How to use Claude: set up and your first conversation

Open claude.ai or install the app, sign in with an email or Google account, and type what you need in plain language.

To use Claude, go to claude.ai, sign in with an email address or Google account, and type what you need in plain language. You can also use the desktop app for Mac or Windows, or the iOS and Android apps. You can start on the free plan, which has a usage limit that resets every five hours. You must be 18 or older and in a supported location. This is as of November 2026.

Good for

First-time users of any AI assistant
People moving to Claude from another assistant
Students and writers starting on the free plan

Key facts

Web: claude.ai in any browser
Desktop: Claude Desktop for Mac or Windows
Mobile: Claude for iOS and Android
Sign in: Email address or Google account
Age: 18 or older
Location: Supported locations only; a phone number from one is needed
Cost to start: Free, with a usage limit that resets every five hours
More options: Click + (lower left) or type / in the chat box
Switch model: Click the model name under the text box (web, desktop) or at the top (mobile)
Checked: November 3, 2026

Your first conversation with Claude

Claude

1
Create an account
Go to claude.ai. Enter your email and click Continue with email, or pick Continue with Google. Follow the emailed link or the Google prompts.
2
Ask in plain language
Talk to Claude like a coworker or friend. A prompt is just what you type, from a simple question to a multi-step project. The example prompt below is ours, not Anthropic's.
Prompt
```
I have to explain our new expense policy to my team on Friday. Draft a 5-line summary in plain English from the text below, then list 3 questions people will probably ask.
```
3
Be specific and add context
The more specific your request, the better the answer. Say who it is for, what format you want and paste any text it should use.
4
Open more options
Click the + button in the lower left or type / in the chat box to see extra options and commands.
5
Check which model you are using
The model name shows under the text box on web and desktop, or at the top on mobile. Click it to switch models, and adjust effort or extended thinking if you want deeper answers.
6
Iterate
Refine your prompt or ask follow-ups. Group related questions into one message to use your limit well. The example prompt below is ours, not Anthropic's.
Prompt
```
Make that shorter and friendlier, and turn the 3 questions into a short FAQ I can paste into Slack.
```
7
Watch the limit
The free plan has a usage limit that resets every five hours. Claude tells you when you reach it. See usage limits and Claude pricing.

Comparison

The web version needs no install. The desktop app (Mac, Windows) and mobile apps (iOS, Android) are downloads, and all three are available on the Free plan.

Option	How to get it	Works on	On Free plan
WebThis page	Open claude.ai	Any browser	Yes
Desktop app	Download	Mac, Windows	Yes
Mobile app	Download	iOS, Android	Yes

Verdict

Our advice: start on claude.ai with the free plan and one simple question. Add the app once you use Claude daily, and look at Pro only if the five-hour limit keeps stopping you.

Start on claude.ai with the free plan and one simple question. Look at Pro only if the five-hour limit keeps stopping you.

Best for

Beginners: claude.ai in a browser
Daily use: the desktop or mobile app
Heavy use: a paid plan

Skip it if

You are under 18 or outside a supported location
You expect to move your old chat history over (Anthropic says it cannot be imported)

Often compared with

ChatGPT
Gemini

Questions

How do I use Claude for free?

Go to claude.ai and sign up with an email address or Google account. The Free plan costs $0 and covers chat, web search, file creation and memory (claude.com/pricing, as of November 2026).

Do I need to download anything to use Claude?

No. Claude works in a browser at claude.ai. Apps are optional for Mac, Windows, iOS and Android.

What is a prompt?

It is what you type to Claude. Anthropic suggests speaking like you would to a coworker or friend, from a simple question to a complex multi-step request.

What can I ask Claude?

Anything from everyday questions to analysis, writing, coding and other technical work. Start with something simple and get more specific as you go.

Which Claude model am I talking to?

The model name shows under the text box on web and desktop, or at the top on mobile. Click it to switch.

Does Claude work in languages other than English?

Yes. It performs well in many common languages and has some ability in less common ones.

Why can I not sign up for Claude?

You must be 18 or older and in a supported location. Anthropic also requires a phone number from a supported location to create an account.

Can I import my ChatGPT history into Claude?

No, Anthropic says chat history cannot be imported from another AI provider. Free, Pro, Max and Ultra users can import memory from other providers instead.

How many messages can I send?

Anthropic gives no fixed number. The free plan has a limit that resets every five hours, and Claude tells you when you reach it. See usage limits.

Information

updated Nov 3, 2026

Made by: Anthropic
Connector directory: claude.ai/directory

In the Claude directory

Sources

Docs, issue trackers and discussions this page is built from.

Show all 4

Get started with Claude · support.claude.com
How do I sign up for the Pro plan? · support.claude.com
Claude pricing · claude.com
Usage limit best practices · support.claude.com