Can not removed dimmed device from iTunes

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Can not removed dimmed device from iTunes

According to apple support a device listed in iTunes which is dimmed can not be removed unless it is done so on that device itself. In Apples own words, they state "If you can't click Remove (the button is dimmed), the device that you're trying to remove has connected to your Apple ID within the past 30 days. Sign out of the iTunes Store on that device, then try again to remove it".

This can pose a big problem in the case of split families. Let's suppose that a family uses multiple Apple devices, and multiple users share an iTunes account. If there were to be a situation where the family separated, and is now 2 individual groups of users, removing a now unauthorized party from your iTunes account can be an issue, unless the other party complies with your request to disconnect from the, once shared, iTunes account.

Is there any way where an uncooperative party can be detached from an iTunes account?

MacBook Air, macOS High Sierra (10.13.5)

Posted on Jul 8, 2018 9:46 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Chris CA

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Jul 8, 2018 9:41 PM in response to DaveLebrun

“Is there any way where an uncooperative party can be detached from an iTunes account?”

Just change your AppleID password.

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Answer 2

turingtest2

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Jul 9, 2018 10:03 AM in response to DaveLebrun

Hi Dave,

Are you discussing the device list mentioned here: View and remove your associated devices in iTunes - Apple Support? Changing your password should be sufficient to prevent access to the account from the other computer, although not the library already stored on it. Once 90 days have elapsed you should be able to remove the association from the old devices. You will probably want to deauthorize all, and then authorize the computers that you want to use in future.

tt2

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Answer 3

DaveLebrun Author

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Jul 9, 2018 5:33 AM in response to Chris CA

At this moment I am unable to. However, 'dimmed' is the term used by Apple to identify a device which is "greyed out" indicating that it is not manageable at the time. Accordingly, any attempt to click the "remove" button to the right of the device does not function.

According to Apple, this occurs when the device had been connected to iTunes within the past 30 days... As the other spouse is actively using the account, this state may never change.

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Answer 4

Chris CA

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Jul 8, 2018 9:37 PM in response to DaveLebrun

If you are using the same AppleID for multiple people, don’t.

Every user should have their own AppleID.

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Answer 5

DaveLebrun Author

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Jul 8, 2018 9:54 PM in response to Chris CA

Chris, these are wise words... but... the computer was once the family computer, and was using the iCloud account of one of the parents. When the division occurred, this device ended up with the other spouse in the division of assets. This is a situation which despite best practice in account security, is bound to happen under such circumstances.

The spouse who owns the account would like nothing more than to remove the device from their account... Yet, can not, because of this policy.

I can assure you that this is not an isolated situation, and occurs more often than might be believed.

Providing guidance on addressing the actual problem would be helpful...

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Answer 6

DaveLebrun Author

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Jul 9, 2018 6:51 PM in response to turingtest2

Correct. iTunes > View My Account. The list of connected devices includes the authorized MacBookAir and the unauthorized MacBookPro. Both dimmed (grayed out, not selectable, etc.)

Essentially, in a situation where there is a division in a family, one or both parties want to be rid of all vestiges of the other. So, having the evil entity still connected can be a source of anxiety for some...

Thanks

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Answer 7

DaveLebrun Author

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Jul 8, 2018 9:56 PM in response to DaveLebrun

Correction iTunes account... Not iCloud.

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Answer 8

Chris CA

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Jul 9, 2018 4:38 AM in response to DaveLebrun

“Providing guidance on addressing the actual problem would be helpful...”

You’re welcome.

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Answer 9

DaveLebrun Author

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Jul 9, 2018 4:43 AM in response to Chris CA

Does the AppleID password change actually disconnect a device with a legacy connection? Or, does this only prohibit any attempts to make a new connection?

And thanks...

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Answer 10

Chris CA

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82,513 points

Jul 9, 2018 5:06 AM in response to DaveLebrun

I don’t understand this “dimmed device“?

Where exactly do you see this?

Can you post a screenshot of it?

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Answer 11

Chris CA

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82,513 points

Jul 9, 2018 8:21 AM in response to DaveLebrun

I don't see any devices in my iTunes except when it is connected.
Where exactly are you seeing the device? Where is this "Remove" button (which screen)?

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Can not removed dimmed device from iTunes

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