What is the difference between an app and an app account?¶

The app is software installed on one device; the app account is a service identity that can operate through several installations, devices or browsers.

Installation and identity change independently¶

One app can hold several accounts and one account can span several devices. Sign-out may leave local data, while deleting software may leave provider records and the account intact. Session tokens can preserve access without a fresh password.

An icon establishes installation. A signed-in account establishes configured access. Neither identifies who performed a particular event.

Link device, session and account¶

Record provider account IDs, usernames, contact and recovery details, app installation identifiers and sessions. Ask whether the event was created locally or synchronised and which linked device or browser produced it.

Compare provider and handset evidence: each may retain records the other no longer has. Deleting an app usually does not delete the account.