Some of you may have come across this annoying prompt, “You cannot authorize more than 5 computers”, when you try to sync your iPhone or iPap or other iOS devices with iTunes. I cannot even remember when I authorized 5 computers in the first place, but it may have happened because I have formatted my computer which I use to sync my iPhone few times in the past. This article will tell you how we can de-authorize all the computers and authorize the one you are trying right now and get going with syncing your device.
About Authorizing and Deauthorizing in iTunes Store
Authorizing and de-authorizing a computer to use with your iPhone or iPad or other iDevices allows you to manage the computers that can sync apps, books, music, movies, audiobooks, podcasts, etc. that you have purchased from iTunes Store. As of now, Apple allows you to sync your device with 5 different computers. By authorizing a computer, you are giving the computer permission to automatically download updates, podcasts, audiobooks and other purchases using your Apple ID.
How to Deauthorize a Computer
If you already know which are the computers you have authorized, then deauthorizing one of those computers is pretty easy. But if you do not know, like in my case, then it can be a bit tricky. Let’s first look at how to de-authorize a computer, for e.g. the one you have your iPhone or other iDevices connected right now.
Step 1: Open iTunes, ensure your iPhone or iDevices are connected to the computer.
Step 2: Click on Store menu >> Deauthorize this computer (if you are using iTunes 10. In older versions of iTunes, this can be accessed from Advanced menu)
Step 3: Enter your Apple ID and Password when asked.
How to Deauthorize all 5 Computers You Have Previously Authorized
This option is very useful if you have no idea which are the 5 computers you have authorized or never authorized 5 computers at all, like in my case. To deauthorize computers in such cases, follow the steps below;
Step 1: Open iTunes >> Click on iTunes Store appearing at the left side of the window.
Step 2: Log in to your iTunes Store by clicking on to Store >> Sign in…Enter your Apple ID and Password
Step 3: Click on your account name appearing at the top right corner >> It will prompt you to enter the password again >> Click on View Account
Step 4: You will now be able to see your iTunes Store account details now. Scroll down to “Computer Authorization” under Apple ID Summary. Click on “Deauthorise All” >> Click “Deauthorise all computers” when prompted. You will see a message saying “Deauthorisation completed”.
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