Google is testing a feature within Gemini that allows users to import chat histories from other AI platforms, most notably ChatGPT. The move, currently in beta, aims to reduce friction for users considering a switch from competing services and addresses a key pain point: the loss of context built up over extended conversations.
The “Import AI chats” tool appears within Gemini’s attachment menu, suggesting a straightforward file upload process rather than a complex migration dashboard. Users will download their conversation archives from platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, or Grok, and then upload the file directly into Gemini. This approach mirrors data migration tools used in messaging apps, but faces challenges due to the lack of standardized export formats across different AI providers.
The core benefit for users is the preservation of conversational context. Many users have invested significant time building up detailed interactions with AI assistants, using those threads for ongoing projects and relying on past exchanges to refine prompts and achieve desired results. Switching platforms traditionally meant starting from scratch, losing that accumulated knowledge. Google’s feature seeks to eliminate that barrier.
However, this convenience comes with data implications. Once uploaded, the imported chat history, along with any subsequent conversations within Gemini, will be stored in the user’s Gemini activity data. Google explicitly states that this data can be used to improve its AI models. This raises privacy considerations, and Google recommends users carefully review and sanitize their exported chat archives before uploading, removing sensitive information or personal identifiers that were only shared within the context of a private chat on another platform.
The timing of this feature is significant. Market share data indicates a shift in the AI chatbot landscape. While ChatGPT remains the dominant player, its U.S. Mobile market share has fallen below 50% for the first time, dropping to 45.3% from 69.1% a year ago. Gemini, meanwhile, has climbed to 25.1% from 14.7% over the same period, and Grok has seen substantial growth, increasing from 1.6% to 15.2%. On the web, Gemini visits have increased dramatically, jumping 647% between January 2025 and January 2026. This suggests Google is actively working to gain ground against OpenAI and is addressing a key obstacle to user adoption: the difficulty of transitioning from established platforms.
The ecosystem lock-in effect is a well-known phenomenon in the tech industry. Users often become deeply invested in a particular platform, building up a personalized experience that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. This is similar to the challenges faced when switching between Android and iOS, or different productivity suites. By offering a way to import chat histories, Google is attempting to lower these barriers and make it easier for users to try Gemini without losing their existing context.
Currently, details regarding supported file formats and the breadth of the beta rollout remain limited. Google has not yet specified which file types will be accepted for import, or how widely the feature is being tested. However, the availability of the tool within the attachment menu suggests it is targeted towards users actively considering a switch and prioritizing the preservation of their conversational history.
The development highlights a growing trend in the AI space: the importance of portability and interoperability. As users become more sophisticated and experiment with different AI assistants, the ability to seamlessly move data between platforms will become increasingly crucial. Google’s move could set a precedent for other AI providers, potentially leading to a more open and flexible ecosystem.
The feature also underscores the value of conversational data. AI models learn and improve by analyzing user interactions. By importing chat histories, Google gains access to a valuable dataset that can be used to refine Gemini’s performance and enhance its capabilities. This raises questions about data privacy and control, and users should carefully consider the implications before uploading their chat logs.
While the long-term impact of this feature remains to be seen, it represents a strategic play by Google to attract users and gain market share in the rapidly evolving AI chatbot landscape. By addressing a key pain point for potential switchers, Google is making Gemini a more compelling option for users who have already invested time and effort in building relationships with other AI assistants.
