AI tools · AI assistants

Can an AI assistant remember you between chats?

Short answer

Yes. Claude, ChatGPT and Gemini can all carry details from earlier chats into new ones, and each lets you see, edit or switch off what it remembers.

Last checked

Which products can do it?

  • OpenAI ChatGPTYes

    With Memory on, ChatGPT can draw on past chats, saved memories, custom instructions, Library files and connected apps like Gmail.

    Good to know: What's available varies by plan and region. Deleting a chat doesn't delete a saved memory made from it.

  • Anthropic ClaudeYes

    Claude's memory is on by default on Free, Pro and Max: it saves topics as you chat, and you can tell it to remember something.

    Good to know: Searching past chats is paid plans only. Each project keeps its own memory; incognito chats aren't remembered.

  • Google GeminiYes

    Gemini keeps info you ask it to save under Personal context, and can look at your past chats before answering.

    Good to know: Sign-in required; not for under-18s or Gemini Live. Past-chat referencing is still rolling out on mobile.

Why it matters

Repeating your job, your projects and your preferences in every new chat wastes time, but people also want to know what's kept.

Not proven yet

How accurately each assistant picks what to remember, and how long deleted memories linger in practice. These are the companies' own descriptions.

How we know (3 sources)
  1. undated, read AnthropicFrom the company

    Help article on chat search and memory (updated Oct 22, 2026, read that day): memory is on by default for Free, Pro and Max on web, desktop and mobile; Claude saves memory as individual topics while you chat, and you can ask it to remember something. Searching past chats is for paid plans only. Projects keep separate memory; incognito chats aren't saved or searched. Toggles live under Settings > Memory.

    Read the source
  2. undated, read OpenAIFrom the company

    "Memory in ChatGPT" help article (read Oct 22, 2026): with Memory on, ChatGPT can use past chats, saved memories, custom instructions, Library files and connected apps such as Gmail, depending on plan and region. Controls are under Settings > Personalization > Memory. Turning off Reference chat history schedules what it learned from past chats for deletion within 30 days; deleting a chat doesn't delete a saved memory made from it.

    Read the source
  3. undated, read GoogleFrom the company

    "Save info and reference past chats in Gemini Apps" (read Oct 22, 2026): you can save info about your life, work or preferences under Personal context, or ask Gemini to look at past chats. Requires sign-in; not for users under 18 and not in Gemini Live; referencing past chats is still rolling out on mobile. Saved info can be edited, deleted or switched off.

    Read the source

Status timeline

No status has changed since we started tracking. Every entry is dated and backed by the sources on this page.

  1. First recorded: In stores
    Google Gemini

    Gemini keeps info you ask it to save under Personal context, and can look at your past chats before answering.

  2. First recorded: In stores
    OpenAI ChatGPT

    With Memory on, ChatGPT can draw on past chats, saved memories, custom instructions, Library files and connected apps like Gmail.

  3. First recorded: In stores
    Anthropic Claude

    Claude's memory is on by default on Free, Pro and Max: it saves topics as you chat, and you can tell it to remember something.