How to create accounts and get started
What you need to sign up
Most AI tools require a free account to use. The signup process is simple and similar across different tools.
What you typically need:
- An email address
- A password (or you can sign in with Google, Microsoft, or Apple)
- Sometimes a phone number for verification
What you don't need:
- A credit card (unless you're signing up for a paid plan)
- Technical knowledge or special software
- Permission or approval (just sign up and start using it)
Creating a chatbot account
Let's walk through creating an account for ChatGPT as an example. Other chatbots (Claude, Gemini, Copilot) follow similar steps.
Visit the website: Go to ChatGPT.
Click "Sign up": You'll see options to sign up with email or use an existing Google, Microsoft, or Apple account.
Choose your signup method: Using Google or another existing account is faster and means one less password to remember. If you prefer, create an account with a new email and password.
Verify your email: If you signed up with email, check your inbox for a verification link and click it.
Complete any additional steps: Some tools ask for a phone number for security. Enter it and verify the code they send.
Start using the tool: Once verified, you're ready to go. Most tools drop you right into the main interface where you can start typing.
The whole process takes 2-3 minutes.
Creating accounts for specialized tools
Specialized tools like Grammarly, Otter.ai, or Perplexity follow the same basic pattern:
- Visit the tool's website
- Click "Sign up" or "Get started"
- Provide an email or use Google/Microsoft/Apple sign-in
- Verify your email if required
- Start using the tool
Some specialized tools offer browser extensions or mobile apps. You'll sign into those using the same account you created on the website.
Using social sign-in vs email
Social sign-in (Google, Microsoft, Apple):
- Faster signup (one click)
- One less password to remember
- Easier to recover if you forget your login
- Your AI usage is linked to that Google/Microsoft/Apple account
Email and password:
- More privacy (the AI company doesn't know your Google/Microsoft/Apple identity)
- More control (you can use any email, including temporary or work emails)
- Requires managing another password
For most people, social sign-in is simpler and more convenient. Use email and password if you have specific privacy concerns or preferences.
Managing multiple AI tool accounts
As you explore different AI tools, you'll likely create several accounts. Here's how to keep them organized:
Use the same email or social sign-in: Sign up for all tools using the same Google account or the same email address. This makes it easy to remember which account you used.
Use a password manager: Tools like 1Password, LastPass, or Bitwarden store your passwords securely and fill them in automatically. This is especially helpful if you create unique passwords for each tool.
Keep a simple list: Create a note on your phone or computer listing which AI tools you've signed up for and which email you used. This helps when you return to a tool after a few weeks and can't remember if you have an account.
What happens after you sign up?
Once you have an account, you can:
Access the tool from any device: Sign in on your computer, phone, or tablet using the same account. Your settings and history sync across devices.
Explore free features: Most tools give you generous free access. Spend time trying different tasks before considering paid upgrades.
Check your email: Tools may send you tips, updates, or usage summaries. You can usually adjust email preferences in your account settings.
Upgrade later if needed: If you find yourself using a tool frequently and hitting free limits, you can upgrade to a paid plan anytime. No need to decide up front.
Troubleshooting signup issues
Email not arriving: Check your spam folder. If it's not there, try requesting a new verification email or use a different email address.
"Email already in use": You may have already created an account. Try logging in instead, or use the "Forgot password" option to reset your password.
Phone number issues: Some tools require phone verification for security. If you don't want to use your main phone number, Google Voice offers free virtual numbers in some regions.
Regional restrictions: A few AI tools aren't available in all countries due to regulations or capacity limits. If you can't sign up, the tool will usually tell you why.
Privacy and data
When you create an account, the AI company will have your email address and any information you provide in conversations. Review the privacy policy if you have concerns.
Tips for privacy:
- Use a separate email for AI tools if you prefer
- Don't share sensitive personal information in your AI conversations
- Review privacy settings in your account to see what data is collected and how it's used
- You can usually delete your account and data if you decide to stop using a tool
Getting started after signup
Once your account is created, start simple:
Try a few basic prompts: Ask the tool to explain something, help with a task, or answer a question.
Explore the interface: Look for settings, conversation history, or help sections. Get comfortable with where things are.
Experiment without pressure: There's no "right" way to use these tools. Try different tasks and see what works for you.
Related resources
Not sure which tool to start with? See Which AI tool should I try first?. Want to understand free vs paid features? Check out Understanding free trials and free tiers. Curious about using multiple tools? Visit Do I need accounts with multiple AI tools?.