Using Claude — Anthropic: devices, requirements, and limits…

On which devices can you use Claude?

Claude by Anthropic works via the browser and through genuine apps for computers, smartphones, and tablets. You’ll need a compatible device, an internet connection, and an account; in addition, your subscription, the features you use, and the scope of your tasks determine how much you can do within a given period.

Using Claude: What do you need?

For regular use of Claude, you don’t need a special AI computer. You can get started at claude.ai in a browser or install an genuine app. Your conversations are processed through Anthropic’s service, so you don’t have to download the AI models yourself.

However, there are several conditions to keep in mind. Your device must support the selected application, you must have access to your account, and the service must be available in your location. Additionally, Anthropic sets a minimum age of 18 for Claude.

Also, be sure to distinguish between access and capacity. Being able to install an app doesn’t mean that every feature is included in your subscription. And a paid subscription doesn’t mean you can continue working without usage limits.

This guide was last updated on October 28, 2026. Platform requirements and limitations are subject to change. If there is a discrepancy between an older overview and the current information in your account or app store, please check the most recent genuine information.

On which devices does Claude work?

The web version is a practical starting point if you want to get started without installing anything. The desktop and mobile apps are a good option if you use Claude frequently or need features that integrate with your device.

The minimum versions listed above are taken from Anthropic’s installation information. They indicate the basic requirements for using the application, but do not guarantee that every additional feature will be available on every compatible device.

Using Claude in a browser

You don’t need to install a separate Claude app—you can use it right in your browser. This is convenient on a computer where you don’t have installation privileges, or if you want to first assess whether Claude fits your workflow.

We recommend using an up-to-date browser on an operating system that still receives security updates. This reduces the risk of issues with logging in, file selection, or modern web features.

What’s more important than a powerful computer?

For basic web browsing, a well-functioning browser and a stable connection are generally more important than an expensive graphics card. The local computer must, above all, be able to display websites, documents, and any other open applications smoothly.

You’ll notice this, for example, when you have a large report, multiple browser windows, and a spreadsheet open at the same time. If everything on your device starts to slow down, it might not be Claude’s fault. First, close any unnecessary applications and run a simple command to check.

A fixed number for RAM or internet speed offers little guidance here. A short text-based task places different demands on your work environment than large uploads, video calls, and extensive document work all at once.

Opening the website is different from using a browser extension

Using Claude via a website and installing the Claude extension in Chrome are two different things. The extension has its own terms and access permissions. According to Anthropic, it is supported in Google Chrome on a computer, not in other Chromium-based browsers or on mobile devices.

A restriction on that extension does not automatically mean you cannot use the regular Claude website. Always check exactly which application a platform requirement applies to.

Claude Desktop at Windows, Mac , and Linux

Claude Desktop opens the application in a separate window on your computer. This can be convenient if you regularly switch between documents, programs, and Claude.

According to Anthropic’s current installation guide, the following basic requirements apply:

• macos: Version 13 Ventura or higher.
• Windows: Windows 10 or higher.
• Linux, in beta: Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or higher, or Debian 12 or higher, on x64 or arm64.

Linux currently does not offer all the same capabilities as on other platforms. Anthropic notes limitations regarding computer control and dictation, among other things.

Download the right version

Use the genuine download page and choose the version that’s compatible with your device. Especially on Windows , it’s helpful to note the difference between the versions offered for different processor types.

Not sure about your platform? First, check the device information in the settings at Windows or macos. Make a note of the operating system and version number before selecting a download. This will prevent you from trying to fix an installation problem with the wrong package.

A minimum requirement is not a recommendation to keep outdated software

The fact that an application lists “ Windows 10 ” as the minimum requirement says nothing about the current support for your specific Windows installation. Therefore, you should also check whether your operating system and browser are still being properly supported.

If an older Mac does not meet the desktop requirements, first check whether the web version works with a current browser. You don’t have to buy a brand new computer right away just to ask a simple text-based question.

Claude on iPhone, ipad, and Android

Mobile apps are designed for use on your phone or tablet. They can be handy when you want to ask a question, take notes, or work with files on your device while on the go.

Requirements for iPhone and ipad

According to the genuine iOS manual, the app currently requires iOS 18.0 or higher, or iPadOS 18.0 or higher. Search for “Claude by Anthropic” in the App Store .

For certain managed enterprise environments, Claude for Intune is also available. Use that version if your organization requires it. For regular personal use, the standard app is the starting point.

Check the requirements before purchasing a tablet specifically for Claude. A used device may still function well, but it may no longer receive required platform updates.

