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Getting started with Claude

Claude is an AI assistant made by Anthropic. This guide walks you through creating an account at claude.ai, verifying your phone number, and having your first useful conversation.

Time (estimate)About 10 minutes
LevelBeginner
CostA free plan is available; paid plans (Pro, Max) add more usage. See the official pricing page.
Last checkedOctober 25, 2026

Who this is for

Anyone 18 or older who wants to try a general-purpose AI chat assistant.

Before you start

  • You must be at least 18 and physically in one of Claude's supported locations.
  • A mobile number from a supported location that can receive text messages. VoIP numbers, Google Voice, app-created numbers, and landlines are not accepted.
  • A Google account or an email address you can check.

Step by step

  1. Open claude.ai

    Go to claude.ai in your web browser. Claude is also available as a desktop app for Mac and Windows and as a mobile app for iOS and Android. Anthropic's login help says the same two sign-in options appear on the web, desktop, and mobile apps.

  2. Choose how to sign up

    Select Continue with Google, or enter your email address and select Continue with email.

    If you use email, Claude sends a message with the subject “Secure link to log in to Claude.ai”. Click the link on the same device to finish. If you open it on a different device, it shows a verification code to type on the original device. Claude does not use passwords.

  3. Follow the registration prompts

    Follow the on-screen prompts to complete registration.

  4. Verify your phone number

    Enter your mobile number. Claude texts you a six-digit code. Type it into the box and click Verify code. This step is required for every new account and cannot be skipped.

  5. Send your first message

    Type your request into the chat box and send it. Anthropic suggests talking to Claude naturally, like a coworker. Try something practical:

    I run a small landscaping business. Write a friendly, two-paragraph email reminding customers that spring bookings open next week. Keep it under 120 words.

  6. Find extra options

    Click the + button in the lower left of the chat box, or type /, to see more options and commands.

  7. Check which model you are using

    The model name appears below the text box on web and desktop, or at the top of the screen on mobile. Click it to open the model selector and switch to another available model.

  8. Know the free-plan limits

    On the free plan there is a session-based usage limit that resets every five hours, and the number of messages can vary with demand. Claude tells you when you reach a limit.

Tips

  • Start simple, be specific, and refine with follow-up questions (Anthropic's own getting-started tips).
  • To use Claude on another device, sign in with the same email address.
  • Our tip: avoid pasting passwords, account numbers, or other people's private information into any AI chat.

Common mistakes

  • Trying to verify with a Google Voice or other internet-based number; it will not be accepted.
  • Not finding the sign-in email. Check spam and junk folders for mail from @mail.anthropic.com and try again after a few minutes.
  • Looking for a password reset; Claude accounts do not have passwords.

FAQ

Is Claude free?

Yes, there is a free plan. Paid plans (Pro and Max) offer more usage and features. Prices change, so check the official pricing on claude.ai.

Can I bring my chat history from another AI tool?

Not your conversation history. Anthropic says Free, Pro, and Max users can import memory from other AI providers.

Does Claude work in other languages?

Anthropic says Claude performs well in many common languages, with some ability in less common ones.

Sources and last checked

We checked these official pages on October 25, 2026. AI tools change often; if something looks different, the official page is the final word. Spotted a change? Email [email protected].

  1. Claude.ai documentation: Create an account
    https://claude.com/docs
  2. Claude Help Center: Get started with Claude
    https://support.claude.com/en/articles/8114491-get-started-with-claude
  3. Claude Help Center: Verify your phone number
    https://support.claude.com/en/articles/8287232-verify-your-phone-number
  4. Claude Help Center: Log in to your Claude account
    https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13189465-log-in-to-your-claude-account
  5. claude.ai sign-in and plans page
    https://claude.ai/
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Coming soon

The Deuterium SI app is coming soon.

We are building a simple companion app to help you keep up as AI tools change. Join the email list to hear when it is ready.

The app is not built yet. There are no screenshots, prices, or release dates to share. Join the list and we will tell you when it is ready.

App Store: coming soonGoogle Play: coming soonWeb app: coming soon

Claude is a trademark of Anthropic. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Anthropic.
Deuterium SI is an independent educational publisher. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the makers of any product we describe, including Grok Bot, Claude (Anthropic), ChatGPT (OpenAI), Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft), or Gemini (Google). Product names are trademarks of their respective owners and are used only to identify the products being explained. Product details, plans, and prices can change at any time; check the official sources above.