Perplexity AI is an intelligent search assistant that answers your questions with concise, sourced responses. To use it, simply visit perplexity.ai or open the app, type or speak your query, and explore real-time answers with citations. You can switch Focus Modes, ask follow-up questions, and even upload images or documents for deeper insights — all designed to make research and learning faster and smarter.
If you’d like to use Perplexity together with ChatGPT, Gemini and other top AI models at an extremely lower price, Global GPT offers an integrated all-in-one experience.
What Is Perplexity AI and How Does It Work?
Perplexity AI is an advanced AI-powered search and chat assistant designed to deliver accurate, real-time answers from trusted web sources. Unlike traditional search engines, Perplexity summarizes information, cites sources, and allows interactive follow-up questions — giving users a conversational search experience similar to ChatGPT, but grounded in live data.
In short: you use Perplexity AI by asking questions in natural language, and it instantly provides sourced, concise answers. Whether you’re doing research, writing an essay, or learning a new topic, it’s your AI-powered research companion.
How to Get Started with Perplexity AI (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the Official Website or Download the App
You can access Perplexity AI directly via perplexity.ai or download its iOS or Android app. The app offers mobile-optimized features like voice search, image upload, and personalized threads.
- Sign Up or Use It for Free
Perplexity offers both free and Pro plans. You can start exploring without signing in, but creating a free account lets you save threads, manage history, and sync devices.
- Start Asking Questions
Type or speak your question naturally — for example:
- “Summarize the latest AI trends in 2025.”
- “What are the health benefits of green tea?” Perplexity will search across multiple sources, then summarize results with citations you can verify.
Key Features of Perplexity AI (and How to Use Them)
1. Focus Modes for Custom Results
Perplexity offers Focus Modes such as Academic, Writing and Finance that tailor answers to your intent. For example, use Academic mode for scholarly research or Writing mode to generate essays and outlines.
(See our detailed guide: What Are the Different Focus Modes in PerplexityAI? (Full Guide 2025)
2. Copilot Mode for Deeper Conversations
Enable Copilot to refine questions, generate summaries, or explore topics step by step — ideal for students and professionals seeking depth.
3. Citations and Sources
Every answer includes clickable sources. This transparency makes it ideal for academic or journalistic research compared to ChatGPT, which relies on static training data.
4. Image and File Uploads
You can upload images or documents to analyze visual data or extract key insights — a feature similar to ChatGPT’s image input mode.
How to Use Perplexity AI on Mobile
Using Perplexity AI on mobile makes it easy to research on the go.
- Download the App: Available on the App Store and Google Play.
- Log In or Continue as Guest: Syncs your saved threads.
- Use Voice or Image Input: Tap the microphone or image icon to ask questions hands-free or analyze photos.
- Switch Focus Modes Easily: Tap the mode bar at the bottom for quick access.
For a full tutorial, check our post: How to Use Perplexity on iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide.
Perplexity AI Free vs. Pro: Which Should You Choose?
The free version covers basic web and AI searches, while Perplexity Pro unlocks advanced features like GPT-5 and Claude 4.5 integration, higher query limits, and Lab access for experimental tools.
To understand exactly how the free and Pro versions differ in pricing, features, and AI models, see our full comparison: What is the Difference Between Perplexity and Perplexity Pro?
| Feature | Perplexity (Free) | Perplexity Pro |
| Search Queries | Limited number of queries daily | Unlimited queries daily |
| AI Models | Basic models only | Access to advanced AI models |
| Image/Video Generation | Not available | Available (image/video creation) |
| File Uploads | Limited uploads | Unlimited uploads & analysis |
| Priority Support | No priority support | Priority support with faster response times |
| Pricing | Free | $20/month or $200/year |
Students can get Perplexity Pro free for 12 months — learn how in Perplexity Free for Students: How to Get Pro Access in 2025.
How to Use Perplexity AI Effectively (Expert Tips)
- Search Smart — Keywords or File Upload, Your Call
Prompting is key in AI, but Perplexity is flexible. You can use short keyword-based prompts for quick answers or upload files and documents for deeper, context-aware research. Whether you’re summarizing a PDF, analyzing data, or drafting content, the right input gets you the best output.
