HT201251: Authorize your computer in iTunes

Learn about Authorize your computer in iTunes
Jerry JB

Q: I really wish I did not have to deauthorize all my devices - I am disappointed that Apple does not allow me to see the computers that I have authorized and allow me to deauthorize them individually

I purchased a new computer and want to authorize iTunes.  Only to discover that you can only authorize 5 computers at one time (Which is disappointing to say the least in the first place - Why the limit.  Also, now I learn that in order to de-authorize a computer I no longer have, I have to de-authorize all my devices...my iPad, my iPhone, my MacMini, etc.  one of my devices is actually being used by my parents in their cabin, and if I deactivate that one ... it means a 4 hour drive just to reauthorize it again...not very efficient if you ask me.  Is there a way to authorize MORE THAN THE arbitrary 5, and if not, then is there a way to de-authorize an individual computer from the account - and if not, how many days will it take to apple to figure out a way to do it?

MacBook Air, iOS 10.0.2

Posted on Oct 2, 2016 11:56 AM

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Q: I really wish I did not have to deauthorize all my devices - I am disappointed that Apple does not allow me to see the computers t ... more

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  • by King_Penguin,

    King_Penguin King_Penguin Oct 2, 2016 1:20 PM in response to Jerry JB
    Level 10 (134,316 points)
    iTunes
    Oct 2, 2016 1:20 PM in response to Jerry JB
    I have to de-authorize all my devices...my iPad, my iPhone

    No you don't, iOS devices (iPads, iPhones, iPod Touches) are not authorised to an account, and therefore can't be deauthorised - only computer's iTunes are authorised/deauthorised.

     

    Individual computers can only be deauthorised directly on them.

  • by roaminggnome,Helpful

    roaminggnome roaminggnome Oct 3, 2016 3:25 AM in response to Jerry JB
    Level 10 (97,259 points)
    Oct 3, 2016 3:25 AM in response to Jerry JB

    Devices are not authorized at all. Authorization applies ONLY to computers.

     

    Deauthorize all has no impact your devices.

     

    Simply reauthorize all, then authorize any active computer.  Very simple. Or you can reauthorize any computer from that computer.  You cannot reauthorize a computer from another computer.

     

    You may be over reacting a bit here.

  • by Jerry JB,

    Jerry JB Jerry JB Oct 3, 2016 3:31 AM in response to roaminggnome
    Level 1 (4 points)
    iTunes
    Oct 3, 2016 3:31 AM in response to roaminggnome

    Thank you for the insight - however having to deauthorize all computers is the issue.  I would assume when I deauthorize all, that will include my Mac Mini (unless I'm reading it wrong?)

     

    thanks for the response

  • by King_Penguin,

    King_Penguin King_Penguin Oct 3, 2016 4:33 AM in response to Jerry JB
    Level 10 (134,316 points)
    iTunes
    Oct 3, 2016 4:33 AM in response to Jerry JB

    Yes, it will include the 5 computer's that you have authorised for that account - it shouldn't remove any of the account's content from those iTunes libraries, it just means that you won't be able to use (e.g. play or sync them to a device) that content until if/when you reauthorise them