What sharing an process means
Sharing an process means letting other people use a program you have installed on your computer or phone without giving them your password or account. When you share an app, other users on the same device can open it and use its basic features — but they typically cannot see your personal files, settings, or saved data unless you specifically allow it.
The way sharing works depends on whether you are using Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android. Each system handles it differently, and the level of separation between users varies. On a computer, sharing usually means creating separate user accounts. On a phone or tablet, it often means letting someone borrow the device while you stay logged in.
Key Takeaways
- On Windows and Mac computers, you create separate user accounts so each person has their own files and settings while sharing installed programs.
- On iPhones and iPads, you can set up a separate user account or let someone use your device temporarily without giving them your password.
- On Android phones, you can create a separate profile or let someone use your device, though most Android phones are designed for one primary user.
- Sharing an app does not automatically share your personal files, passwords, or saved data — those stay private unless you change privacy settings.
- Some apps store data in the cloud, which means other users on the same device may see that data if they log into the same account.
Sharing apps on Windows computers
On Windows, the standard way to share applications is to create a separate user account for each person. When you install a program in the default location (usually Program Files), all user accounts on that computer can access it. Each person logs in with their own username and password, and their files, desktop, and settings stay separate.
To create a new user account on Windows 10 or 11, go to Settings, select Accounts, then choose Family & other users. Click Add account and follow the prompts. You can create a local account (which only works on that computer) or a Microsoft account (which syncs across devices). Once the account exists, that person can log in and use any installed program.
The key limitation: if an app stores data in a user-specific folder (like Documents or Desktop), each person will have their own copy of that data. If you want to share a file created in an app, you will need to save it to a shared folder or use cloud storage like OneDrive.
Sharing apps on Mac computers
Mac handles sharing similarly to Windows. You create separate user accounts, and applications installed in the Applications folder are available to everyone. Each person logs in with their own password and has their own home folder for files and settings.
To add a user on Mac, go to System Settings, select General, then Users & Groups. Click the lock icon to make changes, then click the plus sign to add a new account. You can create a Standard account (limited permissions) or an Administrator account (full control). Once created, that person can log in and open any app you have installed.
One difference from Windows: some Mac apps store settings in a hidden folder called the Library. If two people use the same app, they will have separate preferences and saved data automatically — you do not need to do anything extra.
Sharing apps on iPhones and iPads
iPhones and iPads are designed differently than computers. They do not have traditional user accounts. Instead, Apple offers two ways to let other people use apps on your device.
The first option is Guest User (on newer iPads running iPadOS 17 or later). This creates a temporary account that someone can use without accessing your personal data. To set it up, go to Settings, select General, then Users & Groups, and add a Guest. That person can use apps, but their activity and data are separate from yours.
The second option is to let someone borrow your device while you stay logged in. They can open any app you have installed, but they will see your personal data, messages, and files unless you restrict access. If you want more privacy, you can use Screen Time to limit what they can access — go to Settings, select Screen Time, then set up restrictions for specific apps.
If you want to share an app but not your account, you can also use Family Sharing. This lets family members have their own Apple IDs while sharing apps you have purchased. Go to Settings, select Family Sharing, and add family members.
Sharing apps on Android phones
Most Android phones are designed for one primary user, but newer devices (running Android 12 or later) support multiple user profiles. The process varies by manufacturer — Samsung, Google Pixel, and other brands handle it slightly differently.
On a Google Pixel phone, go to Settings, select System, then Multiple users. Tap Add user and follow the prompts. Each user gets their own account, home screen, and app data. They can use any installed app, but their personal files and settings stay separate.
On Samsung phones, the process is similar but located in different menus. Go to Settings, search for Users, and select Add user. Samsung calls this feature find Folder or Multiple Users depending on the model.
If your phone does not support multiple users, you can still let someone borrow it temporarily. They can open any app you have installed, but they will see your notifications and personal data. Some apps let you set a PIN or password within the app itself for extra security.
How app data and passwords work when sharing
When you share an app, the question of who sees what depends on where the app stores its data. Apps store information in three places: on the device itself, in the cloud, or both.
If an app stores data only on the device, each user account typically gets its own copy. For example, if you use a notes app and create a note, another user on the same device will not see that note — they will see a blank app or their own notes. This is true on Windows, Mac, iPad, and Android.
If an app stores data in the cloud and you stay logged into your account, other users on the device may see your data. For example, if you use Gmail and someone else opens the Gmail app, they might see your inbox unless you log out first. To prevent this, log out of cloud-based apps before letting someone else use the device, or create a separate account in the app for that person.
Passwords are never shared automatically. If an app requires a password, each person will need to log in with their own credentials. If you want someone to use an app without knowing your password, you can create a separate account in that app for them.
When sharing an app is not possible
Some apps cannot be shared in the traditional sense. Subscription apps — like Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, or streaming services — are tied to a specific account. You can let someone use the device, but they will need their own subscription to use the app under their own account, or you will need to share your login (which is usually against the app's terms of service).
Apps that require biometric authentication (fingerprint or face recognition) may also limit sharing. If an app is set to unlock only with your fingerprint, another user cannot open it without your permission or their own biometric data registered on the device.
Some games and apps also do not support multiple user accounts on the same device. They are designed for one person per device. Check the app's documentation or settings to see if it supports multiple users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone use my app without seeing my files?
Yes, if they have their own user account on the device. On Windows, Mac, iPad, and Android, separate accounts keep files private by default. If they borrow your device while you are logged in, they will see your files unless you use privacy settings to restrict access.
What happens to my saved data if someone else uses the app?
It depends on where the app stores data. If it saves only on the device, your data stays in your user account and they will not see it. If the app uses cloud storage and you stay logged in, they may see your data. Log out before sharing, or create a separate account in the app.
Can I share a paid app with someone without buying it twice?
On most devices, yes — once you install an app, all user accounts can access it. On iPhone and iPad, you can use Family Sharing to let family members use apps you purchased. On Android, all users on the device can use installed apps, but subscription apps may require separate accounts.
Is it safe to share my device with someone?
It is safer if they have their own user account, because their activity stays separate from yours. If they borrow your device while you are logged in, they can see your messages, emails, and files. Use privacy settings or log out of sensitive apps before handing over your device.
What is the difference between sharing an app and sharing an account?
Sharing an app means letting someone use a program you installed. Sharing an account means giving them your username and password so they log in as you. Sharing an account is riskier because they see all your personal data and can change your settings.