Getting Set Up: Your First AI App, Step by Step
Wonderfully AI · Updated 24 October 2026
Never used an AI app before? You're in exactly the right place. This little guide takes you from nothing to your first conversation, safely and calmly. It takes about 15 minutes.
1. Choose your AI app
There are several friendly AI apps, including ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Copilot. Most offer a free version, and that's all you need to begin.
Wonderfully AI is independent and doesn't recommend or receive anything from any AI company, so it's worth doing a little research of your own. Have a look at each company's website, read about their privacy approach, and choose the one that feels right for you. You can always try another later.
2. Download it safely
Only download AI apps from the official App Store (iPhone and iPad), Google Play (Android), or the company's own website on a computer.
Some look-alike apps copy famous names. Before you download, check the developer's name matches the company (for example, OpenAI for ChatGPT, Anthropic for Claude, Google for Gemini, Microsoft for Copilot). If an app asks for payment straight away, or looks unusual, close it.
3. Create your account
Most apps ask you to sign up with an email address, or with an existing Google, Apple or Microsoft account.
- Choose a strong password you don't use anywhere else.
- Turn on two-step verification if it's offered.
- Check the app's age requirements and terms as you sign up.
4. Take a first look at the settings
Before your first chat, spend two minutes in the settings. You don't need to change everything, just know where things are. Look for:
- Chat history: whether your conversations are saved, and how to delete them.
- Memory: some apps can remember things about you between chats. See whether it's on, and where you can view or delete what it remembers.
- Improving the service: some apps may use your chats to help improve their AI. Many let you switch this off.
- Temporary or private chats: some apps offer a chat that isn't saved.
Names and options vary between apps and change over time, so use your app's own help pages if you can't find something.
5. What never to share
Keep these out of any AI app:
- Passwords and verification codes
- Bank, card or tax file numbers
- Medical records or other private health details
- Other people's private information
- Confidential work or client information
A good rule: if you wouldn't put it on a postcard, don't put it into an AI app.
6. Say hello
You're ready. Type, or tap the microphone and speak, something like this:
Hello! I've never used AI before. Could you explain three everyday things you could help me with? Please keep it simple.
That's it. You've had your first AI conversation.
Where to next
Try our free mini course, The Magic Question, to make AI far more useful from your very first chat. Then, when you're ready, Hello, AI! takes you from curious to confident, one gentle lesson at a time.