Learn how to use Kimi for free, choose the right model, manage credits, upload files and get better AI results without paying for a plan today.
Kimi is an artificial intelligence assistant created by Moonshot AI. You can use it for research, writing, coding, translation, document analysis and everyday questions.
It includes built-in web search, reasoning tools and support for long conversations. Kimi can also understand images, PDFs, spreadsheets, Word documents, videos and online links. (kimi.com)
Kimi currently offers several models:
| Kimi model | Best use | Does it use credits? | Suitable for free users? |
|---|---|---|---|
| K2.6 | Fast questions, writing and normal chat | No | Yes |
| K3 Low | Everyday advanced tasks | Yes | Yes, within your credits |
| K3 High | Complex reasoning and detailed work | Yes | Limited free use |
| K3 Max | Demanding research and agent tasks | Yes | Can use credits quickly |
| K3 Swarm | Large searches and parallel tasks | Yes | Not included in Adagio |
K2.6 focuses on fast conversations and text output. K3 is Kimi’s more capable model for advanced chat, visual input, coding, document creation and agent work. K3 Swarm can divide a large task among many agents, but it is not included with the standard free Adagio membership. (kimi.com)
Yes. Kimi has a free membership tier called Adagio.
The free plan currently includes:
Kimi describes the agent credit figures as estimates because different tasks use different amounts of computing power. Credits refresh according to the membership cycle. (kimi.com)
The free plan does not include:
You can still use Kimi effectively without these paid features.
Visit the official Kimi website in your browser. You can also install the official Kimi mobile app.
Avoid unofficial websites that copy the Kimi name. They may charge unnecessary fees or collect your information.
Kimi officially supports access through its website and mobile application. Developers can use a separate Kimi platform for API access. (kimi.com)
Select Log In or Sign Up.
Choose one of the available sign-in methods shown in your region. Kimi supports email addresses and supported mobile numbers, although the exact options may differ by country. (kimi.com)
Complete any verification step and enter the main Kimi workspace.
You may see an option to upgrade your membership. You do not need to upgrade to begin using Kimi.
The free membership is called Adagio. Paid plans begin with Moderato, followed by Allegretto, Allegro and Vivace. (kimi.com)
Check your current plan through your profile or membership settings. Make sure it shows Adagio before using paid options.
Click the model selector above or near the message box. Choose K2.6 for most everyday work.
K2.6 does not use membership credits. This makes it the best model for:
Kimi recommends K2.6 for fast conversation and question-and-answer tasks. (kimi.com)
A prompt is the instruction you give an AI tool.
Do not type only one or two vague words. Explain the task, audience, format and important limits.
For example:
This prompt gives Kimi clear rules. The result will usually be stronger than asking, “Write about email marketing.”
Click the plus button near the prompt box to upload a file.
Kimi supports common file types such as:
Kimi states that users can upload files of up to 100 MB each, with up to 50 files in one session. (kimi.com)
After uploading, tell Kimi exactly what to do.
For example:
Switch to K3 when K2.6 cannot complete the work properly.
K3 is better for:
K3 and K3 Swarm consume credits. Free users should use them only when the stronger model adds real value. (kimi.com)
Kimi includes built-in web search. It can look for recent information and use online sources when a question requires them.
Kimi decides automatically when web search is needed. Users do not always need to turn it on manually. (kimi.com)
Example prompt:
Always open important sources yourself before publishing the result.
Upload a report, article, contract or business document. Ask Kimi to extract key information.
Example prompt:
Do not upload private documents unless you understand the platform’s privacy terms.
Kimi can create:
For better writing, provide a sample of your preferred tone.
Example prompt:
Kimi can translate content and simplify difficult writing.
Example prompt:
You should still ask a fluent speaker to review important legal, medical or commercial translations.
K3 can understand visual material such as screenshots, charts, photographs and document pages.
You can upload a website screenshot and ask:
K3 uses native visual and document understanding rather than relying only on basic text extraction. (kimi.com)
Kimi can explain code, identify bugs and generate examples in languages such as HTML, JavaScript, Python, Java and C++.
Example prompt:
Never publish AI-generated code without testing it.
K3 can produce editable files such as presentations, documents and spreadsheets. K2.6 normally provides text content rather than complete editable office files. (kimi.com)
Use K3 when you need a finished file. Use K2.6 when you only need an outline or draft text.
| Plan | Monthly price | Approximate agent credits | Concurrent agent tasks | Agent Swarm | Professional database calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adagio | $0 | 6 | 1 | No | 200 |
| Moderato | $19 | 60 | 2 | 25 uses | 2,000 |
| Allegretto | $39 | 150 | 2 | 50 uses | 5,000 |
| Allegro | $99 | 360 | 4 | 120 uses | 12,000 |
| Vivace | $199 | 720 | 4 | 240 uses | 24,000 |
These prices and limits were listed by Kimi in July 2026. Kimi may change its plans, credit rules or regional pricing later. Check the official membership page before buying. (kimi.com)
Do not use K3 for simple rewriting, idea generation or basic questions. K2.6 can often complete those jobs without consuming credits.
