How to authorize your MacBook for Apple Music

Syncing Apple Music® across your Apple® devices is usually seamless—but that’s not always the case with a MacBook®. If you’re having trouble playing your purchased songs, you may need to authorize your device first. The good news? It’s a quick fix. Asurion Experts will show you how to get your MacBook set up so you can start listening without interruptions.

Check your current authorization status

The simplest way to check your MacBook's current authorization status is to follow these simple steps.

1. Launch the Apple Music app in your Applications folder or Dock.
2. In the menu bar at the top of your screen, click on Account.
3. Select Authorizations from the Account menu.
4. Check the status.

If you see Authorize This Computer, your MacBook is not currently authorized.

If you see Deauthorize This Computer, your MacBook is authorized.

Authorizing your MacBook for Apple Music

You'll need to authorize the device with your Apple ID to use your Apple Music subscription from your MacBook. Here is how to authorize a MacBook to access your Apple Music downloads from the iTunes store:

1. Launch the Apple Music app in your Applications folder or Dock.
2. In the menu bar at the top of your screen, click on Account > Authorizations.
3. Select Authorize This Computer.
4. A window asking you to sign in with your Apple ID and password will pop up. Enter your details and click Sign In.
5. Finally, click Authorize to complete the process. 

Verifying authorized devices

Apple allows you to connect a maximum of 10 devices to one account. Always verify authorized devices to ensure no unknown items take up valuable slots. Verifying all authorized devices also keeps you in control of your security by immediately removing potentially malicious devices

How to deauthorize your MacBook

If you are selling or disposing of your MacBook, you'll need to deauthorize the device. Before doing so, it might be a good idea to factory reset your MacBook.

1. Launch the Apple Music app in your Applications folder or Dock.
2. Click on Account > Account Settings in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
3. Sign in with your Apple ID, if necessary.
4. Click Manage Devices or Manage Linked Devices.
5. From the list of authorized devices, locate your MacBook and click Remove next to it.
6. A pop-up window will appear asking you to confirm you want to remove your MacBook. Click Remove again.

FAQ 

How many devices can I authorize for Apple Music?

You can authorize up to 10 devices with the same Apple Music ID. It is important to note that only up to 5 of these devices can be computers, including Macs. The other five will be non-Apple mobile devices. Why non-Apple mobile devices specifically? Your iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs do not need to be authorized, as they sync automatically with your Apple Music ID, so they don't count towards your 10-device limit.  

What should I do if I forget to deauthorize old devices?

Don't worry if you forget to deauthorize old devices. You can do it anytime from a browser. Start by going to account.apple.com/sign-in to sign in. Then, click Devices in the left-hand menu and select the device you want to remove. Scroll down and click Remove from Account. 

Is authorizing my MacBook necessary for all Apple Music features?

You can access some Apple Music features without authorizing your MacBook, but it is necessary to authorize your MacBook for Apple Music if you want to access all available features. 

For example, you need to authorize your MacBook if you want to listen to music offline and play iTunes purchases. Authorizing proves ownership and gives you a wider range of access to your account. 

If you have not authorized your MacBook, you can still stream music from the entire Apple Music catalog, but this requires you to be online. You can still create and edit playlists within the Apple Music app without authorizing your MacBook. 

If you're having trouble with playback, free up storage on your MacBook, if needed. You can also check out these tips for fixing the sound issues on your MacBook.