Google Music device authorization limit could cause headaches for ROM lovers
Google Music’s current allowance of 10 authorized devices to be attached to any one account sounds like plenty for the average user. After a laptop, desktop computer, smartphone, and tablet there are is still plenty of room to work with for the likes of Google TV or additional mobile devices. And should you reach your limit of 10 authorized devices and need to add another, it should be as simple as de-authorizing one you aren’t currently using and simply adding the new one, right? Wrong.
It is unclear how long the limit has been in place, but Google Music will only allow a user to de-authorize four devices per year after they have been added to an account. For the average user this will never be a problem. As we mentioned earlier you could connect a whole fleet of personal devices to your Google Music account and still have room to spare. But for folks that enjoy flashing new ROMs onto their Android devices this could be a problem.
With ROMs, it is often hit or miss as to whether or not new software will cause Google Music to detect your phone as the one currently registered with Google Music or a new one altogether. It is possible, then, that a rooted user flashing new software builds onto their phone could quickly chew through their 10 available device slots without even knowing it. Once the max has been reached the limit of four de-authorizations becomes a problem.
While Google’s intention were likely never to meant to punish those that enjoy modding their Android devices, there probably isn’t much that can be done. The authorization limit is in place to protect the rights of music labels and the artists they serve. If you could simply add new devices at will there is nothing stopping you from sharing your entire music library with all of your friends or even complete strangers via a shared account. The best users can do is take some time to research how a custom ROM may alter your devices profile as it would appear to Google Music and keep an eye on the number of authorizations currently on your account.