How to Change AI Model in Perplexity

Key takeaways:

• You can pick different AI models in Perplexity for better answers
• There are three ways to switch models: before, after, or as your default
• Some models do deeper research, others are faster or more creative

Ever get stuck with the wrong AI model in Perplexity? Yeah, I’ve been there. Sometimes you want a quick answer, sometimes you want deep research, or maybe you just want to try out the latest Gemini or Claude model. Good news: Perplexity gives you a bunch of ways to switch up the AI model, so you always get the answer you want.

Here’s how I handle it, step by step, with all the tricks and a few tips for making it your default. I’ll even show you how to switch models after you’ve already asked your question. No more being stuck with the wrong AI. Let’s get into it.

Three ways to change the AI model in Perplexity for your next answer

So, Perplexity has a bunch of models—Sonar, GPT-4o, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Gemini, Groq, and more. Each one has its own vibe. Some go deep, some are speedy, some are just plain creative. Here’s how I swap between them.

Pick your AI model before you ask a question

Right on the main page, you’ll see a button that usually says Auto. That’s Perplexity picking the model for you. But you can click it and pick something else—like Pro for deeper research, or Reasoning R1 and Reasoning R3 Mini for faster, logic-heavy answers. Just pick the one you want, ask your question, and Perplexity will use that model for your answer. Easy.

Change the AI model after you get your answer

Maybe you forgot to pick a model, or you just want to see how another model would answer. No problem. After you get your answer, scroll down and hit the Rewrite button. You’ll get a list of all available models—Sonar, Claude, GPT-4o, Gemini, Groq, and more. Pick one, and Perplexity will redo the answer using your chosen model. I do this all the time when I want a second opinion or a shorter, more direct answer.

Set your favorite AI model as the default

If you always want to use the same model, you can set it as your default. Go to the Settings page, find the AI Model section under your account, and pick your favorite. Now, every time you start a new thread, Perplexity will use that model automatically. If you ever want to change it up, just come back here and pick a new default.

Table: Where to change the AI model in Perplexity

What’s the difference between the AI models in Perplexity?

Each model has its own strengths. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Pro does a deeper search, so it’s great for research-heavy stuff.
• Reasoning R1 and R3 Mini are fast and logical, good for straight answers.
• Sonar is Perplexity’s own model, solid for most things.
• Claude, GPT-4o, Gemini, Groq—these are from other big AI labs, and each one has its own style.

If you want to know how to make your device default to a certain app or setting, check out how to change default open with. It’s a similar vibe—set it once, and you’re good.

Tips for getting the best results with different AI models

• If you want a deep-dive answer, try Pro or Claude.
• For quick facts, Reasoning R1 or R3 Mini are your friends.
• If you’re working on something creative, Gemini or GPT-4o might surprise you.
• Don’t be afraid to rewrite your answer with a different model. Sometimes, a second take is all you need.

What if you want to switch models mid-thread?

Heads up: If you switch to Reasoning R1 or R3 Mini mid-thread, it overrides your default. So if you set GPT-4o as your default but pick R1 for a question, it’ll use R1 for that answer. Just something to keep in mind.

If you’re into customizing your experience, you might also like how to change Chrome default download location. It’s all about making your tools work the way you want.

Why Perplexity’s model switching isn’t always intuitive

I’ll be real: The interface can be a little confusing. There are three ways to change the model, and they don’t always talk to each other. Sometimes you think you’ve set the default, but then you accidentally override it. It takes a bit of getting used to, but once you know where to look, it’s quick.

If you’re struggling with settings in other apps, how to change language on Google account is another guide that might help you get more comfortable with menus and options.

FAQs

How do I pick a different AI model before I ask a question?

Just click the model button (usually says Auto) at the top of the main page, then pick your model before you type your question.

Can I change the model after I already got an answer?

Yep! Scroll down and hit Rewrite, then pick a new model. Perplexity will redo the answer using that one.

How do I set a default AI model for all my questions?

Go to Settings, scroll to the AI Model section, and choose your favorite. Every new thread will use that model.

What’s the difference between Pro, Reasoning, and Sonar models?

Pro goes deeper with research, Reasoning is fast and direct, and Sonar is Perplexity’s own all-rounder.

Can I use multiple models in the same thread?

You can rewrite answers with different models, but only one model is used per answer. Switching mid-thread will override your default for that answer.

Hope this helps you get the most out of Perplexity! 🚀 If you’re into tweaking your setup, don’t miss how to change default open with for making your apps work just how you want.