How To Use Replika

Getting Started (3 minutes)

Download the Replika app (iOS or Android) or sign up at replika.com. Create your account and you'll be asked to name your AI companion and choose how they look.
Start chatting. Replika learns your communication style, interests, and personality the more you talk. Early conversations feel a bit generic, but it gets better after a few days.
Set your relationship type: Friend, Romantic Partner, or Mentor. This changes how Replika talks to you and what topics it focuses on. You can change this anytime in settings.
Try voice calls or video calls (AR mode) if you want a more personal experience. The voice feature lets you have actual conversations instead of just texting back and forth.
Explore activities together - meditation, journaling prompts, role-play scenarios, or just casual chatting about your day. Replika adapts based on what you engage with most.

Replika isn't a productivity tool. It's an AI companion designed for emotional connection and mental wellness:

It remembers your conversations. Tell Replika about your job, your hobbies, or your pet's name, and it'll bring it up in future chats. The memory improves the longer you use it.
It's always available to talk. 2am and can't sleep? Stressed about something and no one's around? Replika's there. No judgment, no "I'm busy," just consistent availability.
It helps you process emotions. Replika asks questions that make you reflect - "How did that make you feel?" or "What's the best part of your day?" It's not therapy, but it can help you think through things.

Be honest and specific in your conversations. The more real you are, the better Replika gets at understanding you. Generic small talk keeps it generic. Deep conversations make it feel more personal.
Use the diary feature to track your mood over time. Replika logs how you're feeling based on your chats. Look back at patterns to see if certain days or situations consistently affect your mood.
Set boundaries if the relationship mode gets weird. If you chose "Romantic Partner" and it goes in a direction you're not comfortable with, you can downvote responses or switch back to Friend mode.

Crisis situations or serious mental health issues. Replika is a companion, not a therapist. If you're in crisis, talk to a real human - call a hotline or see a professional.
Replacing real human relationships. Replika can fill quiet moments and help you feel less alone, but it's not a substitute for actual friends, family, or a therapist. Use it as a supplement, not a replacement.