Let it ask you first
For anything important, end with this line.
"Ask me 3 questions before you start."
Guide 6 · Perplexity
Perplexity, set up safely and used well
A one-page starter for first-time users. Nine setup steps, a map of the screen on desktop and phone, a simple way to ask better questions, and the habits that make an answer engine with sources genuinely useful.
Level EntryTime about 9 minWorks on Web · Windows · Mac · iPhone · AndroidLast checked 12 Oct 2026
Download the printable PDFThe screen, mapped
- 1.Sidebar. New, Projects, your Sessions (past searches) and Customize. On a phone, tap the two lines at top left.
- 2.Your name. Bottom of the sidebar; opens Account and Settings. On a phone, tap your profile picture.
- 3.Mode and model. Inside the message box: Search for everyday questions, and the model picker at the right. Leave both on the default while you learn.
- 4.Incognito. The icon at the top right. Incognito sessions are not saved, do not use memory and expire within 24 hours.
- 5.Plus button. Add a file or photo.
- 6.Microphone and voice. Dictate, or start a spoken conversation.
Perplexity calls a saved conversation a session (older help pages say thread). Your library of sessions is at perplexity.ai/library.
Nine steps before your first real question
0 of 9 done
- 01Install
- 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.
- 02Account
- 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.
- 03Security
- Email, Google or Apple
- Turn on two-step verification on the account you signed in with.
- Perplexity
- Add phone verification by SMS if your account offers it, under Account settings.
Whoever controls the account you signed in with can get into Perplexity, so secure that account first.
- 04Privacy
- 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.
- 05Personalise
- Both
- Settings › Profile: add your role, your location and 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."
- 06Memory
- 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.
- 07Privacy
- 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.
- 08Habit
- 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.
- 09Plans
- Both
- Plans are Standard (free), Pro and Max, plus Education Pro for verified students. 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.
The three-part question
Who it's for
Your role, the reader, the situation.
What you need
The task, plus the facts it needs to do it well.
How you want it
Length, format, tone, Australian English.
Weak prompt
best heat pump hot water system
Strong prompt
I own a 3-bedroom house in Hobart with a family of 4 and an old electric hot water tank. Compare heat pump hot water systems sold in Australia on running cost, noise and warranty, and tell me which rebates apply in Tasmania. Give sources for every figure, dated, in a short table, Australian English.
Nine habits that make it far more useful
Reply, don't restart
Keep shaping the same answer in the same chat.
"Shorter." "Plainer." "Make it a table."
Ask for options
Choosing between drafts is faster than fixing one.
"Give me 3 versions: formal, warm, brief."
Open the sources
Every answer carries numbered citations. Click them. The answer is only as good as the pages behind it.
"Which of these sources is the official one?"
Use Research for the big questions
Research reads many pages and writes a report with links. Free accounts get one a month.
Mode picker › Research
Check the facts
It can sound sure and still be wrong. Verify names, numbers, laws and dates.
"Which parts of this should I double-check?"
One topic per session
Long mixed sessions get muddled. Start fresh for a new job.
Sidebar › New
Keep repeat work in a Project
A Project holds files and instructions for a job you come back to.
Sidebar › Projects › New
Make it teach you
Use it to learn, not only to produce.
"Explain it simply, then quiz me."
Shortcuts and safety
These common keys work in the Perplexity web app. Perplexity does not publish a separate shortcut list.
| Do this | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Send your question | Enter | Return |
| New line without sending | Shift Enter | Shift Return |
| Paste a screenshot into the chat | Ctrl V | Cmd V |
Never paste
- Passwords, PINs or sign-in codes
- Tax file number, Medicare, licence or passport numbers
- Bank or card details
- Other people's health, legal or personal records
- Confidential work material your employer has not cleared
Good first uses
- Compare products with dated sources
- Check a claim you saw online, with the source
- Explain a bill, policy or form in plain English
- Research a local council rule or rebate
- Summarise a long report you upload
Next Move
Your next step
Related on ApplyAI
Common questions
Go to Account, Preferences, and switch off AI data retention, or open perplexity.ai/account/preferences. It is on by default on Free, Pro and Max. Opting out applies from that date on; data already collected cannot be erased.
Yes. The Standard plan is free and gives practically unlimited basic searches, a few Pro Searches a day, one Research query a month and limited file uploads. Pro and Max add more, and Education Pro is for verified students.
Incognito sessions are started with the icon at the top right. They are not saved to your library, do not use memory or past searches, and expire within 24 hours and cannot be recovered.
Open your library at perplexity.ai/library. Use the three dots beside a session to delete it, or the three dots at the top right and Delete all threads to clear everything. That cannot be undone.
Go to Settings, Memory, and switch off Use search history and Notes. Existing memories stay until you clear them under Manage memories.
Perplexity does not support creating passwords. You sign in with Google, Apple or an emailed link or code, so secure that account with two-step verification. Perplexity also offers phone verification by SMS on some accounts.
Sources
General information only, checked on the date shown and provided free of charge. These apps change their settings and menus often, so confirm every step against the app in front of you. Nothing here is legal, financial, security or privacy advice, and you use it at your own risk. To the extent permitted by law, AJILITY PTY LTD (trading as Apply AI Co and Adopt AI Co) excludes all liability for any loss arising from reliance on this guide. Our Terms apply.
ApplyAI is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Perplexity AI, Inc.. Perplexity is a trademark of Perplexity AI, Inc. Screen drawings are our own simplified illustrations, not screenshots.