Perplexed by Perplexity

[#1]

My smartphone came with a number of AI apps pre-installed. I always chose Perplexity as my Go To AI Bot, it was very useful, even in its anonymous user 'Free' mode.

Sadly, after a failed attempt a few days ago to upload a photo of a plant for it to identify, it seems to have taken against me (or my phone) and whenever I start it up now it soon expects me to "Continue with Google".

I even tried asking it (in effect) "What gives". After much handwaving BS which, included the word "workflow", when I tried asking a follow-up question it was back to the "Continue with Google". I can still operate in anonymous user mode, but only by firing up the browser, going to the website https://www.perplexity.ai/ whereupon, on a phone I have to then get past the "It's better on the App - Download" before I even get started. It was much easier previously.

I can't seem to find a setting to restore the original functioning, or indeed if this is a Perplexity update or policy change. Does anyone have any idea?

I did think of asking another AI what's up with Perplexity AI. 😊 But I thought I'd ask here first.

[#2]

...This is seriously infuriating!

I just thought I'd use the PC to inquire at the web based Perplexity - about any known issues, any changes. All was going well, it mentioned it needed to know the version number of the App I was having an issue with. I put in v2.91.1...

Bang! Immediate response: "Continue with Google".  😠

[#3]

Reads like the trial use period is over, now registration is expected.

[#4]

@pvmb 

I see

Are you sure it not just requesting you to have some sort of account to use it?

[#5]

@Dan_the_Van 

"Are you sure it not just requesting you to have some sort of account to use it?"

Yes it is. But I have been using it on and off since last December without needing an account. Then abruptly, with no notification...

It may be as @PhilipHeyes says - but no notification or warning of any sort feels a bit off to me. Leaves you dangling.

"Was it something I did? Like that photo on Monday..."

[#6]

Is this relevant?

When did perplexity change its usage rules?

Perplexity frequently updates its service limits, but two major shifts in its usage and acceptable use rules occurred recently: [1, 2]

• Terms of Service Update (January 23, 2026): Perplexity updated its ToS, heavily restricting standard and Pro subscriptions to strict personal, non-commercial use only and enforcing clearer attribution rules. [1, 2, 3]

• Usage & Credit Reductions (February & May 2026): Perplexity introduced steep caps on advanced features like "Deep Research" (limiting some high-tier operations to as few as 15–20 queries per month). Furthermore, in May, they cracked down on promotional accounts by enforcing stricter rate limits to prevent fraud.

[#7]

@Townman 

"Is this relevant?

When did perplexity change its usage rules?

Perplexity frequently updates its service limits, but two major shifts in its usage and acceptable use rules occurred recently: [1, 2]"

None of that seems to apply in my case. It may of course be a complete coincidence but the change in my experience with Perplexity occurred after last Monday, when I attempted, but failed, to upload a picture of a plant I wanted Perplexity to identify.

Someone I know bought the identical phone I have, bought like me from Tesco Mobile. Only last night I asked them how Perplexity was currently working for them. Not only had they no idea what it was but, surprisingly, said the App didn't even appear on their (identical to my) phone.

I've searched online but can only find stuff about people concerned over the paid 'Pro' version of Perplexity - hardly anything about anonymous users and the Free version.

One thing, Perplexity does keep track of query data from an identified device - but only for 14 days for non account users. So, if I wait 14 days, who knows? But it definitely presents differently now to how it did originally via the App. But I still have no idea if it has been updated or not on my phone. I know my Opera browser has updated recently, because it told me so.

[#8]

I've noticed something similar recently. It feels like the app has become much more insistent about signing in than it used to be. I suspect it's a change on Perplexity's side rather than anything you've done. If you haven't already, it might be worth clearing the app's cache or reinstalling it, but I wouldn't be surprised if it behaves exactly the same afterwards. Hopefully someone else who's using the free, anonymous mode can confirm whether they're seeing the same thing.

[#9]

@rowanfletcher 

"If you haven't already, it might be worth clearing the app's cache or reinstalling it, but I wouldn't be surprised if it behaves exactly the same afterwards."

Yes, I've deleted the app's cache and user data on my phone. This has not altered it's fundamental behaviour and I suspect either it has been silently updated or the Perplexity server responses have now been changed.

It's a shame because I originally chose Perplexity over the other two AI apps on the phone (Copilot and Gemini) because, unlike them, it didn't require logging in to an account. This made it very quick and easy to use on the fly - it proved highly useful while visiting the National Gallery.