How To Authorize MacBook for Apple TV & Apple TV+: An Easy 5-Step Visual Guide

Have you ever tried watching a movie on the Apple TV app on your MacBook only to get an error saying the content can‘t play? Annoying, isn‘t it?

Don‘t worry – this happens because your MacBook isn‘t authorized to access the movies, shows, Apple Music tracks, and Apple TV+ subscriptions tied to your Apple ID.

The good news? Authorization takes just minutes.

In this quick visual guide, you‘ll learn:

• The difference between the Apple TV app and Apple TV+
• Why additional authorization is required on MacBooks
• How to authorize Apple TV in 5 simple steps
• Troubleshooting tips for a smooth process
• How to deauthorize when needed

Let‘s get yourMacBook and Apple content playing nicely together, shall we?

Apple TV vs. Apple TV+ – What‘s the Difference?

Before jumping into the step-by-step instructions, I want to clarify the difference between two things:

1. The Apple TV app
2. The Apple TV+ streaming service

This table summarizes it nicely:

So in a nutshell:

• Apple TV: Gateway to all your purchased and rented iTunes media
• Apple TV+: Netflix-like streaming service from Apple

Both require the Apple TV app. But even though it comes built-in to your MacBook, you still need to authorize it to access your content and subscriptions.

Which leads us to…

Why Apple TV Authorization is Required on MacBooks

When you first set up a new MacBook, you sign in with your Apple ID to link things like app purchases, iCloud backups, and more.

So why does the Apple TV app – which comes standard on all Macs – need another round of authorization?

Good question! Here are the reasons why:

• The Apple TV and Apple Music apps verify access specifically to premium media purchases – like iTunes movies and Apple Music subscriptions. This ensures only you have rights to play that content.
• Your individual Apple ID contains unique playlists, listening history, subscriptions, and other personalized info that requires direct account access permission.
• Authorization also enables full iCloud integration and syncing across devices like iPhones and iPads linked to the same Apple ID.
• Periodic re-authorization is needed as computer licenses can expire after a while.

Basically, think of it as getting VIP access passes to all of your own Apple entertainment content!

Ready to get authorized and access your personal media library? Let‘s get you up and running…

Step-By-Step: How to Authorize Apple TV on a MacBook

Authorization requires just 5 quick steps:

Step 1: Open the Apple TV App

Click the Apple TV app icon in your dock to launch it.

The app logo is a solid black square with a white outlined TV icon.

Don‘t see it in your dock? You can also find it using Launchpad or Spotlight Search.

Upon first launch, the app may automatically prompt you to sign into your Apple ID. If so, proceed directly to Step 3.

If no prompt appears, move on to Step 2.

Step 2: Navigate to Account > Authorizations

From the top menu bar, select Account, then hover over Authorizations in the drop-down menu. This will display the authorization options.

Finally, click Authorize This Computer…

(Note: If you don‘t see the Authorizations submenu, skip ahead to Step 4 for an alternative method).

Step 3: Enter Apple ID Password

Next, a pop-up dialog box will appear prompting you to enter your Apple ID password.

This is the password associated with the Apple ID you use for purchases and subscriptions. Enter it, then click Next.

If enabled, you may need to complete two-factor authentication at this point by entering a verification code sent to one of your trusted devices.

Step 4: Click "Authorize"

Once signed in to your Apple ID account, make sure to click the Authorize button in the top right corner of the pop-up window.

If you don‘t see an Authorize pop-up, try signing out completely from your Apple ID account instead. You can do this from the Account menu > Sign Out. Then re-open the app and sign back in with your credentials.

Step 5: Enjoy Access to Apple TV & Subscriptions!

That‘s it! Apple TV is now authorized successfully. You‘ll now have access to any movies, TV shows, Apple Music songs, and Apple TV+ subscriptions purchased under this Apple ID.

Sit back and enjoy your personal media library!

Deauthorizing Apple TV (When Needed)

At some point down the line, you may need to deauthorize Apple TV access on your MacBook.

Why would you need or want to remove authorization? There are a few scenarios:

• Selling or gifting your computer – Remove personal data & content access
• Account security – Deauthorize devices you no longer own
• Manage licenses – Apple limits authorizations on 5 computers per year
• Troubleshooting issues – Start fresh if experiencing authorization difficulties

Thankfully, deauthorizing is just as quick as the initial process:

1. Open Apple TV and select Account > Authorizations
2. Choose Deauthorize This Computer
3. Enter Apple ID password & click Deauthorize

Poof! Your Apple account is detached and private data protected. Rinse and repeat steps 1-5 above on any new Mac you wish you to authorize.

Extra Authorization Tips & Tricks

Here are a few additional pointers for ensuring a smooth, successful Apple TV authorization process:

• Make sure you have a stable internet connection throughout. Dropped WiFi can interfere with login prompts and communication between devices/servers.
• The Apple ID entered during authorization should match the one associated with your Apple TV+ subscription payment info. You can confirm by checking iTunes/App Store > Apple ID in settings.
• Don‘t see expected movies or Apple Music tracks after authorizing? Try restarting the Apple TV app fully. Also check if iCloud sync is enabled in System Preferences.
• Stuck on a loading screen for the Apple ID prompt? A Mac restart usually refreshes any stuck processes.
• You don‘t need to reauthorize after upgrading to new macOS versions. But it won‘t hurt to quickly run through the 5 steps again if issues arise.

And remember the golden rule: When in doubt, restart! This miracle cure resolves many weird Mac authorization quirks.

Stream Apple TV+ Originals on Virtually Any Device

One of my favorite things as an Apple TV+ subscriber is enjoying top original shows like Severance not just on my MacBook but phones, tablets, and living room TV:

• Smart TVs from LG, Sony, Samsung, Vizio and more all support the Apple TV app. This means I can stream to the big screen without any wires or plugging in extra equipment.
• Apple device agnostic! We have Apple TV+ available on Android phones, Fire tablets, Roku streaming sticks etc.
• For non-smart TVs, simply plug in a Chromecast/Fire Stick or use screen mirroring to watch on the TV from your laptop.

So while Apple may require you to authorize specifically on MacBooks and iPads to access purchased iTunes content, Apple TV+ streaming has no device-limits once you‘re a paid member.

It really doesn‘t get more flexible and portable than that!

Final Summary: Key Takeaways

Let‘s quickly recap what you learned in this guide:

• The Apple TV app lets you access purchased iTunes media – while Apple TV+ offers original streaming video content
• Authorization is needed to validate rights to premium Apple subscriptions and purchases tied to your personal Apple ID
• You can authorize the Apple TV app on a MacBook in just 5 quick steps
• Deauthorizing removes account access when selling or troubleshooting issues
• Apple TV+ Originals can be streamed across virtually any device – Mac, iPhone, smart TVs and more

So grab the popcorn, get comfy on the couch with your favorite Apple device, and enjoy unlimited access to award-winning shows, movies and music!

Have questions about Apple TV authorization? Ask in the comments below!