Get started with AI in 10 minutes – step by step

What do you need?

Just three things:

• A device: a smartphone, tablet or computer with an internet connection.
• An email address or an existing Google, Microsoft or Apple account.
• Ten minutes and a bit of curiosity.

You don't need a bank card. All the services mentioned here have a free basic version that is plenty for getting started. Paid plans typically cost around €20 a month, but only consider them once you know what you'll use AI for.

Step 1: Pick one assistant (1 minute)

There are lots of options, which can feel confusing. The good news: all the popular assistants handle the basics well. So don't spend ages comparing. Pick one of these:

Step 2: Open the service from the right place (2 minutes)

You can use the assistant in a web browser or as an app on your phone. The app is often handiest, because you can talk to it as well.

1. Open your phone's app store (App Store or Google Play).
2. Search for the assistant's name, for example "ChatGPT".
3. Check the publisher is genuine: OpenAI, Google, Microsoft or Anthropic.
4. Install the app.

Step 3: Create an account (3 minutes)

When you open the app it will ask you to sign in. The easiest way is to choose "Continue with Google", "Continue with Microsoft" or "Continue with Apple" if you have one of those accounts. That way you don't need to invent a new password.

You can also sign up with an email address. The service will send a confirmation code or link to your inbox. Some services also ask for your date of birth, because they are meant for adults.

Finally you'll see an empty screen with a text box at the bottom. That's all you need.

Step 4: Check one setting (1 minute)

Before your first question, take a quick look at the privacy settings. Most services let you stop your conversations being used to develop the AI further. Look for something called "Data controls", "Privacy" or "Improve the model for everyone" and decide whether you want it on or off. More detail in security and privacy.

Step 5: Try these five things (3 minutes)

Now for the fun part. Type ordinary language into the box, just as you'd message a friend. Typos don't matter. Here are five easy things to try:

1. Ask something you've always wondered about

For example: "Why do leaves turn yellow in autumn?" You'll see the answer is clear and you can ask follow-up questions.

2. Get help writing a message

If it comes out too formal, follow up with: "Make it a bit more relaxed."

3. Ask it to explain a difficult text

Copy a passage from your insurance terms or an official letter and write: "Explain this in plain English." Remove your ID number, names and other identifying details first.

4. Plan something everyday

Try: "Make a week's dinner plan for four people with two vegetarian meals and no oven on weekdays. Add a shopping list."

5. Talk to it

The phone app has a microphone or voice icon. Tap it and ask out loud, for example: "What should I do at my holiday cottage before winter?" Many people find talking easier than typing.

Free or paid?

The free basic version is enough for most people for a long time. It usually has a daily usage limit: if you ask a lot in a short time, the service may ask you to wait a while. A paid plan, typically around €20 a month, raises those limits and adds extra features. Try the free version for at least a couple of weeks before paying for anything.

What next?

Congratulations – you've now used AI. A few pointers for the future:

• Start a new chat for a new topic. The AI remembers everything within one conversation, so topics stay separate when you start a new one (usually "New chat" or a plus sign).
• Keep the conversation going. The first answer isn't the last. Ask for something shorter, longer, simpler or different.
• Check important things. AI can be wrong even when it sounds sure. Read what AI can't do.
• Learn to ask better. A little effort gets you much better answers. See how to ask AI well.

Common question: what if I do something wrong?

You can't break anything. At worst you'll get a poor answer, and then you can ask again or delete the conversation. The AI won't get annoyed, won't get tired and doesn't think anything of you. You can ask the same thing ten times or ask for an explanation as simple as you like. That's exactly what makes it a good learning companion.

The only thing to be careful about is your own details: never type your national ID number, banking codes, card numbers or passwords. AI never needs them.

Summary

Pick one free assistant, install it from the genuine publisher, sign in with an account you already have, check the privacy settings and try five everyday things. After ten minutes you'll know what AI feels like – and you can decide for yourself what you want to use it for.