DeepSeek: Access to AI on Every Device

The interest in artificial intelligence-based assistants, able to understand natural language and provide contextual answers, is constantly growing. Among the most discussed and sought-after solutions, emerges DeepSeek, an AI that promises to support users in a wide range of daily activities: from work to study, from personal organization to creativity stimulation. This powerful artificial intelligence has been designed to learn from interactions, offering an increasingly refined and personalized experience. Although its fame is widespread, not everyone knows how to access it, especially following some changes in its distribution. This article aims to clarify every doubt, guiding you through the methods to use DeepSeek on different platforms, for free and without complications.

What is DeepSeek and its potential

DeepSeek is an advanced artificial intelligence model developed by the Chinese company DeepSeek AI, with a strong specialization in understanding and creating natural language. Its architecture has been designed to interact with users profoundly, offering support in diverse contexts. Whether to process complex texts, organize information, generate creative ideas or simply answer specific questions, DeepSeek is a versatile and intuitive tool. One of its most distinctive features is the advanced “raging” ability, embodied by the model DeepThink (R1), also known as Deep Thinking (R1). This feature allows AI to provide answers not only contextual but also more detailed and detailed, ideal for dealing with complex conversations and elaborate analyses. Access to DeepThink (R1) is usually integrated into DeepSeek’s main interface and can be activated with a simple command or button, greatly expanding the possibilities of interaction and service utility.

The availability of the app: a controversial route

In January 2025, DeepSeek launched its official mobile application, gaining rapid global success. The app was initially made available on major digital stores, such as Google Play Store and Apple App Store, allowing millions of users to access it easily. However, this wide availability phase was short-lived. After an initial period, the app was removed from stores in different regions, including Italy, due to privacy concerns and compliance with European regulations. Among the main reasons for this decision, there are issues regarding the collection and processing of personal data of users, as well as possible violations of regulations such as the GDPR. Despite this removal from official stores, DeepSeek remains accessible to users through alternative methods, which ensure its use on smartphones and computers.

How to access DeepSeek on Android devices

For Android device users, the main road to access DeepSeek passes for manual download of the APK file. This method bypasses the official stores and allows you to install the application directly from an external source, usually the manufacturer’s website. Here are the detailed steps to proceed:

1. Device preparation: Before downloading the APK file, you need to enable installing applications from unknown sources on your Android smartphone. This setting ensures that the browser can install files downloaded from the Internet. Usually, access to Settings > App (or Applications and Notifications) > Special app access > Install unknown apps. Here, you select the browser you intend to use (for example, Chrome, Firefox) and move on ON the lever next to “Consent authorization” or “Consent installation from this source”. Note that the exact terminology may vary slightly depending on the version of Android and device model.
2. APK file download: Once the permission is configured, open the browser and browse the official website of DeepSeek dedicated to downloading the application. Search and select “Download APK File” or “Alternative Download Methods” option to start downloading the package deepseek.apk. The system could ask for confirmation to download a file from an external source; confirm by pressing “OK” or “Download anyway”.
3. Installing the app: Wait for the completion of the download. Once downloaded, tap the notification box for the file deepseek.apk to start the installation process. Alternatively, you can access the “Download” section of your browser (usually through the three-point or three-line menu) and select the file deepseek.apk from there. Follow the on-screen instructions and, if required, press “Install”.
4. First start and registration: At the end of the installation, the DeepSeek app will be available on the home screen or in the application drawer, recognizable by the blue whale icon. Launch and accept terms of use and privacy policy. For registration, you can choose to continue with a password, connect an existing Google account, or sign up using a phone number or email address and password. For greater privacy protection, it is advisable to use a secondary email address or a Google account created specifically for such services, so as to minimize the potential risks associated with data sharing.
5. Usage and DeepThink (R1): When logged in, you will be welcomed by the DeepSeek interface. To start a conversation, press “Start Chat”. If you want to exploit the advanced reasoning capabilities of the DeepThink (R1), you just need to tap the “R1” button usually present in the text input interface.

