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. 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]
    • 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.
  2. 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.
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  3. Another menu will expand.
  4. It's the second option. A log-in window will appear.
  5. Once you're signed in, you'll see a confirmation window.
  6. This removes the current computer from your list of authorized computers.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Deauthorizing All Computers

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. A login screen will appear.
  4. Once your password is accepted, you'll see the Account Information page.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
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About this article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 245,313 times.
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Co-authors: 37
Updated: December 21, 2021
Views: 245,313
Article SummaryX

1. Open iTunes, Apple Music, Books, or TV.
2. Click Account.
3. Click Authorizations.
4. Click Deauthorize this computer.
5. Sign in with your Apple ID.
6. Click Deauthorize.

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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 245,313 times.

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