# What Can My AI See? > A plain guide to what ChatGPT and Claude can see and remember about you, what changes if you give them a folder, and how to check your own settings, step by step. > > Markdown copy of https://ignoreprevious.dev/what-can-my-ai-see/ by Ignore Previous An AI app can use more than the message you type. This guide covers what ChatGPT and Claude can see and remember. It also covers what changes if you give one a folder on your computer, and how to check your settings. Reading the part for your app takes about 12 minutes. Checking your settings means following about 10 short steps. Each Source link opens the official page. Claude pages were checked on 22 and 24 Oct 2026. ChatGPT pages are archived copies from 2 to 21 Oct 2026. Some parts carry a label: - [Unverified] We could not confirm this from official pages. - [Pages disagree] Official pages give different answers, so check your screen. - [Our suggestion] Our advice, not OpenAI's or Anthropic's. - [Older page] The help page uses an old name for this. ## What ChatGPT can see right now ### Your workplace or school controls some settings Some switches below may be missing, locked or set for you. Ask your admin, the person who manages ChatGPT for your workplace or school, which ones apply. For example, admins and owners can turn off a connector (a link to another service) from the settings for your workplace account [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Connected apps in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/11487775-connected-apps-in-chatgpt). A workplace rule for how long chats are kept can delete them [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Chat and file retention in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8983778-chat-and-file-retention-in-chatgpt). Work (the mode for longer jobs, explained below) can use local files only when your plan and your workplace account allow it [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT Work and Codex, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex). Besides the chat you have open, ChatGPT can use things saved from earlier. Which ones depends on your settings and your plan. Depending on your plan and region, Memory can draw on several things. These are past chats, saved memories, custom instructions, files saved in Library (where ChatGPT keeps files you save), and content from connectors (links to other services, such as Gmail). [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Memory in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8590148-memory-in-chatgpt) Each term is explained below, with where to find it in Settings. ### Chat or Work: what is the toggle? Chat is for quick, everyday questions. Work is for longer jobs with several steps, such as making a document, spreadsheet or presentation. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT Work and Codex, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex) - **Chat:** ask questions, search, brainstorm, or get quick conversational help. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT Work and Codex, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex) - **Work:** research a topic, analyse information, or create a document, spreadsheet, presentation, report or Site. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT Work and Codex, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex) - Chat and Work chats appear together in your Recents list. Chat is always available. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT Work and Codex, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex) - In the browser and the phone app, Work runs in the cloud, which means on OpenAI's computers rather than yours. It cannot directly access files on your computer. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT Work and Codex, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex) - [Free and Go] Work is rolling out to paid plans except Free and Go, so you may not see the toggle. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT release notes, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/6825453-chatgpt-release-notes) - [Plus and Pro] Work is available for eligible paid plans. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT Work and Codex, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex) - [Business, Enterprise and Edu] Whether Work can use local files depends on your plan and your workspace's settings. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT Work and Codex, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex) - [Unverified] Whether Work uses your memory and custom instructions the same way Chat does. The pages we read don't say, so check your Settings. ### The things ChatGPT can see **The current chat** The conversation you have open right now. **Memory** Memory is how ChatGPT carries details from one chat to the next. It does not keep every detail from every conversation. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Memory in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8590148-memory-in-chatgpt) The list you can read in Settings is a summary. It does not necessarily include every detail or source that Memory can use. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Memory in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8590148-memory-in-chatgpt) Find it at `Settings > Personalization > Memory`. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Memory in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8590148-memory-in-chatgpt) **Chat history** Your chats stay saved until you delete them or a workplace rule for how long chats are kept removes them. Archiving a chat does not change that. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Chat and file retention in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8983778-chat-and-file-retention-in-chatgpt) Memory can use your past chats. A setting called Reference chat history is part of this. If you turn it off, the help page says information remembered from past chats is scheduled for deletion within 30 days, and the original chats stay in your history. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Memory in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8590148-memory-in-chatgpt) Deleting a chat does not necessarily delete a separate saved memory made from that chat. