Perplexity tips

Desktop Go to perplexity.ai, or install the desktop app from the same site.

Phone App Store or Google Play. Check the developer is Perplexity AI, Inc.

You can ask questions without signing in, but you need an account to save sessions, upload more files or use Pro Search.

Both Sign in with Google or Apple (Perplexity's recommended option), or enter your email and use the link or one-time code it sends.

There is no Perplexity password to set. Perplexity says it does not support creating passwords, so your Google, Apple or email account is the front door.

Email, Google or Apple Turn on two-step verification on the account you signed in with.

Perplexity Perplexity may ask you to verify your phone number by SMS; it is not a setting you switch on.

Whoever controls the account you signed in with can get into Perplexity, so secure that account first.

Both Account › Preferences › AI data retention, switch off (or open perplexity.ai/account/preferences)

AI data retention is on by default on Free, Pro and Max. Switching it off opts you out of AI training data collection from that date on; data already collected cannot be erased. Core features keep working.

Both Settings › Personalization (called Personalize on some accounts): add your occupation, turn on Share location if you want local answers, and use Custom instructions to say how you like answers.

Perplexity uses the profile to shape answers. Example: "Community nurse in regional Victoria. Use Australian English. Keep answers short, with sources."

Both Settings › Memory: the Use search history and Notes switches, and Manage memories to search, delete one or clear all

Switching memory off stops Perplexity referencing it, but existing memories stay until you clear them under Manage memories. Memory and past searches are always off in incognito mode.

Both Click the incognito icon at the top right before you type. Click it again to leave.

Incognito sessions are not saved to your library, do not use memory or past searches, and expire within 24 hours. They cannot be recovered.

Both See the list at the end of this sheet. Remove names and numbers before you paste, or describe the situation instead.

Treat anything you type as something that could be stored. Privacy settings reduce risk; they do not remove it.

Both Plans are Standard (free), Pro and Max, plus Education Pro for verified students and educators. Compare at perplexity.ai/pro.

Free gives practically unlimited basic searches, a few Pro Searches a day, one Research query a month and limited uploads. Upgrade when you hit those limits often, not before, and check the price shown for Australia before you pay.

For anything important, end with this line.

"Ask me 3 questions before you start."