Claude users can now import their entire ChatGPT history for free, removing a major barrier for those considering switching AI assistants. The move comes as Anthropic's chatbot overtakes OpenAI's offering as the most downloaded free iOS app in the U.S.
Anthropic opened its memory feature to all users this week alongside a new import tool designed specifically to pull data from competing services. Previously limited to paid subscribers since October 2025, memory functionality allows Claude to remember user preferences, personal details, and conversation context across sessions.
The import process centers on a prepared prompt that users copy into ChatGPT or Gemini. When executed, the rival chatbot exports stored memories including personal details, job information, interests, custom instructions, and project context in a formatted markdown file. Users then paste this output into Claude's memory settings through the web interface or mobile apps.
Within 24 hours of importing data, Claude synthesizes the information and begins applying it to new conversations. A dentist asking about implants research would find Claude already aware of their professional focus during subsequent queries about related topics.
Claude reached the top spot in Apple's App Store earlier this month, displacing ChatGPT from its usual position. The timing coincides with OpenAI's announcement of a partnership with the U.S. Department of Defense, which followed public concerns from Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei about unrestricted government AI use.
Memory settings offer controls beyond simple import functionality. Users can pause memory creation while retaining existing context or reset entirely to delete all stored personal information. The feature operates independently from project-specific chats and updates its synthesis every 24 hours based on standalone conversations.
Anthropic promised last month to keep Claude ad-free while adding features previously reserved for paying customers. Alongside memory access, free users gained options for file creation, connector usage, and skill access that were previously subscription-only. The company received a supply chain risk designation from the U.S. government last week after failing to reach an agreement over AI use restrictions.
