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How to use AI on your phone
You can use a chatbot on your iPhone or Android phone, by typing or by talking. This guide shows the two easy ways to start, how to make sure you have the real app, and what to keep private.
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Two ways to start
- No download: open your phone's web browser (such as Safari or Chrome) and type the address yourself: chatgpt.com (opens in a new tab), gemini.google.com (opens in a new tab), or copilot.microsoft.com (opens in a new tab).
- Get the app: an app is a little easier to use every day, and it lets you talk instead of type. The steps are below.
Watch out for copycat apps. App stores have look-alike apps with similar names and icons. Before you tap Get or Install, check the name of the company that made the app. The right names are listed below.
Get the official app
- Open the app store on your phone: the App Store on an iPhone, or Google Play on an Android phone.
- Search for the chatbot you want. OpenAI suggests searching for OpenAI ChatGPT.
- Before you install, check who made it. ChatGPT: OpenAI says the iPhone app's developer is OpenAI OpCo, LLC, and the Android publisher is OpenAI. Gemini: the store pages list Google LLC. Copilot: Microsoft has more than one app with Copilot in its name, so the simplest way is to start from Microsoft's own download page (opens in a new tab), which links to the right store page.
- Tap Get (iPhone) or Install (Android). The store may ask for your Apple or Google password. That is for the store, not for the chatbot. The apps are free to download.
- Open the app. It may ask you to sign in or make an account. Google says some Gemini features on iPhone work without signing in, and Microsoft says the same for Copilot.
- Tap the message box, type a simple question, and tap the send button.
Using Grok? Our Grok guide has the official store links.
On many Android phones, Gemini is already there
Google says some Android phones come with Gemini as the main assistant. On those phones you can open the Gemini app, or start it with a touch, such as pressing and holding the power button. If you switch from Google Assistant to Gemini, Gemini replaces Google Assistant on your phone. See Google's Gemini mobile app help (opens in a new tab) for your phone.
Talk instead of type
- Open the chatbot app.
- Look for the microphone button near the message box, and tap it.
- Your phone may ask to use the microphone. Tap Allow if you want to talk to it. You can always type instead.
- Speak your question in everyday words, such as: What is a good easy dinner with chicken and rice?
- Read or listen to the answer. Ask a follow-up the same way.
Some apps also have a live, back-and-forth voice chat. Google calls its version Gemini Live. Look for a button with that name, or a sound-wave icon.
Keep it private
- The app may ask to use your camera, photos, location, or contacts. You can say no and still use it. You can change your mind later in your phone's Settings.
- Be careful with the camera. Do not take pictures of ID cards, bank cards, checks, or letters that show account numbers.
- Do not type passwords, account numbers, or your Social Security or Medicare number. Read what not to tell a chatbot for the full list.
Official sources (we checked each one)
- OpenAI Help: ChatGPT iOS and Android app FAQ (opens in a new tab)
- Google Help: Get started with the Gemini mobile app (opens in a new tab)
- Microsoft: Download the Copilot app (opens in a new tab)
- Microsoft Support: Microsoft Copilot (free) (opens in a new tab)
Next: try 5 safe first questions on your phone, or see more ideas on Everyday Tools.
Prefer to have it set up for you on your own phone? Our AI setup kits walk through it step by step.
From AI Made Simple (ai-made-simple-rust.vercel.app). General information only. Last checked October 28, 2026.