Claude Memory Import & Export — Back Up or Move Your Memory to Another AI

Claude stores information about your work style, preferences, and recurring topics in its memory — a feature that keeps context intact even after a conversation ends. But what if you've been using another AI service and want to bring your history over to Claude? Or what if you simply want to back up everything Claude already knows about you? This guide walks you through both: importing memories from another AI provider into Claude, and exporting your Claude memory as a backup or for migration. Each process takes about 10 minutes.

Before You Begin

According to the official Claude support documentation, memory import and export are available on Free, Pro, Max, and Team plans, on both the web (claude.com) and the Claude Desktop app. No additional software installation is required — you just need to be signed in to your Claude account.

Quick Glossary

• Memory — A Claude feature that retains information about you (your job, work style, preferences, ongoing projects) across separate conversations, so you don't have to re-explain yourself every time.
• Import — Bringing context and preferences from another AI service into Claude's memory.
• Export — Pulling Claude's stored memory out as plain text, for backup or for moving to another service.
• Settings > Capabilities — The feature management screen inside Claude's account settings, accessible from the top navigation or sidebar.

Part 1. Importing Memories from Another AI into Claude

Step 1: Extract your memory from your current AI service

First, you need to retrieve your stored context from the service you're moving away from (for example, ChatGPT or Gemini). Copy the prompt below exactly as written and paste it into a chat with your current AI service.

I'm moving to another service and need to export my data.
List every memory you have stored about me, as well as any context
you've learned about me from past conversations. Output everything
in a single code block so I can easily copy it.
Format each entry as: [date saved, if available] - memory content.
Make sure to cover all of the following — preserve my words verbatim where possible:
Instructions I've given you about how to respond (tone, format, style, 'always do X', 'never do Y').
Personal details: name, location, job, family, interests.
Projects, goals, and recurring topics.
Tools, languages, and frameworks I use.
Preferences and corrections I've made to your behavior.
Any other stored context not covered above.
Do not summarize, group, or omit any entries.
After the code block, confirm whether that is the complete set or if any remain.

Once the AI responds, copy everything inside the code block. That's the data you'll paste into Claude.

Important: Check whether the response ends with a note saying there's more to show. If so, keep asking until you have everything. Before pasting into Claude, scan the text and remove any sensitive information you don't want to transfer — passwords, financial details, and similar data.

Step 2: Open the import flow in Claude

Sign in to Claude, then open the import screen using either of these two routes:

• Option A — Click Settings in the top navigation or sidebar → open the Capabilities tab → find the Memory section → click "Start import."
• Option B — On the Claude home screen, look for an "Import memory to Claude" card and click "Get started."

Either route opens the import screen, which displays the same prompt from Step 1 alongside a text input box.

Step 3: Paste your exported memory and save

Paste the text you copied in Step 1 into the input box, then click "Add to memory." Claude will analyze the content and save it as individual memory entries.

You can review what was saved by clicking "Manage edits." According to the official documentation, your updated memory will appear within 24 hours.

Confirming a successful import

After the import completes, a "See what Claude learned about you" button appears. Click it to open a new conversation with the following prompt pre-filled:

I updated my memory. What did you learn about me?

If Claude summarizes the information you just transferred, the import worked. If the response seems incomplete, see the troubleshooting section below.

If things don't work as expected: The official documentation notes that memory import is an experimental feature still in active development, and Claude may not always incorporate every imported item successfully. If an entry didn't carry over, go to Settings > Capabilities > "View and edit your memory" and add it manually.

Note on scope: Claude's memory is designed around work-related topics to make it a more effective collaborator. Imported personal details unrelated to work may not be retained automatically.

Part 2. Exporting and Backing Up Your Claude Memory

There are two ways to view and copy your Claude memory as plain text.

Method A: Export via the Settings screen

1. Click Settings in the navigation.
2. Open the Capabilities tab.
3. Click "View and edit your memory."
4. Select all the text on screen (Ctrl+A on Windows, Cmd+A on Mac) and copy it.
5. Paste it into a text editor and save the file to a secure location on your computer.

This method shows memory exactly as Claude stores it internally, making it the most reliable option for a complete backup.

Method B: Request directly in chat

In any Claude conversation, send the following message:

Write out your memories of me verbatim, exactly as they appear in your memory.

Claude will output its stored memory in the chat. Copy the response and paste it into a local file. You can also paste this output into another AI service's chat window to migrate your context there.

A word of caution

Your exported memory file will contain personal and professional details in plain, unencrypted text. Before transferring the file to another service, review it carefully and remove anything you'd prefer not to share. Store the backup file somewhere secure — for example, a password-protected folder or a trusted cloud storage service you control.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• I can't find the "Start import" button. — Verify that your account is on a Free, Pro, Max, or Team plan. The feature may also roll out gradually, so if you don't see it yet, check again in a few days.
• My imported memories aren't showing up. — The official documentation states that reflection can take up to 24 hours. If nothing appears after 24 hours, try adding the missing items manually via Settings > Capabilities > "View and edit your memory."
• Some entries weren't saved. — Claude prioritizes work-related context. Personal details unrelated to your work (hobbies, family details, etc.) may not be stored automatically. Add them manually through the memory editing screen if needed.
• My current AI didn't respond well to the export prompt. — The service may not support a memory feature, or there may be nothing stored yet. In that case, browse the service's settings manually to find any saved preferences, then write them out as a plain text list before importing into Claude.

Next Steps

Now that your memory is imported or backed up, it's worth revisiting it occasionally. Head to Settings > Capabilities > "View and edit your memory" to remove outdated entries, correct anything inaccurate, or add details Claude hasn't picked up on yet. For a deeper look at how Claude's memory feature works — and how to get the most from it day to day — the dedicated memory overview guide on this site is a good next read.

Related articles

• Claude Projects, Artifacts & Memory: What They Are and How to Use Them
• Claude Memory — How to Make Claude Remember and Manage It
• How to Write Prompts for Claude: 6 Core Principles from the Official Docs
• How to Use Claude Projects: Knowledge & Instructions to Cut Repetition
• Claude Artifacts: How to Create, Edit, Publish & Share (2026)