Can e-books purchased on one device be shared with another?

Whether e-books purchased on one device can be shared with another depends on several factors, including the e-book format, digital rights management (DRM) restrictions, and the policies of the e-book platform or retailer. Here's a breakdown:

1. **DRM-Free E-books:** If an e-book is DRM-free, meaning it is not protected by digital rights management technology, it can typically be shared and transferred between devices without restrictions. Users can simply copy the e-book file from one device to another via USB, email, or cloud storage and then open it with an e-reader app or software that supports the e-book format.

2. **DRM-Protected E-books:** E-books that are protected by DRM may have restrictions on sharing and transferring between devices. DRM technology is used to prevent unauthorized copying and distribution of digital content, including e-books. In many cases, e-books purchased from major e-book retailers like Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Barnes & Noble Nook are protected by DRM.

   - **Kindle:** E-books purchased from the Kindle Store are typically protected by Amazon's DRM, which restricts them to Kindle devices and Kindle reading apps registered to the purchaser's Amazon account. However, Kindle e-books can be shared among devices associated with the same Amazon account, such as different Kindle devices or Kindle reading apps on smartphones and tablets.
   
   - **Apple Books:** E-books purchased from Apple Books are protected by FairPlay DRM, which restricts them to Apple devices and the Books app. Users can access their purchased e-books on multiple Apple devices linked to the same Apple ID, but sharing with non-Apple devices or users outside the Apple ecosystem is limited.
   
   - **Nook:** E-books purchased from the Nook Store are protected by Barnes & Noble's DRM, which limits them to Nook devices and Nook reading apps. Users can access their purchased e-books on multiple devices registered to the same Nook account, but sharing with devices from other retailers may not be supported.

3. **Family Sharing and Household Accounts:** Some e-book platforms and retailers offer family sharing or household account features that allow users to share their purchased e-books with family members or designated users. These features typically require users to set up a family group or household account and designate specific members for sharing access. Family sharing features may vary in terms of eligibility, sharing limits, and supported devices.

4. **Cross-Platform Apps and Services:** Certain e-book reading apps and services support multiple e-book formats and platforms, allowing users to access their e-book libraries across different devices and ecosystems. These apps may offer features for importing and organizing e-books purchased from various sources, enabling users to consolidate their e-book collections and access them on different devices.

In summary, the ability to share e-books purchased on one device with another depends on factors such as DRM protection, platform compatibility, and the availability of sharing features offered by e-book retailers and platforms. Users should review the terms of service, DRM policies, and sharing options provided by their chosen e-book platform or retailer to understand their options for sharing e-books between devices.