How to set up Claude properly in 15 minutes

Claude is made by a company called Anthropic and is known for clear, thoughtful writing. Here’s how to set it up properly, step by step.

Menus change from time to time. If something looks slightly different, look for a similarly named option nearby.

Step 1: Create your account (3 minutes)

1. Go to claude.ai on your computer, or download the Claude app from the App Store or Google Play. Check the developer is Anthropic.
2. Choose to continue with Google or with your email address. With email, Claude sends you a sign-in link or code.
3. Enter your name and confirm your age.

Step 2: Check your privacy settings (3 minutes)

Click your name or initials (bottom-left on a computer), then Settings.

• Privacy → “Help improve our AI models”. This controls whether your chats may be used to train future versions of Claude. Many people choose to switch it off. Claude works just as well either way.
• If you signed up with email, keep that email account secure with a strong password and two-step verification, because it’s how you get into Claude.

Step 3: Tell Claude about you (5 minutes)

In Settings → Account, under Profile, find the box called Instructions for Claude. Write a few lines, for example:

I'm a retired teacher in Norwich. I'm new to AI. I mainly want help
with emails, planning trips, and understanding letters and forms.

Please use British English, keep answers fairly short, and explain
any technical terms. If my request is unclear, ask me before guessing.

This applies to every new chat, so Claude always starts off on the right foot.

Step 4: Decide about memory (1 minute)

Claude can remember useful context from your past chats. You’ll find this in Settings (look for Memory or similar).

• On is handier: Claude gets to know you.
• Off is more private.

Want a one-off conversation that isn’t saved? Use an incognito chat. Look for the ghost-style icon at the top right when starting a new chat.

Step 5: Try a Project (3 minutes)

Projects are one of Claude’s best features: a space with its own instructions and documents. For example, you could create a Project called “House move” and add your moving checklist and quotes. Every chat inside it then knows the background.

On the free plan you can create a small number of Projects, which is plenty to start. (This is also where our Course Packs go.)

Step 6: Your first real task

Try this:

Here's a letter I've received. Explain in plain English what it's
asking me to do, by when, and whether there's anything I should
worry about.

…then paste in the text of a letter, or click the + or paperclip button to upload a photo or PDF of it.

That’s it. Dead easy.

Next, learn how to ask AI for exactly what you want, or grab the free AI Setup Checklist to tick off each step.