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How do I see which computers are authorized for my Apple ID? My list of devices has one computer (plus a number of iOS devices), but my Apple ID summary says there are four.
I am checking the Manage Devices section list. I only see one computer there. All other items are iPhones, iPads or iPods.
Thanks for the quick reply! 🙂 ... You are correct - you can't see the IP, but you do see the computer 'name' in the list (e.g. Windows PC (LNN-######). And despite the Apple ID Summary section saying that I have 4 Computer Authorizations, there is only one in that list.
I think you're theory is probably correct (about the others being dead or abandoned), but I would think that they would still show up in the list if Apple sees them as 'authorized'. I had hoped to avoid the 'Deauthorize All Computers' route - I'm mostly curious to see why there's this discrepancy. It's just odd.
Thank you again.
Thanks for the quick reply! 🙂 ... You are correct - you can't see the IP, but you do see the computer 'name' in the list (e.g. Windows PC (LNN-######). And despite the Apple ID Summary section saying that I have 4 Computer Authorizations, there is only one in that list.
I think you're theory is probably correct (about the others being dead or abandoned), but I would think that they would still show up in the list if Apple sees them as 'authorized'. I had hoped to avoid the 'Deauthorize All Computers' route - I'm mostly curious to see why there's this discrepancy. It's just odd.
Thank you again.
Authorization vs. association
Up to 5 computers can be simultaneously authorized for each Apple ID. There is no direct record of which machines are authorized. It is up to you to keep track. (I use a small text file in my main iTunes folder.) iPods & iOS devices are limited to DRM protected content from up to 5 different accounts. There is no limit to the number of devices that you can load up with content using iTunes. You can deauthorize computers that you no longer wish to use to access protected content so that you can authorize others. You either do this on the specific machine or deauthorize all and then reauthorize as needed. Having used deathorize all you cannot use it again for a year, though Apple Support may be able to perform a reset if you can explain why you need to reuse the feature before it becomes available to you. Reinstalling Windows without deauthorizing first will use up an authorization.
HT201251: Authorize your computer in iTunes - Apple Support
A mix of up to 10 computers and iOS devices (no more than 5 computers) can be associated with your Apple ID for iTunes Match/Apple Music, automatic downloads, or redownloads of past purchases. There is a 90 day limit before a computer or device can be switched to another ID or the association removed. The list of associated devices is the one you can see within your account details in iTunes. You associate a device or computer by using certain features, typically downloading past purchases. You don't necessarily need to associate a computer or device with your Apple ID to use it with your content. Again Apple Support may be able to reset if you can explain why you need to reset the association early.
HT204074: View and remove your associated devices in iTunes - Apple Support
You can happily remove any and all associations that are not within the 90 day limit. Those that you actually use will be recreated as and when you make use of a service that triggers association.
tt2
I'm not sure you can see exactly the computer by name, IP address, etc. Could the other 3 computers be ones you've sold, given away, or discarded? If so, see the "If you run out of authorizations" section in:
While I am aware of a lot of the info here (just clarifying that I try to search for answers before posting a question), you hit the nail on the head of what I was missing: the distinction between 'authorized' and 'associated'! Thank you! I wonder if this is common, as one post I found while trying to figure this out advised looking in the Manage Devices section to see what computers are using up your Authorizations!
So the first reply to this question is also now more relevant. Since these are essentially two different lists, most likely the 3 authorizations are old computers no longer in use. I guess I'll have to go down the Deauthorize All road. Oh well!
Thanks very much!
That was very helpful, and I would have never made that distinction. I think I read too quickly and the words are similar enough I didn't notice the difference (plus being pointed there by similarly confused people!). Thanks again.
You're welcome. 🙂
And yes, these two mechanisms are commonly misunderstood and confused with each other which is why I've tried to gather all of the detail into one place.
tt2
How do I see which computers are authorized for my Apple ID? My list of devices has one computer (plus a number of iOS devices), but my Apple ID summary says there are four.