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Memory in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8590148-memory-in-chatgpt) **Projects** A project is a space for one topic, with its own chats, files and instructions. Project instructions apply only inside that project and override the custom instructions you set for all chats. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Projects in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/10169521-projects-in-chatgpt) Each project uses either default memory or project-only memory. With project-only memory, chats can refer to other conversations in the same project but not outside it. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Projects in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/10169521-projects-in-chatgpt) Work is not available in projects that use project-only memory. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT release notes, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/6825453-chatgpt-release-notes) **Uploaded files** Files you upload or create can be saved separately from the chat that used them, in Library. Deleting a chat does not delete a file that remains saved in Library. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Chat and file retention in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8983778-chat-and-file-retention-in-chatgpt) Files added to a project are kept until the project or the file is deleted, or a workplace rule for how long files are kept removes them. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Chat and file retention in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8983778-chat-and-file-retention-in-chatgpt) [Pages disagree] The release notes say a newer feature called Space replaces Library for some accounts. The older Library help page doesn't mention Space. Your screen may say either, so look at what it shows. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT release notes, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/6825453-chatgpt-release-notes) [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: File storage and Library in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001052-file-storage-and-library-in-chatgpt) **Connectors** A connector links ChatGPT to another service, such as Gmail. ChatGPT's help pages call them connected apps, and the Settings screen is called Plugins. Find them at `Settings > Plugins`. Older help pages say Apps or Plugins, so look for either. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Connected apps in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/11487775-connected-apps-in-chatgpt) Connector permissions are separate from your general settings, such as Memory, personalisation and how long chats are kept. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Connected apps in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/11487775-connected-apps-in-chatgpt) To remove a connector's access, disconnect it. Disconnecting stops future access and does not delete past conversations that already used the connector's content. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Connected apps in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/11487775-connected-apps-in-chatgpt) [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Memory in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8590148-memory-in-chatgpt) **Custom instructions** Direct guidance you write about what ChatGPT should know and how it should respond. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Memory in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8590148-memory-in-chatgpt) Custom instructions are available on all plans, on the web, desktop, iPhone and Android apps. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT custom instructions, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8096356-chatgpt-custom-instructions) Find them at `Settings > Personalization > Custom Instructions`. On the phone app, look for Customize ChatGPT in Settings. There is an Enable customization switch. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT custom instructions, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8096356-chatgpt-custom-instructions) [Pages disagree] The help page says changes apply immediately to all chats, including existing ones. Its FAQ says they show up only in future conversations. Start a new chat after you change them, and check the result. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT custom instructions, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8096356-chatgpt-custom-instructions) [Free and Go] You can save up to 1,500 characters. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT custom instructions, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8096356-chatgpt-custom-instructions) [Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise and Edu] You can save up to 5,000 characters. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT custom instructions, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8096356-chatgpt-custom-instructions) **Temporary Chat** A chat that stays out of your history and is not used to improve OpenAI's models while it remains temporary. A later section explains how to use it. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Temporary Chat in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8914046-temporary-chat-in-chatgpt) **The training setting** A setting called Improve the model for everyone controls whether OpenAI may use your conversations to train its models. [Free, Plus and Pro] OpenAI says it may use your content to train its models. The page doesn't name Go. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: How your data is used to improve model performance, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/5722486-how-your-data-is-used-to-improve-model-performance) [Unverified] The pages we read don't say whether the switch starts on or off, so check it on your screen. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: How your data is used to improve model performance, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/5722486-how-your-data-is-used-to-improve-model-performance) When it is off, your new conversations are not used to train OpenAI models, and they can still appear in your chat history. If you give a thumbs up or thumbs down, the whole conversation may be used for training. