Perplexity uses your conversations and uploaded files to train its AI models by default. If you want to prevent your data from being used for this purpose, you need to manually opt out through your account settings. Many users toggle the opt-out option but are unsure whether the change actually saved. This article explains the exact steps to opt out and how to confirm that the setting is active on your account.
Key Takeaways: Verifying Your Perplexity Training Opt-Out
- Settings > Account > Model Training: Toggle the switch to disable training data use.
- Visual indicator in Settings: The toggle must show gray (off) and the text must say “Model Training Off.”
- Log out and log back in: After toggling, sign out and sign in again to force the server to apply the change.
How Perplexity Uses Your Data for Training
Perplexity collects your search queries, follow-up questions, uploaded files, and generated responses to improve its AI models. This data helps the system learn patterns, refine answers, and reduce errors over time. The company states that personal identifiers are stripped before training, but the content of your conversations is still used. The opt-out setting is a single toggle in your account preferences. When you disable it, Perplexity stops using your future data for training. Past data may still be retained unless you also request deletion through support.
Steps to Opt Out of Model Training
Follow these steps to change the setting on the Perplexity website or desktop app. The mobile app uses the same menu structure.
- Open Settings
Click your profile picture or initials in the top-right corner of the Perplexity window. Select Settings from the dropdown menu. - Go to the Account tab
In the Settings sidebar, click Account. This tab contains your subscription, email, and privacy options. - Locate Model Training
Scroll down to the section labeled Model Training. You will see a toggle switch and a description that reads “Allow your data to be used for model training.” - Turn off the toggle
Click the toggle so it turns gray (disabled). The text below the toggle should change to Model Training Off. If it says Model Training On, click again. - Sign out and sign back in
Click your profile picture again and select Log out. Close the browser tab or app window. Open Perplexity again, sign in with your credentials, and return to Settings > Account to confirm the toggle is still gray.
How to Confirm the Opt-Out Is Active
After you toggle the setting, the change is saved to your account on the server. However, a visual glitch can sometimes show the toggle in the correct position even if the server did not register it. Use these methods to verify that the opt-out is actually active.
Check the Toggle Color and Label
Open Settings > Account again. Look at the Model Training toggle. It must be gray (not blue or green). The label directly below the toggle must say Model Training Off. If you see any other text, the setting is still on.
Use a Second Browser or Incognito Window
Open a private or incognito window in your browser. Sign in to Perplexity with your account. Go to Settings > Account. If the toggle is gray and the label says Off, the setting is saved on the server. If it shows On, the original session did not save the change.
Check Your Email Confirmation
Perplexity does not send an email when you opt out. Do not rely on email confirmation. Only the in-app toggle and label are the official indicators.
If the Opt-Out Setting Does Not Stick
Some users report that the toggle reverts to On after they close and reopen the browser. This can happen due to browser cache, an outdated app version, or a server-side delay. Try these fixes in order.
Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
In Chrome, click the three-dot menu > Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear browsing data. Select Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files. Set the time range to All time. Click Clear data. Then repeat the opt-out steps.
Update the Perplexity App
If you use the Windows or macOS desktop app, check for updates. Open the app, click your profile picture, and select About. If an update is available, download and install it. Then follow the opt-out steps again.
Contact Perplexity Support
If the toggle still does not stay off, email support at support@perplexity.ai. Include your account email and a screenshot of the Settings page showing the toggle in the Off position. Ask them to confirm that model training is disabled on your account.
| Item | Opt-Out Active | Opt-Out Not Active |
|---|---|---|
| Toggle color | Gray | Blue or green |
| Label text | Model Training Off | Model Training On |
| Data used for training | No new data collected | All new conversations used |
| Past data still retained | Yes, unless you request deletion | Yes, unless you request deletion |
You can now verify that your Perplexity account is not contributing data to model training. After you toggle the setting, always sign out and sign back in to force the server to apply the change. Check the toggle color and label in a private browser window for a reliable confirmation. If you want to delete past data as well, submit a support request with your account email.