- Be Specific with Your Prompts
The more focused your question, the better the results. Instead of asking “Tell me about AI,” try “What are the top AI trends in 2025 for education?”
- Use Follow-Ups to Refine Results
Perplexity allows conversational refinement. Type “summarize sources” or “explain in simpler terms” to get concise and customized answers without restarting your query.
- Combine Focus Modes for Depth
Mix and match Focus Modes like Writing and Academic to generate structured essays or reports. Each mode adjusts how the AI prioritizes and formats information.
- Personalize Through Settings and Profile
Head to your Profile settings to adjust language preferences, tone, and response format. As you fine-tune these settings, Perplexity learns your style and delivers more relevant results over time.
- Customize Privacy and Collaborate with Spaces
Your Threads and Spaces are private by default — but you can make them public or shared. Use Spaces for team projects, research collaboration, or shared topic collections. Upload files, add prompts, and invite others to contribute for seamless teamwork.
- Cite and Verify Sources
Every response comes with clickable citations. Use them to verify facts, explore original sources, or export references for academic and professional work.
- Integrate with Global GPT for More Power
For even more flexibility, try platforms like Global GPT, which integrates Perplexity, ChatGPT, Gemini, and other leading AI tools — giving you all-in-one access at a fraction of the cost.
Is Perplexity AI Better Than ChatGPT?
Perplexity AI focuses on factual accuracy and real-time sourcing, while ChatGPT excels in creative writing and complex reasoning. If you need live, verifiable information — Perplexity is unbeatable. For creativity and brainstorming, ChatGPT still shines.
See our full comparison: Is Perplexity Really Better Than ChatGPT?
Common Issues and FAQs About Perplexity AI
Even though Perplexity AI is designed to be intuitive, users may occasionally face small issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot the most common ones:
Why Isn’t Perplexity Showing Accurate Results?
If your results seem off or incomplete, try switching Focus Modes (for example, from Writing to Academic) or rephrasing your question. Also, ensure you’re not in Pro-exclusive mode if you’re on the free plan — certain advanced reasoning features (like GPT-5 or Claude 3.5) are only available in Perplexity Pro. If you need help deciding which plan suits you, check out our comparison: [What is the Difference Between Perplexity and Perplexity Pro?]
How to Fix Login or Sync Errors
If you’re having trouble logging in or syncing your threads:
- Clear browser cache or app data.
- Reinstall the Perplexity app (for mobile users).
- Ensure your internet connection is stable.
- Check that you’re signed in with the same email on all devices. Syncing problems usually resolve after re-authentication.
If you’re using mobile, see our guide [How to Use Perplexity on iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide] for detailed troubleshooting steps.
How to Cite Perplexity Responses Properly
Each Perplexity response includes source citations at the bottom of the answer. You can:
- Click the source link to view the original article.
- Copy URLs to include in your reference list.
- Use academic citation tools to format them (APA, MLA, or Chicago style).
For accurate referencing, always verify the original source rather than citing Perplexity directly.
Does Perplexity AI Store Your Data?
Perplexity keeps your Threads and Spaces private by default. You can manually share or delete them anytime. According to its privacy policy, the data you enter helps improve service performance but is not shared publicly without your consent.
If you’re collaborating or sharing Spaces, double-check privacy settings under your Profile > Privacy Controls.
How to Contact Support
If you encounter persistent bugs or feature issues, visit help.perplexity.ai or submit feedback through the app menu. Perplexity’s support team typically responds within 24–48 hours.
Conclusion: Why You Should Start Using Perplexity AI Today
Perplexity AI bridges the gap between search engines and AI assistants. It delivers fast, factual, and sourced answers — perfect for students, researchers, and professionals. Once you learn how to use Perplexity AI effectively, it becomes one of the most powerful tools for productivity and learning in 2025.
Want to learn more about Perplexity? Here are more helpful reads from our Perplexity series:
