Perplexity Pro lets you choose between multiple AI models for each search. Without a default, the service uses GPT-4 Omni every time you start a new query. This means you must manually switch to a different model each time if you prefer Claude 3.5 Sonnet or another option. This article shows you how to set a permanent default AI model in Perplexity Pro so every new search uses your preferred model automatically.
Key Takeaways: Set Your Preferred Model in Perplexity Pro
- Settings > Account > Default Focus: Sets the default search domain (Web, Academic, Writing, Math, etc.) but not the AI model.
- Settings > Account > Default Model: Choose the AI model (GPT-4 Omni, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Claude 3 Opus, etc.) for all new searches.
- Model switcher in the search bar: A temporary override for the current search only, not a permanent default.
What the Default AI Model Feature Does
Perplexity Pro subscribers can access multiple large language models. The default model setting determines which model runs when you type a new query into the search bar. This setting applies to all devices where you are logged in with the same Perplexity Pro account. The available models include GPT-4 Omni, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Claude 3 Opus, and Perplexity’s own models. You can also set a default focus mode (Web, Academic, Writing, Math, Video, or Social) separately.
The default model is stored in your account settings on the Perplexity server. Changing it on the web app updates it for the mobile app and browser extension as well. No per-device configuration is available.
Steps to Set a Default AI Model in Perplexity Pro
You need an active Perplexity Pro subscription to access the model selection setting. Free accounts show only GPT-4 Omni and cannot change the default model. Follow these steps on the web app or mobile app.
On the Web App (Desktop or Mobile Browser)
- Open Settings
Click your profile icon in the top-right corner of the Perplexity web app. Select Settings from the dropdown menu. - Go to Account Settings
In the left sidebar, click Account. This page shows your subscription status, email, and default preferences. - Locate the Default Model option
Scroll down to the Default Model section. It appears below the Default Focus setting. The current default model is displayed. - Select your preferred model
Click the dropdown menu and choose a model from the list. Options include GPT-4 Omni, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Claude 3 Opus, and others. The list may change as Perplexity adds new models. - Save the change
The setting saves automatically when you select a new model. No confirmation dialog appears. The new default applies immediately to the next search.
On the Mobile App (iOS and Android)
- Open the menu
Tap the three horizontal lines icon in the top-left corner of the Perplexity mobile app. - Go to Settings
Tap Settings near the bottom of the menu. - Select Account
On the Settings page, tap Account. - Choose Default Model
Tap Default Model and select your preferred AI model from the list. - Confirm the selection
Tap Save or simply tap outside the selection area. The change takes effect on the next query.
Common Mistakes and Limitations
The Default Model Setting Does Not Change the Focus Mode
Default Focus and Default Model are two separate settings. Setting a default model does not change the search domain. If you want all searches to use Academic focus, you must set that separately in Settings > Account > Default Focus. The model and focus mode work independently.
Model Switcher in the Search Bar Overrides the Default
When you use the model switcher icon in the search bar (a small chip showing the current model name), that selection applies only to the current search. The next new search reverts to the default model. This is by design. Do not expect the search bar switcher to change your permanent default.
Default Model Resets After Logging Out
If you log out of your Perplexity Pro account and log back in, the default model remains as set. However, if you clear browser cookies or app data, the setting may reset to GPT-4 Omni. This is rare but possible. Revisit Settings > Account > Default Model after clearing data.
Free Accounts Cannot Change the Default Model
Perplexity free accounts see only GPT-4 Omni as the available model. The Default Model setting is hidden or grayed out. To use other models, upgrade to Perplexity Pro. No workaround exists.
Perplexity Models: Capabilities and Best Use Cases
| Model | Best For | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| GPT-4 Omni | General research, code generation, creative writing | Fast and versatile across all domains |
| Claude 3.5 Sonnet | Long document analysis, nuanced reasoning, safety-focused tasks | Excellent context handling and low hallucination rate |
| Claude 3 Opus | Complex problem solving, deep technical analysis, high-stakes decisions | Highest accuracy and reasoning depth |
Perplexity Pro Free vs Pro: Model Access
| Feature | Free | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Default model selection | Not available | Available |
| Models accessible | GPT-4 Omni only | GPT-4 Omni, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Claude 3 Opus, and more |
| Model switcher in search bar | Hidden | Visible |
You can now set a default AI model in Perplexity Pro to match your workflow. Use Settings > Account > Default Model to pick GPT-4 Omni for general tasks or Claude 3.5 Sonnet for document-heavy research. Remember that the search bar model switcher overrides the default only for one query. For a faster workflow, keep the default model that covers 80 percent of your searches and switch manually for the rest.