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Data controls in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/7730893-data-controls-in-chatgpt) Find it at `Settings > Data controls`, then Improve the model for everyone. On the phone app, open the sidebar, select your profile icon, then Settings. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Data controls in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/7730893-data-controls-in-chatgpt) [Business, Enterprise and Edu] By default, OpenAI does not use content from these workspaces to train its models. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Data controls in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/7730893-data-controls-in-chatgpt) ## What changes if you give ChatGPT a folder In the browser, Work cannot reach files on your computer. In the desktop app, Work can open a local folder you choose and use the files in it, with your permission. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT Work and Codex, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex) A local folder is a folder stored on your own computer, such as one inside Documents. It is different from a file you upload to a chat. ### Browser or desktop app - **Browser and phone app:** Work cannot directly access files on your computer. You can still upload files to a chat. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT Work and Codex, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex) - **Desktop app:** the new ChatGPT desktop app includes Chat and Work. Choose ChatGPT from the top-left menu, then choose Work with the toggle at the top of the page. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Moving to the new ChatGPT desktop app, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001276-moving-to-the-new-chatgpt-desktop-app) [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT Work and Codex, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex) - **Opening a folder:** in Work, you can open a local folder. OpenAI says to open a folder or project and grant access only to the files the task needs. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT Work and Codex, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex) - The desktop app can use local files and desktop apps with your permission, when your plan and workspace allow it. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT Work and Codex, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex) - [Free and Go] Work is not rolling out to Free or Go, so this section may not apply to you yet. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT release notes, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/6825453-chatgpt-release-notes) - You may also see Codex. It works with local folders, repositories, terminals and developer tools. This guide does not cover it. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT Work and Codex, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex) ### What it can read and change - It can use files in the folder with your permission. Local chats run on your computer. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT Work and Codex, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex) - Messages and task context may still be stored in the cloud, even when the work runs on your computer. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT Work and Codex, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex) - [Unverified] We don't know whether Work can change or delete files in the folder, or what it can reach outside it. The pages we read don't say. Treat the folder as something ChatGPT might change, and keep a copy of anything you can't replace. ### A safe first step [Our suggestion] 1. In File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac), make one new, empty folder for one project. Name it for the project, for example "Thesis reading". 2. Copy into it only the files that project needs. Leave your originals where they are. 3. In the desktop app, open Work and open that folder. 4. Ask for something small first, such as a summary of one file. Look at what it did before you ask for more. Avoid opening your whole Documents folder. OpenAI's own advice is to grant access only to the files the task needs. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT Work and Codex, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex) For more on staying safe with AI agents (programs that carry out tasks on your computer), see [Clank Safely](https://ignoreprevious.dev/clank-safely/). ## How do I get an answer without my memory or custom instructions? Start a Temporary Chat and choose Unpersonalized before you send your first message. Unpersonalized does not use memory, custom instructions or connectors. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Temporary Chat in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8914046-temporary-chat-in-chatgpt) Open a new chat, select Temporary, then choose Personalized or Unpersonalized. You cannot change the choice after the conversation starts. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Temporary Chat in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8914046-temporary-chat-in-chatgpt) ### [Pages disagree] What a Temporary Chat does by default The release notes (27 Aug 2026) say: "By default, temporary chats are not personalized." The Projects help page says: "Personalization is on by default for temporary chats." The Temporary Chat page itself gives no default. So don't rely on the default. Look at the choice on your own screen and pick Unpersonalized yourself before you send. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT release notes, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/6825453-chatgpt-release-notes) [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Projects in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/10169521-projects-in-chatgpt) [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Temporary Chat in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8914046-temporary-chat-in-chatgpt) ### What a Temporary Chat does - It stays out of your chat history. It is not used to improve OpenAI models while it stays temporary, whichever choice you make. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Temporary Chat in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8914046-temporary-chat-in-chatgpt) - It does not create or update memories. