You can install Claude on an iPad directly from the App Store. Follow these quick steps to find the official app, sign in, and fix common compatibility problems.
You install Claude on an iPad just like any other app. Search the App Store for Claude by Anthropic, check the developer's name, and tap Get. The app is free to download, and you do not need a paid subscription to try it.
Make sure you choose the right app. The developer must be listed as Anthropic PBC. Other AI apps with similar names may appear in the search results.
How to install Claude on an iPad
1. Open the App Store
Open the App Store from your iPad's Home Screen. Tap Search and enter:
Claude by Anthropic
You can also open the official Claude App Store listing directly.
2. Check the developer
Before downloading the app, make sure Anthropic PBC is shown as the developer. Do not rely on the icon or the word Claude alone.
3. Tap Get
Tap Get, then confirm the download with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple Account password. The download itself is free, although the App Store may still ask you to verify your account.
4. Open Claude and sign in
When the installation finishes, tap Open. Sign in to your Claude account or create a new account using one of the options shown on the screen.
If you already use Claude on a computer, sign in with the same account so that you can access your conversations on both devices.
5. Send your first message
You can start with a simple request such as:
Explain in simple terms what you can help me with on an iPad. Give me five practical examples.
What to do if Claude does not appear in the App Store
Start by opening the direct App Store link above. If the listing says that Claude is not compatible with your device, check for an update under Settings → General → Software Update.
At the time of publication, the App Store listing requires iPadOS 18.0 or later. This can change with future versions, so follow the compatibility information displayed on your own iPad.
According to Anthropic's official installation guide, an unsupported device, system version, or region can prevent the app from appearing. Claude is available in the countries and regions listed by Anthropic.
If your iPad cannot be updated, open claude.ai in Safari. The web version does not need to be installed and is enough for ordinary chats.
Should you use the app or Safari?
The app is convenient if you use Claude regularly, want it on your Home Screen, or often work with photos and files stored on your iPad.
Safari is a good choice if you only want to try Claude, are short on storage, or cannot install the current version of the app.
Both give you access to the same Claude service. On an iPad, you install the mobile Claude app—not Claude Desktop, which is made for Mac and Windows computers.
Is Claude free on an iPad?
The official app is free to download, and Claude has a free plan. Paid plans provide higher usage limits and additional features, but you do not need one to create an account and ask your first questions.
Start with the free version. Consider a subscription only if you use Claude regularly and its limits get in your way.
A quick privacy reminder
Do not enter passwords, payment card numbers, identity documents, or confidential work files into Claude. Before uploading a photo or document, check whether it contains personal information that Claude does not need for the task.
For more examples, read What not to share with ChatGPT or Claude.
Summary
Open the App Store, search for Claude by Anthropic, verify that the developer is Anthropic PBC, and tap Get. Sign in after the installation and you can start using Claude straight away.
If the app is unavailable or incompatible with your iPad, use Claude in Safari at claude.ai instead.
