What authorizing your MacBook does

When you authorize your MacBook for Apple TV, you're telling Apple's servers that this specific computer is allowed to stream video content you've purchased or rented through iTunes. Without authorization, you can't watch movies or TV shows you own on that machine — even though you're signed in with your Apple ID.

Authorization is separate from signing in. You can be logged into your Apple ID on your Mac and still not be authorized to play protected content. The authorization process takes about a minute and requires an internet connection, but you only need to do it once per computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Authorization links your specific MacBook to your Apple ID so you can watch purchased or rented movies and TV shows.
  • You authorize through the TV app on your Mac, not through System Settings or any other location.
  • The process requires your Apple ID password and takes less than two minutes.
  • You can authorize up to five computers per Apple ID at the same time; deauthorizing one frees up a slot.
  • If you see a message saying "This computer is not authorized," that's the signal you need to complete this process.

Steps to authorize your MacBook in the TV app

Open the TV app on your Mac. You'll find it in the Applications folder or by searching for "TV" in Spotlight (press Command and Space together, then type TV).

Once the TV app opens, look at the menu bar at the very top of your screen. Click on TV, then select Account from the dropdown menu. A window will appear with your Apple ID information.

Click the button that says Authorize This Computer. Your Mac will ask you to sign in with your Apple ID and password. Enter both and click Authorize. Within seconds, you'll see a confirmation message saying your computer is now authorized.

If you don't see an "Authorize This Computer" button, your Mac is already authorized. You can close this window and start watching.

What to do if authorization fails

If you get an error message during authorization, the most common cause is that you've already authorized five computers on this Apple ID. Apple limits you to five authorized computers at a time as a security measure. You'll need to deauthorize one of your other computers before you can authorize this one.

To deauthorize a computer you no longer use, open the TV app on any authorized Mac, go to TV > Account, and look for a list of your authorized computers. Click the X or Remove button next to the computer you want to deauthorize. This frees up one authorization slot immediately.

If you're getting a different error — something about your password or connection — try signing out of your Apple ID completely, then signing back in. Go to TV > Account, click Sign Out, wait a few seconds, then sign back in with your Apple ID and password. Then try authorizing again.

Authorizing on a Mac you're selling or giving away

Before you hand off your MacBook to someone else, deauthorize it so your Apple ID is no longer linked to that machine. This protects your account and frees up an authorization slot for a future computer of your own.

Open the TV app, go to TV > Account, and click Deauthorize This Computer. You'll be asked to confirm with your Apple ID password. Once you do, that Mac can no longer play content you've purchased, even if someone signs in with their own Apple ID on it.

After deauthorizing, you can safely erase the Mac or pass it along. The new owner will be able to authorize it under their own Apple ID if they want to watch their own purchased content.

Why you might see "not authorized" even after authorizing

If you authorized your Mac but still see a message saying it's not authorized when you try to play something, the authorization may have expired or your internet connection may have dropped during the process. Try authorizing again using the same steps above — there's no penalty for authorizing multiple times.

Another reason this happens: you're trying to play content on a different user account on the same Mac. Authorization is tied to your Apple ID, not to the computer itself. If you have multiple user accounts on your MacBook, each person needs to authorize under their own Apple ID in the TV app to watch their own purchased content.

How to check which computers are authorized

You can see a list of all five computers authorized under your Apple ID at any time. Open the TV app, go to TV > Account, and look for the section showing your authorized computers. Each one will be listed by name, along with the date it was authorized.

If you see a computer on this list that you don't recognize or no longer own, click the X next to it to deauthorize it immediately. This is also a good security check if you think someone else may have accessed your Apple ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to authorize my MacBook if I only watch Apple TV+?

No. Apple TV+ is a subscription service and doesn't require authorization. You only need to authorize if you want to watch movies or TV shows you've purchased or rented through iTunes. If you only use Apple TV+, you can skip this step entirely.

Can I authorize the same Apple ID on more than five computers?

No. Apple limits you to five authorized computers per Apple ID. If you try to authorize a sixth one, you'll get an error message and will need to deauthorize one of your existing computers first. This limit resets if you change your Apple ID password.

What happens to my authorization if I change my Apple ID password?

Your authorizations stay in place. You don't need to re-authorize. However, if you change your password for security reasons, Apple may ask you to sign in again the next time you open the TV app, but the authorization itself remains active.

Can I authorize a MacBook that's not mine?

Technically yes, but you shouldn't. When you authorize a computer, you're linking your Apple ID to it. Anyone using that computer can then watch content you've purchased. Only authorize computers you own or have full control over.

How long does authorization last?

Authorization lasts indefinitely until you deauthorize the computer or change your Apple ID password. You don't need to renew it or re-authorize periodically. Once it's done, it stays done.