How to Deauthorize a Computer from iTunes Remotely
It's a common story: You authorize a computer for iTunes on a home computer, then at work, then on a new computer, and so on. Authorization helps protect the copyrights on the content you buy, but soon enough you’ve maxed out the ability to authorize five computers. And sometimes when it’s time to deauthorize a computer to add another one, that computer isn’t in front of you, it doesn't work anymore or you no longer work at the same company.
It's also easy to forget to deauthorize a computer before you sell it, give it away or get it serviced. So here are a few simple steps to deauthorize all computers associated with your account:
After you have reached 5 authorizations – and don’t have any of the previously-registered computers in front of you -- reset your authorization count by clicking Deauthorize All in the Account Information screen in iTunes via another computer.
1. Click iTunes Store in the menu on the left side of iTunes.
2. If you're not signed in to the store, click the Account button, then enter your account name and password.
3. Click the Account button again (your ID appears on the button), enter your password, and then click View Account.
4. In the Account Information window, click Deauthorize All.
However, iTunes only allows you to take advantage of this feature once each year. The Deauthorize All button will not appear if you have fewer than 5 authorized computers, or if you have used this option within the last 12 months.
If you are looking to just deauthorize only one of the computers you have registered with iTunes – and have it in front of you -- follow these steps:
1. Open iTunes and choose Store > Deauthorize Computer (In earlier versions of iTunes, access this option from the Advanced menu).
2. Select "Deauthorize Computer for Apple Account" and enter your Apple ID and password. Apple advises that you deauthorize your computer before you upgrade your RAM, hard disk or other system components, or reinstall Windows. If you do not deauthorize your computer before you upgrade these components, one computer may use multiple authorizations.
And finally, to authorize a computer to play purchases using your Apple Account, use these simple steps:
1. Select a song , video, or audiobook you've purchased (in your library or the Purchased playlist).
2. Click the Play button.
If the computer is already authorized, the item plays. If the computer has not yet been authorized, iTunes asks you to enter the Apple ID and password you used to purchase the song.
