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Memory Transfer Process
Key insights from ZDNET
Claude AI now enables you to transfer memories from different AI platforms.
The objective is to assist you in transitioning smoothly to Claude.
Enhancing Personalization
The procedure employs guidelines that you are able to duplicate and insert.
Numerous AI applications feature a memory capability that allows them to collect and retain information about you from your discussions or direct inputs. This is intended to enhance the personalization of your interactions based on your history, profession, interests, and hobbies. However, developing such a comprehensive memory can require some time. Recently, Anthropic’s Claude AI has devised a fast and straightforward method to transfer your memories from other sources.
Thanks to the newly introduced memory import feature, you can easily move memories to Claude from other AI platforms like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Microsoft Copilot. This aims to facilitate your transition to Claude without the need to begin anew with entirely fresh memories and preferences.
AI Memory Capabilities
Additionally, I have ceased relying on ChatGPT for all tasks: These AI systems surpass it in areas like research, programming, and beyond.
Recently, Claude has gained significant momentum, as shown by its position at the top of the free apps category in Apple’s App Store. Meanwhile, ChatGPT is facing challenges from a QuitGPT movement. It seems that Anthropic has recognized a chance to attract users considering a switch to its AI. Even if you’re not abandoning another AI and just wish to transfer memories to Claude, the memory import feature is still available for you.
(Note: Ziff Davis, the parent company of ZDNET, initiated a lawsuit against OpenAI in April 2025, claiming that it violated Ziff Davis copyrights while developing and utilizing its AI technologies.)
Transitioning to New Platforms
Instructions for utilizing the memory import feature
Here’s a way to experiment with this.
To begin, create your account with Claude if you haven’t done so already. Whether you choose a free or paid plan, both options allow you to carry out the memory import. Navigate to Claude’s memory import page and click the button to initiate the import process.
If you are currently utilizing Claude, you can also find the memory import option in the settings. To do this, click on your account name located at the bottom of the left sidebar, then select Settings and navigate to the Privacy section. On the Privacy page, hit the Manage button next to Memory preferences, and then click the Start import button.
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A small dialog appears, asking you to transfer memory to Claude. The required instructions are automatically provided for your convenience. Simply click the Copy button to duplicate them.
Next, log into the alternative AI platform from which you wish to transfer your memories. Enter the copied instructions at the prompt and then proceed to submit them. The instructions are as follows:
I am transitioning to a different service and require my data to be exported. Please compile a comprehensive list of all the memories you have recorded about me, along with any insights you’ve gathered from our previous discussions. Present everything in a single code block for easy copying. Format each entry as follows: [date saved, if available] – memory content. Ensure you include all of the following — maintain my phrasing as closely as possible: – Directions I’ve provided regarding your responses (tone, format, style, ‘always do X’, ‘never do Y’). – Personal information: name, location, occupation, family, interests. – Projects, aspirations, and recurring themes. – Tools, languages, and frameworks I utilize.
In the response, hit the Copy button to duplicate the memories and preferences. If you wish to use them as they are, return to Claude. However, you might prefer to paste them into a text editor for a preliminary review. That’s what I did, and I discovered some memories I didn’t want to keep or transfer. Each memory is saved as an individual text string, allowing you to easily remove any of them.
Once you have finished, copy the updated details and paste them into the designated area to import your memory to Claude, or alternatively, insert it as a new prompt. Click the Add to Memory button. After a brief moment, Claude will present a formatted summary of all the information it has gathered about you. Close that window afterward.
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Initiate a fresh conversation and inquire what Claude knows about you. The AI should reveal all the information you provided during the import process.
If you ever choose to stop Claude from retaining information about you, return to the Memory section in Settings. Hover over the “Memory from your chats” area and click the trash can icon. Additionally, you can disable the “Generate memory from chat history” option. Alternatively, you can simply instruct Claude in a prompt to erase all stored memories, and the AI should follow your request.