This guide explains how to deauthorize an old iPhone from your iTunes account on your computer. This is a crucial step if you've sold, given away, or are simply no longer using an old iPhone and want to prevent unauthorized access to your Apple Music, Apple Books, and other purchased content. Remember, iTunes is no longer available as a standalone app on newer versions of macOS or Windows; these instructions will primarily focus on using Finder (macOS Catalina 10.15 and later) and Music (macOS Monterey 12 and later, and Windows).
Why Deauthorize Your Old iPhone?
Before diving into the steps, it's essential to understand why deauthorizing your old iPhone is important. Deauthorizing prevents someone else from accessing your iTunes content, including:
- Apple Music: Prevents unauthorized streaming of your Apple Music library.
- Apple Books: Protects your e-books and audiobooks from unauthorized access.
- Purchased Apps and Movies: Limits access to apps and movies you've bought through the iTunes Store.
Leaving your old iPhone authorized could expose your account to security risks. Therefore, deauthorization is a vital security practice.
How to Deauthorize Your Old iPhone (Finder/Music App on macOS)
Since iTunes is no longer used on modern macOS systems, the process has shifted to the Finder and the Music app.
For macOS Catalina (10.15) and later:
- Connect your old iPhone: Plug your old iPhone into your computer using a USB cable.
- Open Finder: Locate and open the Finder application on your computer.
- Locate your iPhone: Your iPhone should appear in the Finder sidebar under "Locations." Click on it.
- Check "Summary": In the main panel, ensure that the "Summary" tab is selected.
- Deauthorize This Computer: You won't see a direct "Deauthorize" button here. This action is handled through your Apple ID account directly. See the next section on how to manage authorizations from Apple's website.
For macOS Monterey (12) and later:
The process is very similar to Catalina, using Finder as described above.
How to Deauthorize All Computers or Specific Computers from Your Apple ID Account
This is the most reliable method for deauthorizing your old devices regardless of your macOS version or whether you are using Windows. This method is also preferable for users who have more than one device authorized.
- Open a Web Browser: Go to your Apple ID account page. (appleid.apple.com)
- Sign In: Log in with your Apple ID and password.
- Navigate to Devices: Look for a section related to your devices (this may vary slightly depending on the website's layout).
- View Authorized Devices: You'll see a list of all the computers and devices currently authorized to access your Apple content.
- Deauthorize Specific Devices: Select the computer linked to your old iPhone and follow the on-screen instructions to deauthorize it.
- Deauthorize All Computers: If you want a complete clean, you'll typically find an option to deauthorize all computers. Use caution with this option as it will require you to re-authorize your current devices.
How to Deauthorize an Old iPhone Using the Music App (Windows)
On Windows computers, using the Music app (formerly iTunes):
- Open the Music App: Launch the Music app on your Windows computer.
- Account: Go to Account, typically found under the menu bar at the top.
- Authorizations: Within Account settings, look for the "Authorizations" option.
- Deauthorize This Computer: You'll see an option to deauthorize the current computer. Click this to remove the authorization. You may also find the option to deauthorize all computers.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Device Not Showing Up: Ensure your iPhone is properly connected and that your computer recognizes it. Try a different USB cable or port.
- Unable to Find the Deauthorization Option: The location of the deauthorization option may vary slightly depending on your operating system and the version of the Music app. Refer to Apple's official support documentation for the most up-to-date instructions.
By following these steps, you can successfully deauthorize your old iPhone and protect your Apple content. Remember, regular security checks and maintenance are vital for protecting your digital assets.
