You don't need to download an app to use DeepSeek. The web version at chat.deepseek.com gives you the same AI assistant, the same models, and the same features, all running in your browser. Here's how to get started online and what you can do with it.

Getting Started at chat.deepseek.com

Open your browser and go to chat.deepseek.com. You'll see a sign-up screen. Use your email address or phone number to create an account. There's no credit card required. Once you verify your email, you're in.

The interface loads immediately. It's clean: a chat input at the bottom of the screen, your conversation history on the left sidebar, and a few controls near the input field.

Key controls you'll see:

DeepThink toggle (R1): Enables the reasoning model. The model will show its thinking process before answering.
Web search toggle: Lets DeepSeek pull in current information from the internet.
Attachment button (paperclip): Upload files for the AI to read and analyze.
New chat button (top left): Start a fresh conversation.

What You Can Do in the Browser Version

The DeepSeek web version is feature-complete. Everything the mobile app does, the browser does too:

Chat with V3 (standard mode): Fast responses for everyday questions, writing help, translations, and general conversation. Just type and go.
Use DeepThink (R1) for reasoning: Turn on the toggle and ask complex questions. The model shows its step-by-step reasoning in a panel on the left before delivering the final answer. Great for math, logic, coding problems, and any situation where you want to see how the AI arrived at its conclusion.
Upload and analyze files: Click the paperclip icon to attach PDFs, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint files, or plain text files. DeepSeek reads the content and answers questions about it. Upload a research paper and ask for a summary. Drop in meeting notes and ask it to extract action items.
Search the web in real time: When the web search toggle is on, DeepSeek fetches current information for your query. This is useful for news, recent events, product information, and anything that's changed since the model's training cutoff.
Upload images (V4): The latest version supports image upload. Share a screenshot and ask what's in it, or upload a photo and ask for analysis.
Manage conversation history: Your chats save automatically in the left sidebar. You can rename, delete, or search through past conversations. Your history syncs if you log into the mobile app with the same account.

Tips for Using DeepSeek Online

Use keyboard shortcuts. Press Enter to send a message. Shift+Enter adds a new line without sending. The interface is designed for quick back-and-forth.
Be specific in your prompts. Like any AI assistant, DeepSeek online gives better answers when you're clear about what you want. Instead of "write about AI," try "write a 300-word explainer on how large language models work, aimed at someone with no technical background."
Switch between modes strategically. Use standard mode (V3) for quick questions, translations, and casual chat. Use DeepThink (R1) when you need the model to solve a problem step by step. Standard mode is 2-5x faster.
Upload documents for context. If you're asking about a specific document, upload it directly instead of copying and pasting text. The AI can reference the entire file and give more accurate answers.
Start new chats for different topics. DeepSeek uses conversation history as context. If you switch from asking about cooking to asking about coding, start a new chat so the model doesn't mix topics.

Browser vs App: Which Is Better?

The web version and the mobile app are functionally identical. The choice comes down to convenience:

Use the browser if you're at a computer, want a larger screen, or don't want to install anything.
Use the mobile app if you want voice input, push notifications, or need quick access on the go.
Use both. Your account and chat history sync between the browser and the app. Start a conversation on your phone, continue it on your laptop.

The browser version works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and ChromeOS. Any modern browser is fine: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge. There's no extension or plugin to install.

Is DeepSeek Online Really Free?

Yes. The web version has no usage limits, no paid tiers, and no subscription prompts. You can use DeepSeek online as much as you want without paying.

The only restriction you might hit is server congestion during peak hours. If millions of people are using DeepSeek simultaneously, the service may slow down or briefly queue requests. These moments are rare and typically resolve within minutes.

DeepSeek makes money through its API, which businesses pay to use. The free consumer web app is a way to build a user base and gather feedback. Whether it stays free forever is an open question, but for now, it is.