Save K3 for visual work, editable files and difficult reasoning.
Several small follow-up messages may use more time and credits than one complete prompt.
Include these details in your first instruction:
A well-planned prompt reduces unnecessary corrections.
Do not mix unrelated work inside one long conversation.
Kimi recommends starting a new session for each independent task. Very long conversations may compress or lose earlier details. (kimi.com)
For example, do not use the same chat for a business report, holiday plan and coding project.
After many messages, ask:
Kimi suggests summarising after about 20 or more turns during long tasks. (kimi.com)
Kimi Presets let you save prompts that you use often.
You can create presets for:
Open the plus menu, select the Presets option and add your reusable instruction. (kimi.com)
This saves time and produces more consistent results.
| Your task | Best model |
|---|---|
| Quick question | K2.6 |
| Rewrite a paragraph | K2.6 |
| Brainstorm content ideas | K2.6 |
| Create a basic article draft | K2.6 |
| Analyse a detailed image | K3 |
| Build an editable presentation | K3 |
| Create a website | K3 |
| Complete complex research | K3 |
| Run hundreds of parallel searches | K3 Swarm |
| Preserve free credits | K2.6 |
Kimi Work is Kimi’s desktop application for Windows and macOS.
It can work with local files, run code, operate a browser and complete longer workflows. Free users receive limited trial credits and can create up to two scheduled tasks. (kimi.com)
Kimi Work may suit you when you need the AI to:
The normal web version is simpler for everyday questions, writing and research.
K3 uses credits. K2.6 does not.
Always try K2.6 first unless you need visual analysis, editable documents or complex agent work.
K2.6 may not consume credits, but advanced agent features have limits. Heavy use can require a paid membership.
Remove passwords, bank details, private client data and sensitive personal information before uploading files.
Use approved business systems when handling regulated or confidential material.
AI tools can misunderstand instructions, miss context or produce incorrect information.
Verify:
“Write an article” gives Kimi very little direction.
“Write a 1,000-word beginner article with six sections, examples and a comparison table” gives it a clear target.
Long mixed conversations can weaken context. Use one Kimi chat for one main project.
For most beginners, yes.
The free plan is suitable for writing, brainstorming, basic research, translation, summaries and everyday questions. K2.6 handles these tasks without consuming membership credits. (kimi.com)
You may need a paid plan when you regularly create editable files, run advanced agents, use K3 heavily or need faster processing.
Do not upgrade just because the option appears. Upgrade only when free limits interrupt useful work.
Yes. Select the Adagio free membership and use K2.6 for normal conversations. K2.6 does not consume credits. You also receive limited credits for advanced agent features. Paid plans are optional and mainly provide higher limits, faster processing and additional tools. (kimi.com)
K2.6 is the best option for free use because Kimi states that it does not consume membership credits. It works well for quick questions, writing, summaries, explanations and normal conversations. K3 is more powerful, but it uses credits when you select it. (kimi.com)
The Adagio plan currently includes about six agent credits. Kimi describes this as an approximate figure because different tasks use different amounts. The free plan also includes one concurrent agent task and 200 professional database calls. (kimi.com)
Kimi supports PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, image, text and video uploads. Its help centre states that individual files can be up to 100 MB and that one session can contain up to 50 files. Access may still depend on your model and remaining free limits. (kimi.com)
Yes. Kimi has built-in web search and can retrieve current online information. The system can decide automatically whether a question needs web search. You should still open and verify important sources before using Kimi’s findings in published content. (kimi.com)
K3 can produce editable documents such as PowerPoint files, but K3 uses credits. A free user may create presentations while credits remain. K2.6 can help write a presentation outline without consuming credits, but it focuses on text output rather than creating the final editable file. (kimi.com)
Yes. Kimi can be accessed through its website or official mobile app. The same account and membership system applies. Available login methods, app features and regional access may differ depending on your device and country. (kimi.com)
The better choice depends on your task. Kimi offers useful free access to K2.6, long-document tools, web search and agent features. ChatGPT has its own models and connected tools. Test both with the same real task and compare accuracy, speed, sources and output quality.
You can use Kimi for free by creating an account, remaining on the Adagio plan and selecting K2.6 for most everyday work.
Use your limited K3 credits only for complex research, visual analysis, editable files or advanced agent tasks. This approach gives you the strongest value without paying for a subscription.
Open Kimi, choose K2.6 and test it with one real task you need to complete today.
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