Google has rolled out a feature in Gemini that allows both free and paid users to upload chat history and context from rival AI apps, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude.
The rollout could lower the barriers to switching AI assistants and reduce the friction that has kept millions of users tethered to whichever chatbot they started with.
The feature works in two ways. With the first option, Gemini generates a prompt that users can paste into other chatbots, asking it to summarise what it has learned about them—details such as their communication style, family members’ names, or key preferences. That summary can then be moved to Gemini, giving Google's platform an immediate head start on personalisation.
The second option, ‘Import chats’, lets users export their data from another AI app and upload the zip file, up to 5GB, directly to Gemini, with a limit of five zip files per day. Google names ChatGPT, Grok, and Claude as supported sources. Imported conversations allow users to reference earlier exchanges or requests made on a different platform after migrating to Gemini.
The strategic intent is clear. One of the biggest hurdles in switching between AI assistants has always been the need to start from scratch. Users who have spent months training a chatbot to understand their writing style and professional background are reluctant to leave that built-up context behind.
“Instead of starting over… you can quickly get Gemini up to speed on what matters most to you,” Google says.
The launch coincides with the release of Gemini 3.1 Flash Live, suggesting Google is bundling product and platform moves together to accelerate user acquisition. The import feature is available to all consumer accounts, no paid subscription required, signalling that Google sees data portability as a top-of-funnel growth lever rather than a premium perk.
Your reaction
Discussion
What's your take on this story?
No comments yet — be the first to share your view.