How to switch from ChatGPT to Claude without losing information
Anthropic has introduced an import tool that lets you transfer saved context from ChatGPT and other chatbots to Claude, making the transition smoother.
If you're considering switching from ChatGPT to Claude, you don't have to start from scratch. Anthropic has added an Import Memory feature that allows you to bring over saved context from other chatbots. This can be handy if you appreciate Claude's coding abilities or are unhappy with OpenAI's deal with the Department of Defense. The main challenge is moving your saved context, and Anthropic's tool makes that very straightforward. These steps are only for those who want to carry that context over.
How to import memory from ChatGPT to Claude
For best results, you'll need to set things up on both sides. These steps work on the web and in the desktop apps for Claude and ChatGPT:
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Claude: Click your profile picture on the bottom-left. Then go to Settings > Memory. If you don't see that entry, look under Settings > Capabilities. Turn on "Generate Memories from chats" if it isn't already activated. Next to "Import memory from other AI providers," click "Start Import." Copy the prompt Claude provides.
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ChatGPT: Click your profile picture, open Personalization, and make sure Enable Memory is turned on. If you're turning it on only now, wait a few hours for it to update your memories. Optionally, switch the ChatGPT model from Auto to Thinking using the shortcut Shift-Ctrl-M. Thinking mode allows ChatGPT to generate a more thorough summary.
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Paste Claude's prompt into a new chat in ChatGPT and run it. It will produce a block of text summarizing your saved context. Copy the full output.
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Back in Claude, paste ChatGPT's output into the import field and click "Add to memory."
This feature isn't limited to ChatGPT. If you're moving from Gemini, the same basic process applies: turn on its memory feature under Settings > Personal Intelligence > Memory, then enter Claude's import prompt and paste the result back into Claude.
Confirming the import
Anthropic says it can take up to 24 hours for the import to finish. Don't panic if Claude's answers don't immediately incorporate your old context. After that, you can review what Claude remembers in Settings > Memory (or Settings > Capabilities > Memory from your chats if your account still uses legacy settings).
