Users are ditching ChatGPT for Claude. Here’s how to make the switch

Source: TechCrunch

Many users are switching to Claude following a string of controversies surrounding ChatGPT and its parent company, OpenAI.

The tipping point came after Anthropic, the company behind Claude, refused to allow the Department of Defense to use its AI models for mass domestic surveillance or fully autonomous weapons. In response, President Trump ordered all federal agencies to stop using Anthropic’s products, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced plans to designate the company a supply‑chain threat.

Hours later, OpenAI announced its own agreement with the Pentagon, claiming to include safeguards, but the deal has still sparked widespread debate over privacy and the ethical use of AI.

As a result, Claude has surged to the top of the free app rankings in Apple’s US App Store, overtaking ChatGPT. According to Anthropic, daily sign‑ups have hit record highs, free users have jumped by more than 60 % since January, and paid subscribers have more than doubled this year.

For many users, the recent controversy has made Claude a compelling alternative to ChatGPT. If you’re considering making the switch, this guide will walk you through transferring your data and closing your ChatGPT account.

How to export your data from ChatGPT

Breaking up with ChatGPT shouldn’t mean losing years of digital memory. Instead of starting from scratch with a new AI assistant, you can transfer your data to Claude so it can get up to speed on your preferences right away.

1. Via Settings – Go to Settings → Personalization → Memory, select “Manage,” review and update your stored information, then copy the content you want to keep.
2. Export full chat history – In Settings → Data Controls, choose “Export Data.” ChatGPT will compile your chats into text or JSON files and email them to you (this may take a while for large histories).
3. Manual copy – Copy key conversations from your history or ask ChatGPT to summarize your main preferences, frequently discussed topics, and any custom instructions you use.

Import your data into Claude

Once you’ve gathered your data, transferring it to Claude is straightforward.

1. Open Claude, go to Settings → Capabilities, and ensure Memory is turned on (requires a Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise plan).
2. Start a new conversation and prompt Claude, e.g., “Here’s some important context I’d like you to remember. Update your memory about me with this,” then paste your information or summaries.
3. For exported chat files, avoid pasting raw logs. Instead, use a prompt such as: “Review this and summarize my key preferences.”
4. Verify that Claude has saved the information correctly and update your preferences as needed.

Permanently delete your ChatGPT account

Canceling your subscription does not remove your data. To fully delete your account:

• Go to Settings → Personalization → Memory and delete any stored memory or personalization settings.
• As a final step, type “Delete all my memory and personalized data” in a chat.
• Navigate to your account management settings and delete the account entirely.