Extra authorized computers in iTunes

Article

Extra authorized computers in iTunes

Ask iLounge offers readers the opportunity to get answers to their iPod-, iPhone-, iPad-, iTunes-, or Apple TV-related questions from a member of the iLounge editorial team. We'll answer several questions here each week, and of course, you can always get help with more immediate concerns from the iLounge Discussion Forums. Submit your questions for consideration using our Ask iLounge Submit Form. We reserve the right to edit questions for grammar, spelling, and length.

View the complete Ask iLounge archives...

Q: My iTunes account says that I have 4 devices, when I really just have one. How do I delete the other 3 so that I only have one registered for my account?

- Michael

A: The three other devices may represent a computer or computers that you previously owned, or it may simply be that you have reinstalled your operating system or performed a significant hardware upgrade on your computer without deauthorizing it first. iTunes uses aspects of your computer’s hardware configuration and operating system to uniquely identify your computer, so any significant changes to either will cause iTunes to assume that you are authorizing a different computer. For this reason, you should always deauthorize your computer before reinstalling the operating system, performing major hardware upgrades, or sending it in for service.

There is no way to remove a specific authorization if the computer or configuration that it is assigned to is no longer accessible. iTunes does allow you to reset ALL of your authorizations once per year, but only once you have reached the five computer limit—at that point a “Deauthorize All” button will appear on your iTunes Store account page beside the number of authorizations. Until then, however, you still have an empty authorization ‘slot’ remaining, so there’s no need to be particularly concerned about removing the other three phantom authorizations.

The most asked question at iLounge.com:

How do I copy content from my iPod/iPhone onto my computer?

Converting DVDs, web video, TV shows and more:

The Complete Guide to iPod, Apple TV and iPhone Video Formats

Converting DVDs, web video, TV shows and more:

The Complete Guide to iPod, iPhone and Apple TV Video Conversion (Mac)

Converting DVDs, web video, TV shows and more:

The Complete Guide to iPod, iPhone and Apple TV Video Conversion (Win)

Best Speakers?

Best Headphones?

Best Case?

Best In-Car Solution?

Best Battery Extender?

Find more answers in the latest publications in our Library. Free downloads developed by the editors of iLounge!

Ask iLounge Archives:

5-16-13: Remove old iCloud backup after restoring to a new iPhone

5-15-13: Setting up a ringtone in iTunes

5-14-13: Using a Wi-Fi hard drive with an iPad

5-13-13: Backing up and restoring an iPod classic

5-10-13: Can’t restore iPod touch without passcode

View the complete Ask iLounge archives...

« Adding music to multiple iTunes libraries

iPad 3G and International use »

Comments

If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.

Recent Reviews

New Deals

Shop for Accessories: Cases, speakers, chargers, etc.

iLounge

Article