How to Use Perplexity AI: Step-By-Step Guideline in 2025

by | Last updated Apr 18, 2025

How to use Perplexity

Are you tired of searching online and having to click through multiple websites to find what you’re looking for? 

It can take forever to get a simple one. 

Wouldn’t it be great if you could ask a question and get a straight answer, along with links to where that information came from? 

Well, there’s at? 

There’s this cool tool called Perplexity AI.

This guide will show you exactly how to use Perplexity AI, step by step.

Perplexity
Perplexity

Access 1 million tokens of context, analyze up to 1500 pages of information and get accurate, up-to-the-minute answers to any question. Experience the future of search.

Getting Started

You’re ready to check out Perplexity AI? Awesome!

Think of it like a different kind of search engine, one that tries to give you answers. 

Here’s how you can jump in:

1. Finding Perplexity AI

  • Website: The easiest way is to visit their website at https://www.perplexity.ai/. You can start asking questions, right? – You don’t even need to sign up at first.
  • Phone App: They also have apps for iPhones and Android phones. Just go to your app store and search for Plexity AI to download it. This way, you can use it wherever you go.
  • Browser Helper: If you use Google, there’s something called a browser extension you can add. It puts Perplexity right in your browser, so you can ask a query without leaving the page you’re on.

2. Looking Around

When you get to the perplexing screen, it’s pretty. 

You’ll see a big box where you can type in your queries – that’s the search engine part.

You’ll see where the answers appear, similar to a ChatGPT window.

It’ll show you what the AI says and also a little link to where it found that information.

Sometimes, it will even give you ideas for other questions you might want to ask.

it’scally, it’s not scary at all. 

Just find it online or on your phone, and you’re ready to start asking! We’ll help! 

We’ll get into how to ask good questions next.

perplexity ai homepage

Understanding Perplexity AI

Okay, you asked Perplexity AI something, and it gave you Here’s the answer. 

Here’s what to look at:

  • The Direct Answer: This is what the AI tools think best answers your query from its search results.
  • Source Links: Riyou’ llter, you’ll see numbers or links. These show you where Perplexity found the info online. Click them to see the original sites! This is a big difference from just getting a list of links like with a regular search engine.
  • Follow-Up Questions: Sometimes, Perplexity offers ideas for other follow-up questions you might want to ask. It helps you explore the topic more.
  • The “Ask Again” Box: You can type another question here to continue the conversation, like ChatGPT, but with sources.
  • About the Pro version: There is a Pro version that may have extra features or generate longer content, possibly even using different AI models like GPT-3 or Gemini. This tutorial focuses on the regular version to show you the basic use cases.
  • Sources like Reddit: Sometimes, it even uses information from places like Reddit, but it still links to it.

So, when you get an answer from Perplexity:

  • Read the main answer.
  • Check the source links.
  • Look at the follow-up questions.
  • Type in another question if you want to know more.

Knowing how Perplexity shows you its answers helps you use it smartly!

You might even save interesting stuff in a collection if you make an account. We’ll meet later. 

We’ll talk about the pros and cons of different AI tools later, but for now, get comfy with how Perplexity shows you things.

perplexity ai perpelxity assistant

Advanced Tips and Features

You’re getting the hang of using Perplexilet! 

Now let’s look at some cooler, more advanced stuff you can do to really leverage its power.

Even with the free version, Perplexity AI offers some neat tricks.

  • Focusing Your Search: Some don’t, you don’t just want any answer; you want a specific type of answer. Perplexity lets you tell it what kind of sources to look at. You might see options like Google has different search tabs. It’s more about the type of website. For example, you can tell it to focus on:
    • Academic: This tries to find research papers and articles from scholarly sources.
    • Writing: This looks for content that is well-written and explains things clearly.
    • Reddit: If you want to see what people are talking about and their opinions.
    • YouTube: It can help you see what’s said in videos!
    • News: If you need to stay up to date on recipients.
    You’ll usually find a menu or buttons near where you type your prompt to pick these options.
  • This is way better than just doing a traditional search and hoping for the best!
  • Talking Back and Forth: One of the coolest things is that Perplexity remembers what you’ve already asked. So, you can ask a follow-up question without having to repeat it. It’s like having a conversation!
    • Exa “ple:
      • You: “What are the main ingredients in p “zza dough?”
      • Perplexity AI: Gives you the ingredients and their citation l” nks.
      • You: “How can I make it g” gluten-free?”
      • Perplexity, you’re still talking about pizza dough and giving you gluten-free tips.
  • Using Your Voice (you’re: If you’re using the phone app, there might be a way to talk your question instead of typing. This can be super when you’re busy.
  • Saving Stuff (If You Sign Up): If you make an account, you might be able to save your past searches and favorite answers. This can be you rel if you’re conducting a lot of research on a single topic and want to keep things organized in a collection.
  • T “e “CoPilot (Sometimes): You might see a feat” re calle” “CoPilot.” This is like having an AI-powered helper that asks you questions to make sure it really understands what you’re looking for. It can help you get even better answers. Think of it as a super helpful assistant for your query.
  • Giving Feedback: If you think an answer was really good or maybe not quthere’sht, there’s usually a way to tell Perplexity. This helps them make the AI even smarter over time, much like the people who made Claude are always trying to improve.. I don’t.
perplexity ai top benefits

So, don’t just stick to typing in simple questions.

