Google Launches Tool to Import Chat History From ChatGPT and Claude Into Gemini
Google has introduced new "switching tools" for Gemini that let users transfer their memories and chat histories from rival chatbots like ChatGPT and Claude directly into Gemini. The feature launched on March 26, 2026, and represents Google's bid to reduce friction for users considering a switch to its AI assistant.
The new tools come in two forms. First, "Import Memory" allows users to transfer personal context such as preferences, relationships, and interests by using a copy-paste workflow. Gemini generates a prompt that users paste into their current chatbot, which then outputs a summary of everything it knows about them. Users copy that response back into Gemini and tap "Add memory" to save it. Second, "Import Chat History" enables users to upload a ZIP file containing their full conversation history from other AI services. The file must be under 5GB, and users can upload up to five files per day.
The features appear in Gemini's account settings under "Import memory to Gemini" and are rolling out globally to both free and paid consumer accounts. Notably, the tools are not available in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom due to regulatory restrictions. Google also renamed its "Past Chats" feature to "Memory" to reflect the broader role these tools play in personalizing AI interactions.
This launch positions Google to compete more directly with OpenAI and Anthropic by addressing one of the biggest pain points in the AI assistant market: switching costs. Historically, users who invested time training their AI assistants with personal context had little incentive to switch platforms, since they'd lose all that accumulated knowledge. Google's new tools aim to change that calculation.
The timing is strategic. With the AI chatbot market becoming increasingly competitive, retention has become just as important as acquisition. OpenAI and Anthropic both offer export options, but Google's approach of explicitly supporting imports from its two biggest rivals signals a more aggressive competitive stance.