Apple Music allows you to access your music library on multiple devices. However, there's a limit to the number of computers you can authorize simultaneously. If you've reached your limit, or simply want to remove a computer's access, you'll need to deauthorize it. This guide will walk you through the process.
Why Deauthorize a Computer?
Before we dive into the how-to, let's quickly understand why you might need to deauthorize a computer. The most common reasons include:
- Reaching the Authorization Limit: Apple limits the number of computers you can authorize for Apple Music. If you've exceeded this limit, you'll need to deauthorize a computer to add a new one.
- Selling or Giving Away a Computer: To protect your Apple Music account security, it's essential to deauthorize a computer before selling or giving it away. This prevents unauthorized access to your library.
- Troubleshooting Issues: Sometimes, deauthorizing and reauthorizing a computer can help resolve playback or syncing problems.
- Security Concerns: If you suspect your computer has been compromised, deauthorizing it is a crucial security step.
How to Deauthorize a Computer from Apple Music
There are two main ways to deauthorize a computer from your Apple Music account:
Method 1: Deauthorizing a Specific Computer
This method lets you remove authorization from a specific computer. Unfortunately, Apple doesn't offer a way to identify computers individually in the Music app interface. Therefore, you can only deauthorize all computers associated with your account and then reauthorize the ones you want to keep. This might seem inconvenient, but it's the most straightforward approach.
- Open iTunes or the Apple Music app: If you're using an older version of iTunes, that's where you'll find the option. For modern macOS and iOS systems, use the Apple Music app.
- Access Account Information: The exact location varies based on your operating system and app version, but generally look for your profile icon (usually in the top right corner) and select "Account." You might need to log in again.
- Find Authorizations: Navigate to the "Authorizations" section. This may be buried within a menu or sub-section; look for phrases like "Authorized Computers" or similar.
- Deauthorize All: You will be given the option to "Deauthorize This Computer" or, crucially, "Deauthorize All Computers." Choose "Deauthorize All Computers." This will remove all authorized devices.
- Reauthorize Your Devices: After deauthorizing all, you will need to log into Apple Music on each computer you want to use again. This re-authorizes each device and allows you to continue listening.
Method 2: Deauthorizing All Computers (and then reauthorizing)
This mirrors the previous method. There isn't a precise selection method to only remove one computer; the overall process involves removing all computers and re-adding the ones you need.
- Open iTunes or Apple Music: Similar to the first method.
- Navigate to Account Settings: The location might differ slightly, but find your account information.
- Locate the Authorizations section: This usually has options related to authorization.
- Deauthorize All Computers: Select the option to "Deauthorize All Computers." Be sure you're ready to reauthorize the devices you want to keep.
What Happens After Deauthorization?
After deauthorizing a computer (or all computers), you'll lose access to your Apple Music library on that device until you reauthorize it. Reauthorization simply involves signing into your Apple ID on the desired computer.
Troubleshooting: I Can't Find the Deauthorization Option
If you're having trouble finding the authorization settings within Apple Music or iTunes, double-check that you're logged into the correct Apple ID and that you have the latest version of the app installed. Updating the software might resolve the issue. If problems persist, contact Apple Support directly for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many computers can I authorize for Apple Music?
Apple allows you to authorize up to five computers.
What if I forget my Apple ID password?
If you've forgotten your Apple ID password, you can reset it through Apple's website.
Can I deauthorize a computer remotely?
No, you cannot deauthorize a computer remotely. You must do so from the computer itself using the steps outlined above.
Will deauthorizing a computer delete my music from it?
No, deauthorizing a computer will only remove the authorization to play your Apple Music library. Your downloaded music files will remain on the computer, but you will no longer be able to play them using Apple Music unless you reauthorize the device.
This comprehensive guide should provide you with all the information needed to confidently manage your Apple Music computer authorizations. Remember to always prioritize security and keep your account details safe.