Try using the focus options and having a conversation with Perplexity.

You might be surprised at how much more you can learn!

Remember, even with the free version, you can still leverage many of these cool features.

Perplexity AI in 2025: What to Expect

Okay, it’s 2025 now, and Perplexity AI is getting even cooler!

Just like your phone gets new updates with better features, Perplexity is always here, singing. 

Here’s what you might see in the near future:

  • Smarter Searching: You know how sometimes you ask a question, and you have to clarify what you mean? Well, Perplexity is getting better at understanding what you really want, even if it isn’t perfect. It’s learning to think more like a human. Maybe it will even get as smart as GPT-4 someday!
  • Searching with Pictures: Imagine you see something interesting, like a weird-looking bug. Instead of trying to describe it, maybe you could show Perplexity a picture” e and as, k “. What’s a picture of that?” What’s that age generation for this, and it’s something Perplexity might be able to do more of. So, the user experience could get way more visual.
  • Better at Talking Back: The conversations you have with Perplexity might feel even more natural. It might be able to understand more complicated questions and give you even more helpful follow-up ideas. You might even be able to task someone with different kinds of explanations, like “Explain this like I’m in fifth grade.”
  • Connecting with Other Things: Perplexity might start working better with other apps and tools you use. Imagine asking it to find a recipe and then having it automatically add the ingredients to your shopping list!
  • Even More Accurate: The people who make Perplexity are always working to make sure the answers you get are correct and from good sources. They want it to be a really trustworthy AI-powered search tool.
perplexity ai personal experience

So, keep an eye out! Perplexity AI in 2025 is likely to be even easier to use, more helpful.

And maybe even let you search with pictures. 

Best Practices for Using Perplexity AI

Okay, now that you know how Perplexity AI works.

Here are some good habits to get into so you can use them like a pro:

  • Always Double-Check: Even though Perplexity shows you where it gets its info, it’s still a good idea to look at those sources yourself, especially if it’s something really important. Think of it like doing research for a school project – you don’t just take a website’s word for it!
  • Think About Where the Information Comes from: Just because a website doesn’t, it doesn’t always mean the websites it links to are reliable. Are they news sites? School websites? Personal blogs? Different kinds of websites have various levels of trustworthiness. It’s a member of trustworthiness.AIAI is super helpful, but it’s no substitute for a human expert. It’s really good at putting together information, but it might not always understand everything perfectly. If you have a really complicated question or need serious advice (like medical or legal), it’s always best to talk to a real person.
  • Try different ways if you don’t get what you’re looking for the first time. Try rewording your question. Sometimes, just changing a few words in your prompt can make a big difference in the search results.
  • Keep Up with New Stuff: The people who make Perplexity are always adding new features and making it better. Keep an eye out for updates or announcements so you can take advantage of the latest cool things it can do.
  • Give Feedback: If you think Perplexity did a great job or if something wasn’t quite right, let them know! Most AI tools have a way for you to give feedback, and that helps them make the AI smarter for everyone.
perplexity ai LLM research

By following these tipsll become a Perplexity AI master. It’s. It’s 

It’s all about being a smart user and knowing how to get the most out of this awesome tool.

Wrapping Up

So, that’s the lowdown on how to use Perplexity AI!

It’s like having a super-smart helper for searching the internet.

One that gives you answers right away and even shows you where it found them.

Remember to ask clear questions, check out the sources, and don’t be afraid to try out the different features it offers.

As Perplexity keeps getting better in 2025 and beyond.

It’s going to become an even more useful tool for quickly and easily finding information. 

So go ahead, give it a try, and see what you can discover!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Perplexity AI generate images like Gemini?

Currently, Perplexity AI primarily focuses on text-based search and providing information with sources. While it’s rapidly evolving, direct image generation like Gemini is not a core feature right now. Keep an eye on updates, as AI capabilities continue to expand.

How is Perplexity AI different from a regular search engine?

Perplexity AI gives you direct answers to your questions and cites its sources, unlike traditional search engines that mainly provide lists of links. You can also ask follow-up questions for a conversational search experience.

What are some good ways to also ask Perplexity AI questions?

Be clear and specific in your prompts. Use natural language, and don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions to clarify or dig deeper into a topic. You can also try focusing your search on specific types of sources.

Is there a cost to use Perplexity AI?

Perplexity AI offers a free version with access to its core search functionalities. They may also have a pro version with additional features or benefits, but the basic service is usually available for free.

Can Perplexity AI understand complex or technical questions?

Yes, Perplexity AI is designed to understand a wide range of questions, including complex and technical ones. The quality of the answer depends on the clarity of your prompt and the available information in its sources. Don’t hesitate to ask detailed queries.

Fahim Joharder

Fahim Joharder

Author

A tech enthusiast and writer with a passion for AI and software innovations. He simplifies complex topics to help readers stay ahead in the digital world.

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