Pi lessons: workflows, costs, mistakes, prompts
Reference lessons to use after the step-by-step tutorial.
Prompt library
Help me decide between [A] and [B]. Ask me 5 questions first, then summarize the trade-offs.Mistakes and fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Sharing private details | Keep it general |
| Using facts unchecked | Look them up |
Use-case playbooks
Role-play rehearsal
- Set the role and how hard to push back.
- Ask for feedback.
- Repeat once.
Brainstorm
- Ask for 10 ideas.
- Ask which 2 are weakest and why.
Animated walkthrough
Animated walkthrough
Press play, or pick a chapter. Each chapter animates its steps.
Troubleshooting
I hit a limit. What now?
We couldn't confirm limits (pi.ai blocked). Start a new chat with a short summary instead of dragging a long one.
The answer cites a page that doesn't say that.
Treat the claim as unverified. Ask: quote the exact sentence from that page that supports this, or say it isn't there. Then open the page yourself.
It forgot my earlier instructions.
Long chats push early text out of context. Put standing instructions where Pi keeps them (Use one conversation per goal.) and start a fresh chat.
It agrees with everything I say.
Ask it to argue the other side and list the strongest evidence against your view, with sources.
How do I keep costs down?
Free on the App Store, rated 17+, with no in-app purchases listed.
Cost control
We couldn't confirm limits (pi.ai blocked).
- Test with the free tier on real tasks for a week first.
- Set a calendar reminder 2 days before any renewal.
- Keep one paid assistant, not three, unless each earns its place.
Prompt library: bad vs good
Bad: help me
Good: I need to ask my manager for a raise. Play my manager, push back twice, then give me feedback on what I said.
Why: situation, task, format and limits.
Bad: research this
Good: Find the 5 most relevant official sources from the last 12 months on [topic]. For each: title, date, link, and one sentence it actually says.
Why: asks for dated, quotable, checkable sources.
Bad: make it better
Good: Rewrite this for a busy customer: max 100 words, one ask, no jargon. Then list what you cut.
Why: a reader, a length and an audit of changes.
Bad: should I do X?
Good: List the 3 strongest reasons for and against X for someone in [situation]. Mark which reasons depend on facts I should check.
Why: balanced, and separates facts from judgement.
Privacy and safety
pi.ai blocked our checker on Oct 29, 2026, so we couldn't confirm settings menus.
- Don't paste passwords, ID numbers, card numbers or other people's private details.
- Assume the company can read and keep your chats unless its official policy says otherwise.
- For health, money or legal decisions, confirm with a professional or an official source.
Failure modes to watch
- Agreeable feedback that isn't useful (ask it to push back).
- Unsourced facts.
When to use it vs other bots
| Use Pi for | Consider another bot when |
|---|---|
|
See: ChatGPT · Claude · Gemini · Perplexity · Copilot · comparison |
Leveled tutorials
Where these facts come from
- Pi on the App Store: description, free, rated 17+
- pi.ai blocked our checker on Oct 29, 2026
Checked Oct 29, 2026. Plans change, so confirm on the official page before you pay.
Next: Character.AI tutorial →