frees up that slot for a new computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Authorization links a specific computer to your Apple ID so purchased iTunes content will play on that device.
  • You can authorize up to five computers per Apple ID, and you only need to do it once per device.
  • The authorization process takes less than a minute and requires your Apple ID password.
  • If you no longer use a computer, deauthorizing it frees up that slot so you can authorize a different device.

How to authorize a computer on Windows or Mac

Open iTunes on the computer you want to authorize. If you don't have iTunes installed, read it from Apple's website first — the process is the same on both Windows and Mac.

Once iTunes is open, look at the top menu bar. On a Mac, click Account. On Windows, click Edit, then scroll down to find Preferences. In Preferences, look for the Store tab and click it.

You'll see a button that says Authorize This Computer. Click it. A window will pop up asking for your Apple ID and password. Type them in and click Authorize. That's it — your computer is now authorized, and you'll see a confirmation message with the date.

What to do if you see an authorization error

The most common error is "This computer is not authorized to play protected AAC files" or a message saying authorization failed. This usually means either your password was typed wrong, or your internet connection dropped during the process.

Try authorizing again, but this time make sure you're connected to the internet and type your Apple ID and password slowly and carefully. If you've forgotten your Apple ID password, you can reset it on Apple's account page before you try again.

If you keep getting an error after two or three tries, restart the computer and open iTunes again. Sometimes a temporary glitch clears itself after a restart. If the error persists, check that your Apple ID isn't locked — Apple locks accounts after too many failed login attempts for security reasons.

Deauthorizing a computer you no longer use

If you've sold a computer, given it away, or straightforward don't use it anymore, you should deauthorize it to free up that slot. You can deauthorize a computer from any other authorized device without needing access to the original computer.

Open iTunes on a different authorized computer. Go to Account (Mac) or Edit > Preferences > Store (Windows). Look for Deauthorize This Computer — but that button only deauthorizes the device you're currently on. To deauthorize a different computer, click View My Account or Account Settings, then look for a section called Manage Devices or Computers.

You'll see a list of all five authorized computers. Find the one you want to remove and click the X or Remove button next to it. Confirm the action, and that computer is now deauthorized. You can when ready authorize a new device in its place.

When you've hit the five-computer limit

If you try to authorize a sixth computer and get a message saying you've reached your limit, you must deauthorize one of the other computers first. You cannot authorize more than five at the same time, no matter what.

The five-computer limit resets once per year on your account. If you've deauthorized computers but still can't authorize a new one, it's possible your account is still counting a computer you deauthorized within the last few days — wait a day or two and try again.

If you've lost access to all five computers (for example, if they were stolen or broke), contact Apple Support. They can manually reset your authorization count, but you'll need to verify your identity and explain the situation.

Why authorization matters for shared households

If multiple people in your household use iTunes, each person should use their own Apple ID. Each Apple ID can authorize five computers independently. This way, your purchases stay separate from everyone else's, and you each have your own five-device limit.

If you share an Apple ID across multiple computers, you're all drawing from the same five-authorization pool. This can cause problems if someone authorizes a device and forgets to deauthorize it later — the next person who needs to authorize a new computer might hit the limit unexpectedly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to authorize my iPhone or iPad for iTunes?

No. iPhones and iPads sync with iTunes through a different system. You only authorize computers — the devices you use to manage your iTunes library on a desktop or laptop. iPhones and iPads connect through iCloud or by plugging into an authorized computer.

What happens if I authorize a computer and then forget my Apple ID password?

The computer stays authorized. You won't be able to authorize new computers or change account settings without your password, but the authorization on that specific device remains active. You can reset your password on Apple's account page anytime.

Can I authorize a computer that someone else owns?

Technically yes, but you shouldn't. Authorizing a computer links it to your Apple ID, which means anyone using that computer can access and play all your purchases. Only authorize computers you personally control or trust completely.

If I authorize a computer, can other people on that computer play my iTunes purchases?

Yes. Once a computer is authorized to your Apple ID, anyone who uses that computer can play your purchased content. This is why you should only authorize computers in your own home or that you personally control.

Do I need to reauthorize if I update iTunes?

No. Updating iTunes doesn't remove authorization. Your computer stays authorized even after you install a new version of iTunes.