What authorizing a computer in iTunes actually does

Authorizing a computer in iTunes lets you play music, movies, and TV shows you bought from the iTunes Store on that specific device. When you buy something from Apple, it's locked to your Apple ID. Authorization is how you tell iTunes "this computer belongs to me and should be able to play my purchases."

Without authorization, you can still see your library and read your purchases, but you won't be able to play them. The authorization system exists so you can't share your iTunes purchases with everyone on the internet — Apple limits you to playing your content on up to five computers at once.

If you're setting up a new computer, moving to a different device, or just can't play something you know you bought, authorization is usually the fix.

Key Takeaways

  • Authorization connects your iTunes purchases to a specific computer using your Apple ID, and you can authorize up to five computers total.
  • You authorize through the Account menu in iTunes on Windows or Mac, or through Settings on an iPhone or iPad.
  • If you've authorized five computers already, you must deauthorize one before you can authorize a new one.
  • Authorizing takes less than a minute and requires your Apple ID password, but you only need to do it once per device.

How to authorize on a Mac or Windows computer

Open iTunes on the computer you want to authorize. At the top of the screen, click the Account menu (on a Mac) or look for Account in the menu bar (on Windows). Select Authorizations, then click Authorize This Computer.

iTunes will ask for your Apple ID and password. Type both in and click Authorize. The computer is now authorized, and you'll see a message telling you how many computers you have authorized in total. That's it — you can now play your iTunes purchases on this device.

If you don't see an Account menu, you may be using a newer version of iTunes or the Apple Music app instead. On newer Macs, open the Music app, go to Music in the menu bar, then select Account and Authorizations. On Windows 11, the process is similar in the Music app.

How to authorize on iPhone or iPad

On an iPhone or iPad, you don't authorize the same way. Instead, make sure you're signed into the device with the same Apple ID you used to buy your content. Go to Settings, tap your name at the top, then Media & Purchases. Make sure the Apple ID shown is the one that owns your iTunes purchases.

If you're signed in with the correct Apple ID, your device is already authorized to play your purchases. You don't need to do anything else. If you're signed in with a different Apple ID, sign out and sign back in with the account that made the purchases.

What to do if you've hit the five-computer limit

Apple lets you authorize up to five computers at once. If you try to authorize a sixth computer, iTunes will tell you that you've reached the limit and won't let you proceed.

To authorize a new computer, you first need to deauthorize one you're no longer using. Open iTunes on any authorized computer, go to Account > Authorizations, and click Deauthorize This Computer. Enter your Apple ID and password. Now you can authorize your new computer.

If you no longer have access to one of your authorized computers (it broke, you sold it, or you lost it), you can deauthorize all five computers at once through your Apple ID account on Apple's website. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, scroll to Devices, and look for the option to deauthorize all computers. After you do this, you'll need to re-authorize the computers you still use.

Why iTunes says your purchase won't play

If you own something in iTunes but it won't play, the most common reason is that the computer isn't authorized. Check the Account menu to see if this computer is listed as authorized. If it's not, follow the authorization steps above.

Another reason a purchase might not play is if you're signed into iTunes with a different Apple ID than the one that bought it. Make sure you're signed in with the correct account. You can check which Apple ID you're using by going to Account and looking at the name shown at the top.

If authorization doesn't fix the problem, the file itself might be corrupted, or there might be an issue with your internet connection. Try signing out of iTunes and signing back in, or restart your computer and try playing the purchase again.

When you sell or give away a computer

Before you sell, donate, or give away a computer, deauthorize it in iTunes. This frees up one of your five authorization slots and makes sure the new owner can't play your purchases.

Open iTunes on the computer, go to Account > Authorizations, and click Deauthorize This Computer. You'll need your Apple ID and password. After you deauthorize, you can safely erase the computer or hand it over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to authorize my iPhone or iPad?

No. iPhones and iPads authorize automatically when you sign in with your Apple ID in Settings. You don't need to do anything in the Music or TV app. Just make sure you're signed in with the Apple ID that bought your content.

Can I authorize a computer that isn't mine?

Technically yes, but you shouldn't. Authorization is meant for computers you own or control. If you authorize someone else's computer, they can play all your iTunes purchases. Each authorization counts toward your five-computer limit.

What happens if I authorize a computer and then forget the password?

You can still play your purchases on that computer — authorization stays active even if you change your Apple ID password later. If you need to deauthorize it later, you'll need to remember the password you used when you authorized it, or reset your Apple ID password through appleid.apple.com.

How long does authorization last?

Authorization lasts until you deauthorize the computer or until you deauthorize all computers at once through your Apple ID account. There's no expiration date. You only need to authorize once per computer.

Can I authorize a work computer?

Yes, but remember that authorization counts toward your five-computer limit. If you leave that job, deauthorize the work computer so you can authorize a personal computer later. Also consider that others at work might have access to that computer and your purchases.