Anthropic has introduced a new Claude memory import tool that allows users to move saved preferences and conversation history from other AI chatbots into Claude without starting over, and the company has also opened its memory feature to free users for the first time as it tries to attract people switching from rivals like ChatGPT and Gemini.
Anthropic confirmed the update in a statement, announcing that memory now works on the free plan and that users can move saved data more easily between services, which signals a clear push to lower barriers for those considering leaving competing platforms.
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Anthropic said, “Memory is now available on the free plan. We’ve also made it easier to import saved memories into Claude. You can export them whenever you want.”
How the Claude Memory Import Tool Works
The Claude memory import tool relies on a prepared prompt that users copy into another chatbot to retrieve stored memories and context, after which they paste the exported results into Claude’s memory settings to store instructions, personal details, and preferences.
Anthropic provides the following prompt for users who want to export their data:
“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.”
This structured export makes it easier to transfer detailed user instructions, such as tone preferences or recurring project themes, and the line Do not summarize, group, or omit any entries
highlights the focus on full data transfer.
Expanding Free Features
Claude previously offered memory only to paid subscribers, but free users can now enable memory through the settings section and import saved data without upgrading, which removes a key limitation for people considering a switch.
This move follows Anthropic’s recent push to expand free features after ChatGPT began showing ads to free users, while Anthropic promised to keep Claude ad-free, and at the moment, Claude holds the top spot among free iOS apps in the App Store, a position often dominated by ChatGPT.
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