# Linked Accounts

Linked Accounts connect a Passport identity to external accounts, communities, services, games, and tools.

<div class="docs-section-heading">
  <h2>Why linking matters</h2>
  <p>Linking lets AeThex recognize the same person across multiple ecosystem surfaces.</p>
</div>

A linked account should never replace [[Passport]]. Passport remains the primary identity layer; linked accounts add context for integrations such as Discord, game platforms, developer tools, or partner services.

## Common linked account types

- Discord or community accounts.
- Git or developer platform accounts.
- Game or experience accounts.
- Organization-managed service accounts.
- Support or ticketing identities.

## Linking flow

1. User starts from Passport or an integration surface.
2. External service proves account ownership.
3. AeThex records the connection and metadata.
4. Permissions are evaluated separately through [[Permissions]].
5. Users can review or disconnect links where supported.

<div class="docs-grid">
<a class="docs-card" href="/Passport">Passport</a>
<a class="docs-card" href="/Authentication">Authentication</a>
<a class="docs-card" href="/Permissions">Permissions</a>
<a class="docs-card" href="/Security">Security</a>
</div>

> [!WARNING]
> A linked account proves account control, not automatic authorization. Always check roles, scopes, and project access separately.