Requirements for Android

In the Android installation guide, Anthropic lists “ Android ” 8.0 Oreo or higher. Actual availability also depends on your device and region.

The base app and additional features may have different requirements. For example, the fact that the app installs does not guarantee that every integration with a platform function is supported.

Can’t find Claude in the app store? First, check the genuine link, the platform version, and availability for your device. An app with a similar name may not be from Anthropic.

Internet, age, and availability by country

For the standard Claude service, you’ll need an internet connection. Having the app installed doesn’t mean you can use the assistant completely offline. When uploading files, also make sure your connection remains stable enough to transfer the file.

Claude is available in Belgium and the Netherlands. Both countries are on the genuine list of supported locations. Please check that list again if you’d like to use the service from another country.

According to the introductory documentation, you must be at least 18 years old to use the service. A school tablet, student email address, or access through an app store does not change this requirement.

Additional terms may apply for work computers

An organization can determine which applications, integrations, and data sources may be used. As a result, a feature may be visible on your personal device but missing from your work computer.

In such a situation, first check which work environment and agreements apply. For work documents, the right organizational environment is more important than the quickest route to an upload button.

What are Claude’s limitations?

With Claude, various limits may apply. The best-known is a usage limit, but there are also limits on the amount of information in a conversation and on files.

These differences are practically important. Waiting can help with a temporary usage limit. It does not change an unsupported file format. Reinstalling an app also does not free up additional usage capacity.

How do the usage limits work?

Anthropic does not bill usage solely based on a fixed number of identical messages. The length of conversations, the chosen model, the specified effort level, and the tools used all factor into the calculation.

The explanation of usage and duration limits specifies that paid subscriptions have a session limit that resets every five hours, as well as weekly limits. The exact allowance varies by subscription.

Use across different Claude environments can be covered by the same subscription plan. Switching from the browser to the desktop app therefore does not result in additional credit.

Why can’t you count on a fixed number of questions?

A prompt like “think of three titles” is a different task than “analyze these documents, research additional sources, and create a presentation.” The second request can involve many more processing steps.

Therefore, don’t base your usage solely on the number of messages someone else sends. Two users can ask the same number of questions yet consume very different amounts of bandwidth.

Where can you see how much space is left?

For supported paid subscriptions, you can view usage and renewal dates in Settings > Usage. The notification in your account is the most useful starting point for your planning.

If there’s a limit, check which time period it refers to. Resetting a session limit does not automatically mean that a reached weekly limit is also reset.

Does the free version of Claude have different limitations than the paid version?

According to Anthropic, the free version has a session-based usage limit with a reset every five hours. The number of available messages may vary depending on demand for the service. Anthropic may apply additional limits.

A paid subscription offers more storage space or additional features, depending on the plan you choose. So “paid” doesn’t automatically mean “unlimited.”

For Pro, Anthropic also specifies session and weekly limits. If you consistently run into these limits, you can compare the current subscription options. For some paid plans, individual usage credits are also available to allow you to continue working beyond the included limits.

Evaluate such a choice based on your own usage. Note what tasks you perform and how often a usage limit actually gets in the way. An occasional long-term project may require a different solution than daily intensive use.

A Claude subscription and API usage are two different things

A subscription to the Claude application is not a general credit applicable to every third-party application that uses Claude models. For example, Anthropic states that the Pro plan does not include API usage via the Claude Console.

If you use Claude within other software, check who provides the service and how capacity is calculated. The terms and conditions of that environment may differ from those of your own Claude account.

What does the context limit of a conversation mean?

Context refers to the information that Claude can take into account when processing a conversation. This includes prompts, responses, and relevant source material. The available space depends, among other things, on the model.

A context limit is different from a usage limit. You may still have capacity left, but a single task might be too large. Conversely, a short call might be cut off because you’ve used up your usage allowance for that period.

Anthropic also describes automatic context processing, in which previous content can be summarized to continue longer conversations. The required features must be available and enabled for this to work.

Make it easy to find important options

For a long-term project, keep a concise overview of the goal, approved sources, and finalized decisions. This will help when you start a brand new discussion later or work out a specific part on its own.

We are working on [result]. Use only [source version]. These choices are fixed: [choices]. The open-ended questions are [questions]. For now, work only on [section].

Such a transfer doesn’t have to be a complete transcript of the conversation. Just include whatever is necessary for the next step.

What file formats and upload limits apply?

Claude supports various document formats, including PDF, DOCX, CSV, TXT, HTML, ODT, RTF, EPUB, and JSON. For XLSX processing, the ability to execute code and create files must be enabled. Supported image formats include JPEG, PNG, GIF, and WebP.

