Getting started with a Copilot plan

You can use Copilot for free, or choose a paid plan to unlock additional features, models, and request limits.

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You can get started with your Copilot plan by:

Accessing Copilot Free

Most individual developers can start using Copilot Free with no setup required. However, there are a few cases where Copilot Free isn't available:

  • You have a managed user account.
  • You are assigned a Copilot seat through an organization.
  • You have an existing Copilot Pro or Copilot Pro+ subscription or Copilot Pro trial.
  • You have free access to Copilot Pro as a student, teacher, or open-source maintainer.

There are a few ways to start using Copilot Free, depending on where you're working.

Visual Studio and VS Code

In Visual Studio and VS Code you can access Copilot Free directly from the editor.

  1. In the top right of Visual Studio or VS Code, click .
  2. In the sidebar, click Sign up for Copilot Free.
  3. If you have a GitHub account, you will be prompted to sign in. If you don't have a GitHub account, you will be prompted to create one.

GitHub.com

With Copilot Free, you can ask Copilot questions within a chat interface on GitHub. Go to https://github.com/copilot to start chatting with Copilot.

GitHub Mobile

You can also chat with Copilot in GitHub Mobile.

  1. In GitHub Mobile, tap the GitHub Copilot icon in the bottom right corner of the screen.

    Note

    The GitHub Copilot icon is not shown on every page in GitHub Mobile. If you don't see the icon, navigate to a different page in GitHub Mobile and look for the icon there.

  2. At the bottom of the page, use the "Ask Copilot" box to start a chat with Copilot.

Other IDEs

To use Copilot Free in other IDEs, you'll need to activate it from your GitHub account settings first.

  1. In the upper-right corner of any page on GitHub, click your profile photo, then click Your Copilot.
  2. Click Start using Copilot Free to activate Copilot Free and open immersive mode.
  3. To the right of "Install Copilot in your favorite code editor", select the dropdown menu and click your preferred editor.

Upgrading from Copilot Free

If you’re already using Copilot Free and reach your usage limit, you’ll be prompted to upgrade directly. The upgrade experience varies by where you’re using Copilot:

  • In Visual Studio, VS Code, or GitHub.com: You’ll receive a message with your reset date and a link to upgrade to Copilot Pro or Copilot Pro+.

  • In other IDEs: You’ll see an error message. You can start a trial or paid plan from your GitHub Copilot settings.

  • In GitHub Mobile: When you hit the usage limit, you’ll be prompted to upgrade via in-app purchase.

Subscribing to Copilot Pro or Copilot Pro+

You can subscribe to Copilot Pro or Copilot Pro+ at any time to unlock advanced AI features, higher usage limits, and access to additional models.

Tip

Not sure which plan to choose? For a side-by-side comparison, see About individual Copilot plans and benefits.

  1. Go to the plans page.

  2. Click Get started under the plan you want to subscribe to.

  3. Choose whether you want to pay monthly or yearly, and click Subscribe to Copilot Pro/Copilot Pro+.

    If your personal account meets the criteria for a free GitHub Copilot subscription instead of a trial or paid subscription, you will automatically be taken to step 6.

  4. To enable usage beyond your included premium request allowance, select Yes, I want to enable additional usage for Copilot premium requests. You can change this setting at any time. Click Save & continue.

  5. Follow the steps to enter and confirm your billing information and payment details, then click Submit.

  6. After reviewing your subscription details, click Activate Copilot Pro/Copilot Pro+.