It can be confusing if, when you start playing a track, the system displays an error message stating that this computer is not authorized for Apple Music, especially when you're already signed in to your Apple Account. In most cases, computer authorization is related to accessing Apple Account purchases, such as music bought from the iTunes Store, rather than simply using an Apple Music subscription.
The authorization process is available on both Mac and Windows, although the menu names are slightly different. You can also check how many computers are authorized, remove an old authorization, or use Apple's "Deauthorize All" option when you no longer have access to a previous computer. Here is how to authorize and deauthorize a computer for Apple Music on Mac and Windows PC and get your music playing again.
What Does Authorize Machine Mean on Apple Music?
Apple Music uses your Apple Account for several different things, and signing in, authorizing a computer, and associating a device aren't quite the same. Computer authorization gives a particular Mac or Windows PC permission to access Apple Account purchases. This can matter when you're trying to play or redownload music purchased from the iTunes Store.
By contrast, signing in to Apple Music connects the app to your Apple Account and, if applicable, your Apple Music subscription and music library. So if you're simply trying to stream Apple Music, you may only need to sign in. If a song is asking you to authorize the computer, it means that specific track is a purchased file, not a streamed file.
| Setting | What It Generally Does |
|---|---|
| Computer authorization | Allows a computer to access Apple Account purchases |
| Apple Music sign-in | Connects Apple Music with your Apple Account and subscription/library |
| Associated devices | Manages devices associated with your Apple Account for purchases |
| Hidden purchases | Controls whether certain purchases are visible for redownloading |
A computer can therefore be signed in to your Apple Account without that automatically meaning the computer has been authorized for purchases.
How to Authorize Apple Music on Mac/Windows PC
The process to authorize your machine depends on your operating system and the specific app you are using. Apple has recently fragmented this experience by introducing a dedicated Apple Music app for Windows 11, which looks quite different from the legacy iTunes interface.
How to Authorize MacBook for Apple Music
On a Mac running a modern version of macOS, the authorization option is available directly from the Apple Music account menu within the native Apple Music app.
Step 1. Open the Music app from your dock or Launchpad and navigate to the top menu bar and click on Account.
Step 2. Hover over Authorizations and *select *Authorize This Computer.
Step 3. Enter your Apple Account password when prompted and select Authorize.
How to Authorize Windows for Apple Music
Windows users who have downloaded the newer, standalone Apple Music app will find the settings in a slightly different location compared to legacy software.
Step 1. Launch the Apple Music app on your Windows PC, look at the bottom of the left sidebar, and click your profile name.
Step 2. Choose Authorize Machine, sign in with the Apple Account associated with your purchases, and then click Authorize.
More Tips: Still Using iTunes on Windows?
Some Windows users may still have iTunes installed instead of Apple's newer media apps. In iTunes, the authorization route remains: Account > Authorizations > Authorize This Computer
Afterward, you can check your account information to see the number of authorized computers. You can go to Account and then Account Settings on Mac, or go to your name in Apple Music and choose View My Account on a Windows PC, and look for Computer Authorizations in your account information.
How to Deauthorize a Computer for Apple Music
Apple allows an Apple Account to have up to five authorized computers at a time. If you hit your 5-computer limit, you won't be able to authorize a new device. Because of this, if you still have access to a computer that you no longer use, it's better to remove its authorization individually before selling or recycling it.
-
On Mac: Apple Music > Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer
- On Windows: Apple Music > your name > Deauthorize Machine
If your old computers are already lost, broken, or sold, you aren't permanently locked out. You can go into your Account Settings and use the Deauthorize All feature to wipe the slate clean. However, use this wisely: Apple strictly limits the "Deauthorize All" function to once per year.
Troubleshooting: Why Won't Purchased Music Play After Authorization?
If you've successfully authorized the computer but the track still refuses to play, don't just keep clicking Authorize. Repeatedly authorizing the same machine can glitch out and eat up your 5-computer limit. Instead, check these common culprits:
- Wrong Apple Account: Ensure you are signed in to the exact Apple Account that originally purchased the song. Using another account is one possible reason purchased content may not appear as expected.
- Hidden Purchases: Check your account settings to see if the purchase was accidentally hidden.
- Catalog Changes: Occasionally, older purchased files are removed from the Apple ecosystem by the publisher, rendering them unplayable even on authorized machines.
Ultimately, keeping your Apple Music app running smoothly just requires separating your streaming habits from your purchase history. Make sure your device has the right permissions, keep an eye on your 5-computer limit, and your library will be ready whenever you hit play.
Bonus: How to Download Apple Music Locally on Mac and Windows
Apple's authorization limits and subscription requirements exist strictly because of DRM (Digital Rights Management). While Apple Music allows offline downloads, you do not actually own those files. Once your subscription expires, or if you simply log out, your downloads vanish. Furthermore, you cannot transfer these restricted files to standalone MP3 players or unsupported portable devices.
To bypass these restrictions permanently, you can use DRmare Apple Music Converter. This dedicated tool extracts your Apple Music tracks and saves them as unrestricted local files on your hard drive, allowing you to keep them forever and play them on any device.
Step 1. Install the free trial of DRmare Apple Music Converter via the 'Download' button above. Then open it and you can click on the '+' > 'Add to List' button to load Apple Music songs.
Step 2. Click on the 'DRmare Apple Music Converter' icon from the Apple menu bar and choose the 'Preferences', and you can customize the output parameters of Apple Music songs. You can alter the output format, codec, channel, sample rate, and others.
Step 3. Click the big 'Convert' button at the bottom right to start the conversion speed. This software will work at 30X to download your loaded Apple Music songs with the parameters you set before.
Step 4. To find your downloaded Apple Music files, click on the 'Converted' button at the bottom right. You can also locate them on your computer's local folder by clicking the 'folder' icon.
FAQs About Apple Music Authorization
Can I authorize Apple Music without an Apple Music subscription?
Yes. Computer authorization isn't dependent on having an Apple Music subscription. It is primarily associated with accessing Apple Account purchases on an authorized computer.
How many computers can I authorize on Apple Music?
An Apple Account can have up to five authorized computers at a time. Mac and Windows PCs count toward the same limit.
Does my iPhone count as an authorized computer?
No. iPhones and iPads don't count toward the five-computer authorization limit.
Can I authorize Apple Music on another computer remotely?
No. The computer that needs authorization has to be accessible so you can perform the authorization there.
In Conclusion
For most people searching for how to authorize Apple Music, the key is figuring out what needs authorization. If you're using an Apple Music subscription, signing in with the correct Apple Account is all you need. If you're trying to play or redownload an Apple Account purchase on a Mac or Windows PC, computer authorization is required.
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