How to Deauthorize iTunes

Last Updated: December 21, 2021

When you buy DRM-restricted music or Apps from the iTunes Store, you can only use the item on an authorized computer, iPod, iPhone or iPad. Apple limits you to 5 computers that can use an authorized item. This wikiHow teaches you how to deauthorize a computer you no longer want to use with your Apple ID.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Deauthorizing One Computer

1
Open iTunes, Apple Music, Apple TV, or Apple Books. If you're using the latest version of macOS, you'll need to deauthorize using Apple Music, Apple TV, or Apple Books. If you're using a PC or an earlier version of macOS, open iTunes. ^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If you no longer have access to the computer you want to deauthorize, you'll need to deauthorize all computers instead. See this method to learn how.
It's in the menu bar that runs along the top of your Mac's screen, or at the top of the iTunes app on your PC.

Advertisement
Another menu will expand.
It's the second option. A log-in window will appear.
Once you're signed in, you'll see a confirmation window.
This removes the current computer from your list of authorized computers.

Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Deauthorizing All Computers

1
Open iTunes, Apple Music, Apple TV, or Apple Books. If you're using the latest version of macOS, you'll need to deauthorize using Apple Music, Apple TV, or Apple Books. If you're using a PC or an earlier version of macOS, open iTunes.
- This method is the only way to deauthorize computers that you no longer have access to.
- You can only perform this method once every 12 months.
It's in the menu bar that runs along the top of your Mac's screen, or at the top of the iTunes app on your PC.
A login screen will appear.
Once your password is accepted, you'll see the Account Information page.
It's in the "Apple ID Summary" section, which is near the top of the page. You'll only see this button if you have authorized 2 or more computers.
After deauthorizing all computers, you'll need to manually reauthorize the ones you still want to use to play protected songs, read protected books, or watch protected shows.

Advertisement