How to Deauthorize a Dead Computer on iTunes

Apple uses computer authorization to protect artists' copyrights.

Apple lets you authorize up to five computers to download and play your iTunes Store purchases using your Apple ID. You can deauthorize a computer as well, thus freeing up room for a different computer to be authorized. If one of your five authorizations is a dead computer you can no longer access, you can still deauthorize it -- but you must deauthorize all five authorized computers at the same time. Apple lets you mass deauthorize your computers once per 12 months.

Things You'll Need

• Working computer, in addition to dead one
• iTunes software
• Apple ID

Instructions

1. Launch iTunes.

2. Click "Store" in the left-hand menu.

3. Click "Sign In" in the upper-right-hand area of the iTunes Store view of iTunes if you are not already signed in. Type your Apple ID and password. Click "Sign In."

4. Click the downward-facing arrow to the right of your Apple ID in the upper-right-hand area of iTunes, then click "Account."

5. Click the "Deauthorize All" button that appears to the right of "Computer Authorizations."

References

• Apple Support: About iTunes Store Authorization and Deauthorization