Start Using AI on Your Phone
At home or out, you can talk with AI from one phone. For life use, the phone app is overwhelmingly more convenient than a PC. Here's how to install each AI's official app and reach the first chat.
3 Main Apps
| App | iPhone | Android | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | App Store | Google Play | Free; paid—check official |
| Claude | App Store | Google Play | Free; paid—check official |
| Gemini | In Google app | Built-in / dedicated app | Free; paid—check official |
Starting the ChatGPT App
- Search "ChatGPT" in App Store / Google Play (official is by OpenAI)
- After install, log in with Google / Apple / email
- SMS auth (Japanese mobile number)
- First tutorial: OK to skip
- Type a question in the bottom input field and send
Starting the Claude App
- Search "Claude" (official by Anthropic)
- Log in with Google / email
- SMS auth
- From the bottom input field
Starting Gemini
On Android it's standard on many devices. On iPhone it's built into the Google app. There's also a separate dedicated Gemini app. If logged into a Google account, no extra setup is needed.
5 First-Chat Examples
- "Tell me today's weather"
- "I have eggs, cabbage, pork in the fridge. A dinner in 15 minutes?"
- "5 English news headlines with Japanese translations"
- "My kid asked 'why is the sky blue?' Explain gently"
- "3 movies to watch in Tokyo this weekend"
Talking by Voice Changes the Experience
- ChatGPT/Gemini have a voice conversation mode (natural conversation)
- Use hands-free while cooking/driving/walking
- After voice input, AI also replies by voice
- The more of a beginner, the easier to start with voice than typing
The Camera Feature Is Handy Too
- Photograph a product label: "OK to buy? what additives?"
- Photograph an appliance manual: "how do I operate this?"
- Photograph a plant: "what plant is this?"
- Photograph a handwritten note: "read it and turn into text"
Phone Notification Settings
Notifications are often ON by default. If annoying:
- iOS: Settings → Notifications → ChatGPT/Claude/Gemini → OFF
- Android: Settings → Apps → the app → Notifications → OFF
Next Article
Once you start, next is "How to Choose Free vs Paid." For life use, free is often enough.
