Introduction
Logging out of your iTunes account can be useful for a number of reasons. You may want to log out if you are using a shared computer and don’t want others accessing your account. Or you may need to log out if you are troubleshooting account issues. Fortunately, logging out of your iTunes account is a quick and simple process. In this 5000 word guide, we will provide a comprehensive overview of how to log out of your iTunes account on all your devices.
Benefits of Logging Out of Your iTunes Account
Here are some of the main reasons you may want to log out of your iTunes account:
Using a Shared Computer
If you use iTunes on a shared computer, like at work or school, you’ll want to make sure to log out when you are done. This prevents others from accessing your account and personal information. It also stops iTunes from automatically opening your library when someone else tries to use iTunes.
Troubleshooting Account Issues
Sometimes there may be strange errors or problems with your iTunes account. Logging out and back in can often resolve minor glitches. Resetting your account connection is a quick troubleshooting step worth trying.
Switching iTunes Accounts
If your family shares an iTunes account, you may need to switch between accounts. Log out of one account before logging into another one on the same device.
When Selling Your Device
Don’t forget to log out before selling or giving away your iPod, iPhone, iPad or computer. This removes your personal account info and prevents the next owner from accessing your purchased content.
General Privacy & Security
As a best practice, you should periodically log out of services to protect your private data. This limits access if your device is lost, stolen or compromised. Logging out can give you peace of mind.
How to Log Out of iTunes on iPhone or iPad
Logging out of your iTunes account on your iPhone or iPad will sign you out of iTunes Store, App Store, Apple Books, Apple TV, and other media services. Here’s how to log out:
Via Settings
1. Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
2. Scroll down and tap on your Apple ID banner at the top of the screen. It will show your name and email address.
3. Tap on Media & Purchases.
4. Tap on Sign Out.
5. Confirm by tapping Sign Out again in the pop-up prompt.
This will immediately log you out of all iTunes services on your iPhone or iPad. You’ll need to enter your password again the next time you make an iTunes or App Store purchase.
Via iTunes Store
You can also log out specifically from the iTunes Store on iOS:
1. Open the App Store app.
2. Tap on your profile icon in the top right.
3. Scroll down and tap Sign Out.
4. Confirm by tapping Sign Out again.
This just signs you out of iTunes purchases but leaves you logged into iCloud and other iOS services. Use the Settings method to fully log out.
Logging Out of iTunes on Mac
On a Mac computer, here is how to log out of your iTunes account:
Via iTunes App
1. Launch the iTunes app on your Mac.
2. Click on Account in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
3. Select Sign Out from the dropdown menu.
4. Confirm again that you want to sign out.
This will immediately log you out of your iTunes account and all related services. You will be prompted to enter your password next time you access iTunes Store or Apple Music.
Via System Preferences
You can also log out via the Apple ID section of System Preferences:
1. Click the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen and select System Preferences.
2. Click on your Apple ID near the top of the window.
3. Select the Overview tab if not already selected.
4. Click on the Sign Out button near the bottom right.
5. Re-enter your password and confirm you want to sign out.
This will log you out of iCloud, iTunes, and all other Apple services on your Mac. Use this method for a full logout.
Logging Out of iTunes on Windows PC
On a Windows 10 PC, here is how to log out from your iTunes account:
Via iTunes App
1. Open the iTunes app.
2. Click on Account in the menu bar at the top.
3. Select Sign Out from the dropdown menu.
4. Confirm again you want to sign out.
You will now be signed out of iTunes on your Windows computer. Simply closing the iTunes app does not properly log you out.
Via Settings App
You can also use the Windows 10 Settings app:
1. Open Settings and select Accounts.
2. Select Sign in with a Microsoft account instead.
3. Click on Sign out.
4. Choose Sign out again on the confirmation screen.
This will sign you out of all Microsoft accounts and services, including iTunes. Use this method for a full system logout.
Logging Out of iTunes on the Web
To log out of iTunes on the web:
1. Go to https://appleid.apple.com.
2. Click on Manage your Apple ID and sign in if required.
3. Scroll down and click on Sign Out near the bottom.
4. Select Sign Out again in the confirmation prompt.
This will remotely sign you out of all iTunes services on all your connected devices. Use this web method to easily logout everywhere at once.
What Happens When You Log Out of iTunes?
Here are some key things that happen after you log out of your iTunes account:
Access is Disabled
You will no longer be automatically logged into iTunes or App Store on any of your devices. You won’t be able to make purchases or access content subscribed via other Apple accounts.
iCloud is Unaffected
Logging out of iTunes does NOT logout you from iCloud as well. Your iCloud account with contacts, calendars, photos, etc. will remain logged in. Be sure to fully logout iCloud separately if desired.
