What authorizing a computer means and why you need to do it
Authorizing a computer for Apple Music means linking your device to your Apple ID so you can stream music and access your library on that specific machine. When you sign into Apple Music on a new computer, the system asks whether you want to authorize it. If you say yes, that computer becomes one of your trusted devices.
You can authorize up to five computers at once under a single Apple ID. This limit exists so one person cannot share their subscription across dozens of machines. Once you authorize a computer, you stay signed in on that device until you manually sign out or remove the authorization.
The authorization process is automatic in most cases — you sign in with your Apple ID credentials, and the system handles the rest. You do not need to take extra steps or enter codes. The only time you see a prompt is when you first open Apple Music on a new computer or when you have already hit your five-device limit.
Key Takeaways
- Authorizing a computer links it to your Apple ID and lets you stream Apple Music on that device without signing in repeatedly.
- You can authorize up to five computers under one Apple ID; a sixth computer will ask you to deauthorize one first.
- The authorization happens automatically when you sign in with your Apple ID on a new computer running macOS or Windows.
- You can remove authorization from any computer through your Apple ID settings, either from that computer or from another device.
How to authorize a computer on macOS
Open the Music app on your Mac. If you are not already signed in, the app will prompt you to enter your Apple ID and password. Type in your credentials and select Sign In.
Once you are signed in, the authorization happens in the background. You do not need to do anything else. The Music app will now let you stream songs, access your library, and use all Apple Music features on that Mac.
If you want to confirm the authorization worked, open the Music app menu and select Account, then View My Account. Sign in if prompted. Scroll down to the Apple Music section and look for Manage Devices. Your current Mac should appear in the list of authorized computers.
How to authorize a computer on Windows
Download and install iTunes or the Apple Music app from the Microsoft Store if you do not have it already. Open the app and sign in with your Apple ID when prompted.
The authorization occurs automatically once you enter your credentials. Windows will remember your sign-in, and you can start streaming right away. Like on Mac, you do not need to perform any additional steps.
To check your authorized devices on Windows, open iTunes or the Apple Music app, go to Account in the menu, and select View My Account. Navigate to Manage Devices under the Apple Music section. Your Windows computer should be listed there.
What to do when you have already authorized five computers
If you try to authorize a sixth computer, Apple Music will tell you that you have reached your limit. The system will ask you to deauthorize one of your existing computers before you can add the new one.
You have two options. You can deauthorize a computer from that computer itself by signing out of the Music app, or you can deauthorize it remotely from any other authorized device. To deauthorize remotely, go to Account > View My Account > Manage Devices, find the computer you want to remove, and select Remove or the delete icon next to it.
After you deauthorize one computer, you can then sign in on your new device, and the authorization will go through. The old computer will no longer have access to your Apple Music library unless you sign in again with your Apple ID.
How to deauthorize a computer you no longer use
If you sell, give away, or stop using a computer, you should deauthorize it to free up one of your five slots. The easiest way is to sign out of the Music app on that computer before you hand it over or wipe it.
If you no longer have access to the computer, you can remove it remotely. On any other authorized Mac or Windows machine, open the Music app, go to Account > View My Account, and scroll to Manage Devices. Find the computer you want to remove and click the delete or remove button next to it.
You can also deauthorize all your computers at once from your Apple ID account page on the web. Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in, navigate to Devices, find the computer, and select Remove from Account. This option is useful if you have lost track of which machines you have authorized.
Troubleshooting authorization problems
If you sign in but the Music app does not seem to recognize your authorization, try signing out and signing back in. Open the Music app, go to Account, and select Sign Out. Wait a few seconds, then sign in again with your Apple ID. This usually resolves temporary connection issues.
If you see an error message about your account or password, double-check that you are using the correct Apple ID and that your password is typed correctly. Make sure your internet connection is stable. If the problem persists, restart the Music app and try again.
On Windows, if iTunes or the Apple Music app will not open, try uninstalling and reinstalling it. On Mac, restart your computer and try signing in again. If you still cannot authorize after these steps, visit support.apple.com or contact Apple Support for help with your specific account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I authorize the same computer twice under different Apple IDs?
No. Each computer can be authorized under only one Apple ID at a time. If you want to switch to a different Apple ID, you must first sign out and deauthorize the computer under the current ID, then sign in with the new one.
What happens to my music if I deauthorize a computer?
The music stays on your computer's hard drive if you downloaded it. However, you will not be able to stream new songs or access your Apple Music library on that computer unless you authorize it again with an Apple ID.
Do I have to authorize a computer every time I use it?
No. Once you authorize a computer and sign in, the Music app remembers your account. You stay signed in until you manually sign out. You only go through the authorization process once per computer.
Can I authorize a computer on someone else's Wi-Fi?
Yes. As long as your computer has an internet connection, you can sign in and authorize the Music app. The authorization does not depend on which network you are using.
What if I forgot which computers I have authorized?
Go to appleid.apple.com, sign in with your Apple ID, and click Devices. You will see a list of all computers and devices currently authorized under your account, along with when each one was last used.