The current upload documentation specifies the following limits, among others:

• Call uploads: up to 500 MB per file and up to 20 files per call.
• Project files: maximum 30 MB per file, with additional limits on the content that can be processed.
• PDF’s: up to 1,000 pages; for 101 to 1,000 pages, only text is processed according to the documentation.

Additional content and functionality limitations may apply. Therefore, a technically valid file is not automatically fully usable for every analysis.

File size doesn’t indicate how much relevant content is inside

A small file can contain a lot of text. A larger file may consist mainly of images. Therefore, be sure to assess the readability and determine exactly what you want to have analyzed.

If you have a question about a specific section, please provide that section along with sufficient surrounding context. This makes the assignment clearer and helps you verify the result.

For tables and graphs, it’s advisable to explicitly cite the relevant pages or genuine data. Simply stating “identify the most striking trend” leaves open which time period or unit of measurement is relevant.

Why do features differ between devices?

Having the same account access does not mean that every environment has the same capabilities. A mobile app uses different device features than a desktop extension. Furthermore, some features are being rolled out in phases.

Therefore, consider three key questions: Does my device support the application? Does my subscription include the feature? And does my environment allow for its use?

Example: You can view a file, but you can’t edit it

You may be able to open a document on your phone, but not make the desired changes in the linked application. This may be related to the app you’re using, access permissions, or the available link.

Please note exactly which steps work and which don’t. “The document opens, but the option to save it to the destination folder isn’t available” provides more clarity than “Claude doesn’t work on my phone.”

How can you make the most of your available capacity?

Good preparation prevents you from having to redo the same task multiple times. This is especially helpful when working with documents or more complex tasks.

Anthropic cites clear instructions, targeted use of resources, and limiting unnecessary context as ways to make better use of the available space.

Provide related instructions all at once

Please specify the purpose, target audience, and desired format at the beginning. You don’t need to know every detail in advance, but a clear foundation helps avoid numerous rounds of revisions.

Turn these notes into an internal work instruction. Write it for brand new employees, retain all terms and conditions, and include any missing information in a checklist. Please submit only the text for now.

Let us change only what’s necessary

If a document is mostly correct, ask for the specific section to be revised. This way, you can keep better track of the changes and won’t have to reread as much.

Choose tools that fit the task

Extensive web research is usually not necessary when rewriting a provided paragraph. However, it is necessary for current product terms and conditions. Let the nature of the assignment determine how much research and processing is required.

Break down large projects into manageable parts

For example, start with a table of contents, review the translation, and then have the final document produced. This way, you can prevent an incorrect starting point from affecting the final result.

Checklist before you start with Claude

• Check whether your device supports the selected app, or use the web version first.
• Download from the genuine Claude page or the linked app store.
• Sign in to the right account and the right work environment.
• Check to see if the features you need are available.
• Check the detailed information for your usage period and renewal date.
• Select only relevant files and check their format and size.
• Save important final results in a place where you can easily find them yourself.

Terms related to devices, requirements, and limits

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a powerful computer for Claude?

You don’t need a special AI computer for everyday conversations. A compatible browser or supported app, a properly functioning device, and an internet connection are all you need to get started.

Can you use Claude without installing an app?

Yes. You can use claude.ai in a browser. Different terms may apply for specific device features or extensions.

Does Claude work without an internet connection?

For normal use of the Claude service, an internet connection is required. An installed app does not make the assistant fully available offline.

At what age can you start using Claude?

Anthropic requires users to be at least 18 years old to use the service.

Do you get a brand new key when you switch devices?

No. Usage within the same subscription can be shared across different Claude environments. Opening the app on a different device does not reset the limit.

Is the paid version of Claude unlimited?

No. Paid subscriptions also have terms of use and limits. Check your current storage space and backup schedules in your account.

Why won’t a file fit even though it’s small enough?

In addition to file size, format, content, page count, context, and feature settings may also play a role. Therefore, please read the full message.

Will uninstalling the app also cancel my subscription?

No. Anthropic states in the mobile apps that uninstalling the app does not automatically cancel the paid subscription. Manage your subscription through the designated channel.

Key Insights

• Claude works via the browser and genuine apps; check the requirements for your specific device.
• You need internet access and must be at least 18 years old; Belgium and the Netherlands are supported locations.
• Usage limits, context limits, and file limits are different matters and each requires an appropriate approach.
• A paid subscription or another device does not provide unlimited capacity; check the current notification in your account.
• Work with relevant files, clear instructions, and verifiable steps to make the most of your available space.