DeepSeek on iPhone: the web shortcut for iOS

For iPhone users, the absence of the DeepSeek app on the App Store requires a different approach, which takes place in creating a web shortcut on the Home screen. This solution transforms DeepSeek’s website into a kind of “web-app”, accessible with a single tap, without the need to download or install additional software. Here's how to do:

1. Access to the website and login: Open your favorite web browser on iPhone (Safari or Chrome are the most common options) and connect to the official website of DeepSeek. Please log in if you already have an account, or proceed with registration. Also in this case, registration can take place via phone number/email address and password, or by connecting a Google account. For privacy reasons, we recommend using an email or a secondary Google account.
2. Creating the shortcut on Safari: If you use Safari, once you login and view the DeepSeek interface, tap the “Share” icon (represented by a square with an arrow upward), which is usually located in the bottom bar of the screen. Browse options until you find and select “Add to Home screen”. You will be required to assign a name to the shortcut (for example, “DeepSeek”); confirm by pressing “Add” at the top right.
3. Creating the shortcut on Chrome: If you prefer Chrome, the process is similar. From the DeepSeek page, tap the “Share” icon (usually right of the address bar). In the menu that appears, scroll and select “Add to Home screen”. Assign a name to the shortcut and confirm by pressing “Add”.
4. Use of AI: Once created, the DeepSeek icon (the blue whale) will appear on your iPhone’s Home screen, just like a normal application. Touching it, you will be redirected directly to DeepSeek’s chat interface. To start a new conversation, select “New Chat”. If you want to activate DeepSeek’s ‘replay’ capabilities, search and press the ‘DeepThink (R1)’ button. Despite the interface it can present some English words, you can interact with AI completely in Italian.

DeepSeek on PC (Windows and Mac): desktop experience

Also for desktop computer users, both Windows and Mac, there is no official application dedicated to DeepSeek. Access to the service is then via web browser. However, you can replicate an experience similar to that of a desktop application by creating a direct shortcut on the desk or in the dock/bar of applications, which you start DeepSeek in a dedicated window.

1. Access to the website and login: Launch your favorite web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari) and browse the official website of DeepSeek. Login to your account or proceed with registration. As with mobile versions, we strongly recommend using email addresses or secondary accounts to protect your privacy. Once you log in, you will find yourself in the chat interface.
2. Creating the shortcut on Chrome: If you use Chrome, click on the three vertical dots (.) at the top right. From the drop-down menu, select “Save and share”, so “Create shortcut... ” or “Install page as app”. You will be asked to give a name to the shortcut (for example, “DeepSeek”). Click on “Crea”. This will create a DeepSeek’s “app” version that can be started from Windows Start menu or Launchpad/Dock on Mac.
3. Shortcut creation on Edge: For Edge, the process is similar. Click on the icon with the three horizontal dots (.) in the upper right corner of the window. From the menu, place on “App” and then select “Start the site as an app”. Assign a name to the new application (for example, “DeepSeek”) and click on “Install”.
4. Creating shortcut on Safari (Mac): On Mac, with Safari, the method is slightly different. Make sure the browser window is not full screen. Click and hold on the URL in the address bar, then drag the URL directly to the desk. By releasing the mouse button, a link file will be created. You can rename this link by right-clicking on it and choosing “Rename”.
5. Use of AI: Now, just double-click the shortcut icon or the created application to instantly access the DeepSeek chat. As in mobile versions, to activate advanced reasoning skills, you will have to press the “DeepThink (R1)” button.

Unofficial privacy and alternatives

The issue of privacy has been a key factor in removing the DeepSeek app from stores, highlighting the importance of being aware of how your data is managed. For this reason, the recommendation to use email accounts or secondary Google for registration at the service remains a crucial suggestion to protect your personal information, regardless of the platform used.

It is also important to mention the existence of unofficial solutions. On the net, you can find open source applications developed by third parties who promise to offer a desktop client for DeepSeek. Although the transparency of an open source project can be an advantage, it is essential to proceed with extreme caution. Non-official software may involve security risks, such as vulnerability or implementation of unchecked data management practices. Therefore, it is always advisable to rely on official access methods (via APK for Android or via browser for iOS and PC) to ensure maximum security and integrity of your data and device.

Conclusions

DeepSeek is a significant innovation in the field of AI assistants, offering natural language skills and advanced reasoning that can enrich user experience in multiple areas. Despite the challenges related to the app distribution in official stores, the alternative methods described in this guide allow anyone to access this powerful artificial intelligence on Android, iPhone and PC, completely free and relatively simple. Following the steps carefully and paying attention to the privacy recommendations, you can start exploring the vast potential of DeepSeek and its DeepThink (R1), transforming the way you interact with AI in your everyday life.