Watching purchased iTunes movies on your Mac is primarily done through the Apple TV app, which replaced iTunes in macOS Catalina and later. However, understanding compatibility, troubleshooting common issues, and leveraging various features ensures a seamless and enjoyable viewing experience.
Navigating the Apple TV App: Your Gateway to iTunes Movies
The Apple TV app is the central hub for all things video on your Mac. It provides a unified interface for accessing purchased movies, TV shows, Apple TV+ content, and more. Knowing how to navigate this app is crucial for effortlessly enjoying your iTunes movie library.
Accessing Your Purchased Movies
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Launch the Apple TV app: Find the app icon in your Dock or Applications folder and click to open it.
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Navigate to the Library tab: In the Apple TV app’s top menu, you’ll see several tabs, including “Watch Now,” “Apple TV+,” “Movies,” “TV Shows,” and “Library.” Click on the “Library” tab.
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Select “Movies”: Within the Library section, you’ll find different categories. Choose “Movies” to view your purchased iTunes movie collection.
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Browse and Select: Your purchased movies will be displayed in a grid or list view. Simply click on the movie you want to watch.
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Start Playback: Once you select a movie, click the “Play” button to begin watching. You may be prompted to sign in with your Apple ID if you haven’t already.
Understanding DRM and Authorization
iTunes movies are protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM), specifically Apple’s FairPlay DRM. This means you must be authorized with your Apple ID on your Mac to play purchased content. Ensure you are signed in with the same Apple ID used to purchase the movies.
Addressing Common Playback Issues
While the Apple TV app is generally reliable, you might occasionally encounter playback issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common problems:
Internet Connection Requirements
Streaming iTunes movies requires a stable internet connection. Ensure you have a strong Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection for uninterrupted playback. Poor internet connectivity can lead to buffering, pixelation, or playback errors.
Software Updates
Keep your macOS and Apple TV app updated to the latest versions. Software updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can resolve playback issues. To update macOS, go to System Preferences > Software Update. To update the Apple TV app, check the App Store for any available updates.
Authorization Issues
If you encounter an error message about authorization, try the following:
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Sign out and Sign back in: In the Apple TV app, go to Account > Sign Out. Then, sign back in with your Apple ID and password.
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Deauthorize and Reauthorize: In iTunes (if you still have it installed), go to Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer. Then, go to Account > Authorizations > Authorize This Computer. This process resets your authorization and can resolve playback problems.
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Check Your Apple ID Devices: Sign in to your Apple ID account online and review your list of authorized devices. Remove any devices you no longer use, as there’s a limit to the number of devices you can authorize.
Codec Compatibility
While the Apple TV app supports a wide range of video codecs, it’s possible that a specific movie file might have compatibility issues. While this is rare for purchased content, it’s worth considering.
Contacting Apple Support
If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing problems, contacting Apple Support is your best option. They can provide personalized assistance and diagnose any underlying issues with your account or device.
Using iTunes (macOS Mojave and Earlier)
If you’re using macOS Mojave or earlier, you’ll still rely on iTunes to watch purchased movies. The process is similar:
- Open iTunes.
- Navigate to the “Movies” section under the “Library” heading in the sidebar.
- Select the movie you want to watch.
- Click the “Play” button.
The same troubleshooting tips regarding internet connection, software updates, and authorization apply to iTunes as well.
Optimizing Your Viewing Experience
Beyond simply playing your movies, you can customize your viewing experience within the Apple TV app.
Adjusting Playback Settings
During playback, you can access various settings, including:
- Subtitle selection: Choose your preferred language for subtitles.
- Audio track selection: Switch between different audio tracks if available (e.g., different languages, director’s commentary).
- Playback speed: Adjust the playback speed for faster or slower viewing.
Using Picture-in-Picture
The Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature allows you to watch your movie in a smaller, floating window while working on other tasks. To activate PiP, look for the PiP icon in the playback controls.
Sharing Movies via AirPlay
You can wirelessly stream your iTunes movies to an AirPlay-compatible device, such as an Apple TV or a smart TV. Simply click the AirPlay icon during playback and select your desired device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Can I watch my purchased iTunes movies offline?
Yes, you can download your purchased movies to your Mac for offline viewing. In the Apple TV app, look for the download icon (a cloud with a downward arrow) next to the movie title. Once downloaded, you can watch the movie without an internet connection. This is particularly useful for travel.
FAQ 2: How do I transfer purchased iTunes movies to an external hard drive?
You cannot directly transfer purchased iTunes movies to an external hard drive for playback on other devices due to DRM restrictions. However, you can use an external hard drive to store your iTunes media library, including downloaded movies. To do this, change your iTunes Media folder location in Preferences > Advanced.
FAQ 3: Why is my purchased movie not showing up in my library?
Ensure you’re signed in with the correct Apple ID. Also, check if the movie is hidden. In iTunes, go to Account > View My Account, then look for the “Hidden Purchases” section. In the Apple TV app, this functionality is less direct but generally resolved by signing in with the correct Apple ID.
FAQ 4: Can I watch purchased iTunes movies on other devices, like my iPhone or iPad?
Yes, you can watch your purchased iTunes movies on any device that is signed in with the same Apple ID and has the Apple TV app installed. Simply download the movie to the device for offline viewing or stream it over a Wi-Fi or cellular connection.
FAQ 5: What happens to my purchased iTunes movies if I upgrade to a new Mac?
Your purchased movies are tied to your Apple ID, not your specific device. When you upgrade to a new Mac, simply sign in with your Apple ID in the Apple TV app, and your library will be available.
FAQ 6: Is there a limit to how many times I can download a purchased movie?
There is no official limit to the number of times you can download a purchased movie for personal use. However, Apple may monitor excessive downloads and take action if they suspect copyright infringement.
FAQ 7: How do I change the default playback quality of my movies?
The Apple TV app typically selects the best playback quality based on your internet connection speed. You cannot manually change the default playback quality within the app itself. However, improving your internet connection can often result in higher quality playback.
FAQ 8: Can I get a refund for a purchased iTunes movie?
Generally, refunds for iTunes purchases are not automatically granted. You can request a refund through Apple’s report a problem website (reportaproblem.apple.com), but approval is at Apple’s discretion.
FAQ 9: What does “HD” and “SD” mean in relation to iTunes movies?
HD (High Definition) refers to movies with a higher resolution, resulting in a sharper and more detailed picture. SD (Standard Definition) movies have a lower resolution and are less detailed. HD movies typically cost more to purchase than SD movies.
FAQ 10: How do I find previously purchased movies I may have forgotten about?
Your purchase history is accessible through your Apple ID account settings. Navigate to Account > View My Account (in iTunes or within your Apple ID account online), then look for the “Purchase History” section. This will display a list of all your past purchases.
FAQ 11: Are my purchased iTunes movies affected by Apple TV+ subscription?
No, your purchased iTunes movies are separate from your Apple TV+ subscription. The Apple TV+ subscription grants you access to Apple’s original content, while your purchased movies remain in your library for as long as you maintain your Apple ID.
FAQ 12: How do I resolve the error message “This video cannot be played because it is not authorized”?
This error usually indicates an authorization issue. Try signing out of the Apple TV app and signing back in. If that doesn’t work, try deauthorizing and reauthorizing your computer as described earlier in this article. Ensure your system clock is set correctly, as an incorrect time can also cause authorization errors. If the problem persists, contacting Apple Support is recommended.