How to Deauthorize a Computer in iTunes

Deauthorizing a computer in iTunes (or the Apple Music app on macOS Catalina and later) stops that computer from playing or downloading your purchased iTunes Store content. Each Apple ID is limited to five authorized computers at a time, so deauthorizing old or unused machines frees up a slot and keeps your account secure. You can do this directly from the computer itself, or remotely from your Apple ID account page if you no longer have access to the machine.

What You’ll Need

• Your Apple ID email and password (the same one used for iTunes Store purchases).
• Access to the computer you want to deauthorize (for the direct method).
• If deauthorizing remotely, a web browser and the ability to receive a verification code (via trusted device or text message).

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Deauthorize Directly on the Computer

1. Open the app: On Windows or macOS Mojave and earlier, open iTunes. On macOS Catalina or later, open Music (or TV for movies and shows).
2. Go to the Account menu: Click Account in the menu bar at the top of the screen (on Windows, it may be under the File menu if you don’t see a menu bar—press Alt to show it).
3. Choose Authorizations: From the dropdown, select Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer.
4. Sign in: Enter your Apple ID and password when prompted, then click Deauthorize.
5. Confirm: A message will appear confirming the computer has been deauthorized. Click OK.

Method 2: Deauthorize Remotely (If You Don’t Have the Computer)

1. Go to your Apple ID account page: Open a web browser and visit appleid.apple.com.
2. Sign in: Enter your Apple ID and password. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, enter the verification code sent to your trusted device.
3. Find the Devices section: Scroll down to the Devices area. You’ll see a list of all devices associated with your Apple ID.
4. Locate the computer: Click on the computer you want to deauthorize. It may be labeled with its name and model.
5. Remove it: Click Remove from Account (or Deauthorize). Confirm when asked. This instantly frees up one of your five authorizations.

Note: The remote method only works for computers that are signed into your Apple ID. If the computer was authorized under a different Apple ID, you’ll need to deauthorize it while signed into that account.

Common Mistakes

• Deauthorizing the wrong Apple ID: Make sure you’re signed into the same Apple ID that was used to authorize the computer. Check under Account > View My Account to see which ID is active.
• Forgetting to deauthorize before selling or giving away a computer: Always deauthorize before wiping the hard drive, or the computer will still count against your five-device limit.
• Using the remote method when you have physical access: The remote method removes the computer from your account entirely, which may also sign it out of iCloud and other services. If you just want to free up an iTunes authorization, use the direct method instead.
• Assuming deauthorizing deletes your purchases: Deauthorizing does not remove any music, apps, or files from the computer. It only stops that computer from playing or downloading purchased content tied to your Apple ID.

Tips

• Check your authorization count: To see how many computers you’ve authorized, go to Account > View My Account and look for the Computer Authorizations section. It shows how many of your five slots are used.
• Deauthorize all at once (rarely needed): If you’ve hit the five-computer limit and can’t access any of them, Apple allows you to Deauthorize All once per year from the same Account page. Use this sparingly—it resets all authorizations, and you’ll need to reauthorize the computers you still use.
• Do this before upgrading or repairing a computer: If you’re replacing a hard drive or sending a machine in for service, deauthorize it first to avoid losing a slot.
• Keep your Apple ID secure: If you suspect unauthorized access, deauthorize all computers immediately and change your password.

Troubleshooting

• You don’t see the Authorizations menu: On Windows, the menu bar may be hidden. Press Alt to reveal it. On macOS, make sure you’re in the Music app (not the TV app) for music purchases.
• You get an error saying the computer is already deauthorized: This can happen if the authorization was already removed remotely. Check your account page to confirm the computer is gone.
• You forgot your Apple ID password: Go to iforgot.apple.com to reset it. You’ll need access to your trusted email or phone number.
• The remote method doesn’t show the computer: The computer may be authorized under a different Apple ID, or it may not be signed into iCloud. In that case, you’ll need to deauthorize it directly or use the Deauthorize All option.
• You’ve hit the five-computer limit and can’t deauthorize any: Use the Deauthorize All button on your Apple ID account page. Remember, you can only do this once per year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does deauthorizing a computer delete my music?

No. Deauthorizing only stops the computer from playing or downloading purchased content from your Apple ID. Any files already on the computer remain there and can still be played locally.

Can I deauthorize a computer that is broken or lost?

Yes. Use the remote method at appleid.apple.com. If the computer is not listed there, you can use the Deauthorize All option, which resets all five slots.

How many computers can I authorize with one Apple ID?

You can authorize up to five computers at a time. This limit applies to all computers combined, not per Apple ID.

What happens if I don’t deauthorize before selling my computer?

The computer will still count against your five-computer limit. The new owner won’t be able to use your Apple ID purchases, but they could potentially access your account if they have your password. Always deauthorize and sign out before selling.

Does deauthorizing affect my iPhone or iPad?

No. The five-computer limit applies only to computers (desktop and laptop). iOS devices do not count toward this limit.

Can I reauthorize the same computer later?

Yes. Simply go to Account > Authorizations > Authorize This Computer and sign in with your Apple ID. This uses one of your five slots again.

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