Apple Music Error Code 5: How to Fix It

Easy 5-15 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
Summarize with ChatGPTSummarize with ClaudeSummarize with Perplexity Add as Preferred Source on Google
Error Code
5
Brand
Apple Music
Product Type
music_streaming
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
5-15 minutes
Apple Music Error Code 5 means your device is not authorized to play content from your Apple Music or iTunes account. This typically happens when you've exceeded the maximum number of authorized devices, switched Apple IDs, or your authorization has been reset. The good news is this is almost always fixable in just a few minutes through your account settings.
Ad

Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 5

  1. Check Your Apple ID Sign-In

  2. Authorize This Computer or Device

    Apple limits authorization to 5 computers per Apple ID per year. Deauthorizing all devices counts as one use of this annual reset.

  3. Deauthorize All Devices and Re-Authorize

    Deauthorizing all computers will immediately sign out purchased content playback on all your other devices. Only do this if you no longer have access to previously authorized machines.

  4. Sign Out and Sign Back In to Apple Music

  5. Update Your Device Software and the Music App

  6. Check Your Apple Music Subscription Status

  7. Reset Network Settings or Check Internet Connection

    Resetting network settings will remove all saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN configurations. Make sure you know your Wi-Fi passwords before proceeding.
Ad

When to Call a Professional

If you have completed all steps above and still see Error Code 5, contact Apple Support directly at support.apple.com or call 1-800-275-2273. You may need Apple's help if your Apple ID has been locked, if there is a billing issue on your account, or if a technical problem on Apple's end is preventing authorization. Apple Support can also manually reset your device authorizations if you are locked out of the self-service option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Apple Music Error Code 5 mean?
Error Code 5 on Apple Music means the device you are trying to use is not authorized to play content linked to your Apple ID. This can happen if you've hit the 5-device authorization limit, recently changed your Apple ID, or your session has expired and needs to be refreshed.
How many devices can I authorize with Apple Music?
Apple allows you to authorize up to 5 computers (Mac or PC) per Apple ID. iPhones and iPads are automatically authorized when you sign in with your Apple ID and do not count toward this 5-device computer limit.
Why does Apple Music keep showing Error Code 5 even after I authorize my computer?
If the error persists after authorization, try signing completely out of your Apple ID in the Music app or iTunes and signing back in. Also confirm your Apple Music subscription is active and that your software is up to date. If issues continue, contact Apple Support as there may be an account-level problem.
Can I deauthorize all devices to fix Apple Music Error Code 5?
Yes. If you have reached the 5-computer limit, you can deauthorize all computers once every 12 months through iTunes or the Music app under Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize All Computers. After doing this, re-authorize only the devices you are currently using.
Does Apple Music Error Code 5 mean my subscription was cancelled?
Not necessarily. Error Code 5 is primarily an authorization issue, not a subscription issue. However, a lapsed subscription can sometimes produce similar errors. It is worth checking your subscription status under Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions on your iPhone or iPad to rule this out.

Related Error Codes