How to fix a computer that is not authorized to play iTunes music

iTunes can play most media files, including those purchased from the iTunes Music Store. However, sometimes iTunes seems to forget that you are authorized to play legally purchased music. There are many reasons why this issue could occur, and everyone has a fix for it.

In this guide, we’re going to show you how to fix the iTunes reauthorization issue.

With macOS Catalina, Apple replaced iTunes with apps for every type of media: music, books, TV, and podcasts. In this guide, we use the terms “iTunes” and “Music” interchangeably.

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Reasons iTunes says some songs are not authorized

Re-authorization is requested when you start iTunes, select a song or song to listen to, and receive a message saying that you do not have permission to play that song. The most common cause of this problem is when your iTunes library contains songs purchased by other user accounts or Apple IDs, and some of these profiles are not allowed to access certain content.

You’ll need to manually authorize devices to download and play music from iTunes in the cloud – a common media platform that allows users to access the same content from different computers or mobile devices.

If you enter your Apple ID and password when prompted and the song still asks for authorization, the song might be purchased using a different Apple ID. Your Mac needs authorization for each Apple ID used to buy the music you want to play. The problem is that you may not remember what Apple ID was used for a specific song. However, it’s easy to figure it out.

Find out how to fix iTunes says you are not authorized

Follow the steps below to resolve the authorization request and regain access to your music library.

1. Authorize the computer used. From Account in the iTunes / Music app, select Permissions > Authorize this PC , and then enter your Apple ID and password. This hotfix should fix most media authorization problems.

   

2. Manage authorized devices. If you still get the same message, check which devices are authorized to download and play iTunes cloud purchases. Go to Account Information in iTunes / Music. Then check which devices have access to iTunes in the cloud, remove those devices, or deauthorize Apple ID accounts.

   

3. Deauthorize unused or unwanted devices. You may have too many devices associated with your Apple ID. iTunes allows you to share music from your iTunes library with up to 10 devices, of which only five are computers. If you are allowed to share too many computers, you cannot add more computers without first removing the computer from the list.

4. Log in to the administrator account. If the Apple ID is correct but iTunes still requires authorization, you may be logged in with a Mac user account that does not have the necessary permissions. From the Apple menu, select Sign Out [username] , and then sign in with an administrator account. After logging in with an administrator account, run iTunes, select Authorize This Computer from the Store menu and enter the appropriate Apple ID and password. Log out again, then log in to your user account and play the song again.

5. Delete the SC Info folder. If you’re still stuck in the authorization loop, one of the files iTunes uses in the authorization process may be corrupted. The easiest solution is to delete the file and then reauthorize your Mac. First you need to make invisible items visible. Once there, open a Finder window and go to / Users / Shared find the folder named SC Info and drag it to the trash. Finally, restart iTunes and authorize your computer as instructed in step 1.

6. Contact Apple Support. If you’re still getting authorization messages and are unable to play music, contact Apple Customer Service or make an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar.