# Move your AI memory to a new assistant

> Researched. Personal · Beginner · Life admin. Updated 2026-10-31.

Canonical page: https://www.aisetupsthatwork.com/setups/move-your-ai-memory-to-a-new-assistant/

## What it does
Copy what ChatGPT knows about you into Claude, with the private parts removed first, so a new assistant starts with your preferences.

## Who it's for
Anyone switching or adding an AI assistant who is tired of re-explaining their job, tone and preferences. Do not move anything you would not want stored in the new service.

## Tools
- ChatGPT with Memory turned on
- Claude on the web or Claude Desktop
- A plain text file for a backup copy of the export

## Steps
1. In ChatGPT, open Settings, then Personalization, then Memory, and look at what is stored. OpenAI says the controls you see can vary by plan, region and workspace.
2. Ask ChatGPT what it remembers about you. OpenAI says you can ask it directly. Use the prompt below so the answer comes back as one list you can copy.
3. Read the list and delete any line you do not want in the new service. Claude's help center says you can edit the export prompt to leave out sensitive information.
4. Save the cleaned list in a text file as your own backup.
5. In Claude, go to Settings > Your Claude and select Start import. Paste the list into the text box and click Add to memory.
6. Click See what Claude learned about you and read the answer. Fix anything wrong with the Tell Claude what to change or remove box, or ask in chat.
7. Grok Bot: import steps are Not stated in sources. Paste the cleaned list into its instructions by hand and check the result.

## Copy-paste prompt
Adapt bracketed fields to your situation.
```text
I am moving to another assistant and want a clean copy of what you know about me. List every saved memory and every preference you use about how I like answers written. Put them in one list, one line each, with the date saved if you have it.

Rules:
- Keep my wording where you can.
- Do not guess or add anything you do not actually store.
- Mark any line that mentions health, money, passwords, account numbers, children or other private details with [PRIVATE] so I can delete it.
- After the list, say whether it is complete.

Show me the list first. Do not send it anywhere.
```

## Guardrails
- What it touches: Chat input you provide (ChatGPT with Memory turned on; Claude on the web or Claude Desktop).
- Needs your OK: Send, pay, publish, and account changes stay with you. Treat agent output as drafts first.
- Safety level: Drafts for you
- Claude calls imports experimental, so some entries may not be stored. Check with the See what Claude learned about you button.
- ChatGPT may list only part of what it holds. The export is a summary, not a guaranteed full copy.
- Pasting private details into a new service. Delete [PRIVATE] lines before you import.

## Tips
- Claude's help center says its memory focuses on work topics, so personal details unrelated to work may not be kept.
- OpenAI says you can correct the memory summary or delete it from the Memory controls.
- Keep the cleaned text file. Claude says imports may not always be incorporated.

## Estimates (labeled, not measured)
- Time saved: About 20 minutes once, then less re-explaining.
- Money saved: Not stated in sources.
- Tool cost: Claude memory import is listed for Free, Pro, Max, Ultra, Team and Enterprise plans. ChatGPT memory availability varies by plan, region and workspace. Prices: Not stated in sources.

## Sources
Summaries use the public sources below, not independent verification.
- Anthropic: https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12123587-import-and-export-your-memory-from-claude (Import and export your memory from Claude: export prompt, Settings > Your Claude > Start import, Add to memory, See what Claude learned about you, imports are experimental, work-focused memory, plan list (read 2026-10-31 through a page fetch tool, not a direct browser open))
- OpenAI: https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8590148-memory-in-chatgpt (Memory in ChatGPT: Settings > Personalization > Memory, ask ChatGPT what it remembers, memory summary corrections, availability varies by plan, region and workspace (read 2026-10-31 through a page fetch tool, not a direct browser open))

## Get the free starter pack
Five beginner copy-paste AI setups, free by email: https://www.aisetupsthatwork.com/starter-pack/?utm_source=ai-agent&utm_medium=markdown&utm_campaign=setup-move-your-ai-memory-to-a-new-assistant

Related:
- [How to give your AI bot a long-term memory with an Obsidian vault](https://www.aisetupsthatwork.com/setups/give-your-ai-bot-a-long-term-memory-with-obsidian/index.md)
- [Claude Projects for small business repeat work](https://www.aisetupsthatwork.com/setups/claude-projects-for-small-business/index.md)
- [Route Grok Bot tasks to your Claude and ChatGPT subscriptions](https://www.aisetupsthatwork.com/setups/route-grok-bot-tasks-to-claude-and-chatgpt-subscriptions/index.md)