| name | app-sharing |
| description | Manage Glide app access, privacy, authentication, and publishing. Use when configuring who can access an app, setting up sign-in methods, publishing apps, inviting users, or configuring Row Owners for data security. |
Glide App Sharing
Accessing Access Settings
- Go to Settings tab (top navigation)
- Click Access in the settings menu
- URL:
go.glideapps.com/app/{appId}/settings/privacy
Privacy Modes
Private App
- Only users you choose can access
- Users must be in the Users table or meet specific criteria
- Best for: Internal tools, member-only apps
Public App
- Anyone with link can access
- No sign-in required (optional sign-in available)
- Best for: Public directories, info apps
User Access Options
When app is Private, choose who can sign in:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Users table | Only users in the Users table can sign in |
| Team members | Members of your Glide team can sign in |
| Allowed email domains | Users with specific email domains (e.g., @company.com) |
| All emails in table | Any email found in a specified table column |
Users Table Access
- Select which table serves as the Users table
- Users with emails in that table can sign in
- Common for: Employee apps, member portals
Team Access
- All members of your Glide team can sign in
- No need to add them to a table
- Common for: Internal team tools
Domain-Based Access
- Allow anyone with email from specific domains
- Example: Allow all @acme.com emails
- Common for: Company-wide apps
Authentication Methods
Configure how users prove their identity:
| Method | Description | Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Pin emails from Glide | Glide sends PIN code via email | Default, no setup |
| Magic link | One-click sign-in link in email | Enable checkbox |
| Sign in with Google | OAuth via Google account | Automatic |
| Single sign-on (SSO) | Enterprise SSO integration | Enterprise plan |
| Pin texts from Twilio | SMS PIN codes | Connect Twilio |
| Pin emails from Gmail | Send from your Gmail | Connect Gmail |
| Pin emails from Microsoft | Send from Microsoft account | Connect Microsoft |
Magic Link Option
Under "Pin emails from Glide", enable:
- Include magic link to sign in without PIN
- Users can click link instead of entering PIN
Access Requests
Allow new users to request access:
- Enable "Allow visitors to request access"
- New users see "Request Access" on sign-in screen
- Team reviewers approve/deny requests
- Manage reviewers in Team Members settings
Publishing Your App
Publish Button
- Click Publish (top right, green button)
- Makes app available at its URL
App URL
- Format:
{app-name}.glideapp.io - Custom domains available on paid plans
Before Publishing Checklist
- Set appropriate privacy mode
- Configure authentication
- Test as different user types
- Review data access (Row Owners)
- Set up branding (name, icon)
Inviting Users
Method 1: Add to Users Table
- Go to Data Editor
- Open Users table
- Add rows with user emails
- Share app URL with users
Method 2: Share Link
- Publish the app
- Copy app URL
- Share with users
- They sign in with configured auth method
Method 3: Team Invitation
- Enable "Team members" access
- Invite users to your Glide team
- They automatically get app access
Row Owners (Data Security)
Critical: Access settings control who can enter the app. Row Owners control what data they see.
Setting Up Row Owners
- Add email column to your table
- Make it a Row Owner column
- Users only see rows where their email matches
Important Notes
- Visibility conditions are NOT security (data still downloads)
- Row Owners provide true data-level security
- Use for sensitive data protection
Testing Access
Test as Different Users
- Use "Viewing as" dropdown (top of preview)
- Select different users from Users table
- Verify they see correct data/screens
Test Sign-In Flow
- Open app in incognito/private window
- Go through sign-in as new user
- Verify authentication works
Common Access Patterns
Employee Directory (Private)
Privacy: Private
Users: Team members OR Users table
Auth: Sign in with Google + Pin emails
Row Owners: None (all employees see all)
Customer Portal (Private)
Privacy: Private
Users: Users table (customers)
Auth: Pin emails from Glide + Magic link
Row Owners: Customer email column
Public Information App
Privacy: Public
Users: Optional sign-in
Auth: N/A or Sign in with Google
Row Owners: None
Internal Tool (Restricted)
Privacy: Private
Users: Allowed email domains (@company.com)
Auth: SSO or Google
Row Owners: Department-based
After Building: User Invitation Flow
After building an app, ask the user:
- "Who should have access to this app?"
- "Should it be private or public?"
- "Do you want to invite specific users now?"
Then:
- Configure privacy settings
- Add users to Users table if needed
- Set up appropriate authentication
- Publish the app
- Share the app URL
Troubleshooting
Users Can't Sign In
- Check they're in Users table (if using)
- Verify email matches exactly
- Check authentication method is enabled
Users See Wrong Data
- Review Row Owner settings
- Check visibility conditions
- Test as that specific user
Access Request Not Working
- Ensure feature is enabled
- Check team has reviewers assigned
- Verify email deliverability