Media is Still Available
Any music, movies, TV shows, books or other content you purchased is still available after logging out. Your purchased media licenses are perpetual. But you can’t re-download or stream anything until logged back in.
You Can Switch Accounts
After logging out, you can log back into iTunes with a different Apple ID. This allows seamless switching between family member accounts.
Automatic Syncing Disabled
Any automatic syncing set up between iTunes on your computer and iOS devices will stop working after logout. You’ll need to log back in to re-enable wireless iTunes sync.
Now that you know exactly what happens, you can feel comfortable logging out from your account as needed.
Important Notes About iTunes Logout
Here are some additional important notes about logging out from iTunes:
Stay Logged In on Personal Devices
Typically you should remain logged into iTunes on your iPhone, iPad and home computer for convenience. Only log out on shared or public devices.
You Can’t Log Out Mid-Stream
If you are currently listening to Apple Music or watching Apple TV+, you cannot log out until the song, video or download completes. This prevents errors.
Check iCloud Separately
Remember that logging out from iTunes does not affect your iCloud account. Be sure to check your iCloud settings if your goal is to logout from all Apple services.
You Can’t Log Out During a Purchase
iTunes will prevent you from logging out if you are in the middle of an iTunes Store purchase or transaction. Wait until it fully completes first.
Purchased Apps Remain Intact
Even after logging out, all of your previously installed apps from the App Store will remain on your iOS devices and Macs. Just your account access and licenses are removed.
You Can Log Back In Anytime
There is no timeout or waiting period required. You can immediately log back into your iTunes account after logging out from any device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s review some commonly asked questions about logging out from your iTunes account:
Does logging out disable App Store purchases?
Yes, logging out prevents purchases of new paid apps or media until you log back in. Existing free apps remain but can’t be updated.
Does logout stop iCloud sync between my iPhone and Mac?
No, logging out of iTunes does not affect iCloud syncing features. But logging out from your iCloud account itself will halt iCloud syncs.
Can I see my purchase history after logging out?
No, you can’t view your previous iTunes Store purchases or download history until logging back into your account.
Do my downloaded songs and videos get deleted if I logout?
No, nothing is deleted after logging out of iTunes. But you won’t be able to play or access purchased media until logging back in.
If I’m logged in on my iPad, do I also have to log out on my iPhone?
No, you can selectively log out from any single device without affecting others. But for full account access removal logging out universally is best.
Can I log out on Windows but remain logged in on my Mac?
Yes, you can be logged into the same iTunes account on some devices while logged out on others. Logging out occurs independently on each device.
What is the easiest device to log out from iTunes on?
The simplest way to comprehensively log out everywhere is going to https://appleid.apple.com and clicking the logout button there.
Troubleshooting iTunes Logout
On rare occasions, you may encounter issues while trying to log out from iTunes. Here is how to troubleshoot problems:
Restart Your Device
If you can’t log out via Settings or the iTunes app, try restarting your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Windows PC first. This will reset any stuck processes.
Check the iTunes Store
Open the iTunes Store app specifically and try logging out from there. Sometimes it works when Settings does not.
Try Again Later
There could be a temporary server outage or glitch preventing logout. Wait a bit and attempt logging out again after a few hours.
Log Out On the Web
Go to https://appleid.apple.com, login, and use the logout button there. This is almost guaranteed to log you out on all devices.
Contact Apple Support
For persistent issues logging out, contact Apple Support via online chat or phone for assistance troubleshooting. They can confirm if your account was properly logged out.
Check Other Devices
Make sure you have fully logged out on all your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows, and Apple TV devices. Missing one can cause problems.
Reset Your Account
As a last resort, you can reset your Apple ID password at https://iforgot.apple.com. This forces a logout everywhere and lets you start fresh.
With a few simple troubleshooting tips, you can easily resolve any problems logging out of iTunes when necessary.
Conclusion
Logging out of your iTunes account is a quick and simple process on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Windows PC, and the web. In most cases, just a few clicks will disable access to your account and sign you out from all services. Keep in mind that logging out is different than fully resetting your Apple ID password, which more comprehensively forces a fresh logout on all devices. Logging out selectively logs you out only where you choose, while still remembering your devices and settings for easy login next time. Use these tips to properly log out from iTunes whenever needed to manage account security and access when using shared machines.