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Temporary Chat in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8914046-temporary-chat-in-chatgpt) - If you do not save it, you cannot reopen it from history after you leave. Saving turns it into a regular chat. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Temporary Chat in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8914046-temporary-chat-in-chatgpt) - OpenAI may keep a copy for up to 30 days for safety. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Temporary Chat in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8914046-temporary-chat-in-chatgpt) - Eligible files from a temporary chat may be saved to Library when you save the chat. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Temporary Chat in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8914046-temporary-chat-in-chatgpt) - Safety features may still use limited, safety-relevant context in rare, high-risk situations to help ChatGPT respond more safely. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Temporary Chat in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8914046-temporary-chat-in-chatgpt) - [Enterprise] For eligible Enterprise workplace accounts, temporary chats stay available to the workplace for 30 days through OpenAI's Compliance API (a tool for workplace record-keeping). [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Temporary Chat in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8914046-temporary-chat-in-chatgpt) ### Or turn things off for a while - **Custom instructions:** go to `Settings > Personalization > Custom Instructions` and turn Enable customization off. Turn it back on when you want it. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT custom instructions, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8096356-chatgpt-custom-instructions) - **Memory:** go to `Settings > Personalization > Memory`. Turning Memory off does not delete your past chats. The page also describes a separate option, Delete and turn off memory, which deletes what is remembered. Choose that one only if you want it gone. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Memory in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8590148-memory-in-chatgpt) - **Projects:** inside a project, its own instructions override the custom instructions you set for all chats. For a clean answer, chat outside any project. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Projects in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/10169521-projects-in-chatgpt) - **Connectors:** their permissions are separate from Memory and personalisation. To remove a connector's access, disconnect it. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Connected apps in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/11487775-connected-apps-in-chatgpt) ## Is asking "What do you remember about me?" a reliable check? Not on its own. Use it as a first look, then check Settings. - OpenAI's Memory page does say: "You can also ask ChatGPT what it remembers about you." [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Memory in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8590148-memory-in-chatgpt) - But even the memory summary in Settings "does not necessarily include every detail or source that Memory can reference". It may leave out details that are less relevant, unsuitable for the summary, or taken from sources that are not shown one by one. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Memory in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8590148-memory-in-chatgpt) - [Unverified] No page we read says that ChatGPT's answer in chat is complete or accurate. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Memory in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8590148-memory-in-chatgpt) - Better: read the summary at `Settings > Personalization > Memory`. It is the place OpenAI describes for reviewing what is remembered, though it may not show everything. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Memory in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8590148-memory-in-chatgpt) - The release notes (5 May 2026) say you can tap the Sources button below a response to see the saved memories, past chats and custom instructions it used. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT release notes, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/6825453-chatgpt-release-notes) - If something remembered is wrong, you can tell ChatGPT it is incorrect or outdated. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Memory in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8590148-memory-in-chatgpt) ## Check your own settings Your own screen is the final word. If it differs from this page, go with what you see. Open ChatGPT in another tab or window and work down the list. Ticks stay on this page only and disappear when you leave it. - [ ] **Chat or Work.** Look at the top of a new chat. Do you see Chat and Work? Which one are you in? On the phone app, use the dropdown at the top of the screen. On the desktop app, choose ChatGPT from the top-left menu first. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT Work and Codex, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex) - [ ] **Memory.** Open `Settings > Personalization > Memory`. Is it on? Read the summary, and remember it may not show everything. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Memory in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8590148-memory-in-chatgpt) - [ ] **Reference chat history.** On the Memory screen, look for this setting. The help page names it but not exactly where it sits, so look around that screen. Decide whether you want past chats used. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Memory in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8590148-memory-in-chatgpt) - [ ] **Custom instructions.** Open `Settings > Personalization > Custom Instructions`. Is Enable customization on? Read what is written there. Does it still describe you? [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT custom instructions, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8096356-chatgpt-custom-instructions) - [ ] **Projects.** For each project you use, open it, select ••• then Project settings, and look under Memory for Default memory or Project-only memory. Read its instructions too. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Projects in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/10169521-projects-in-chatgpt) - [ ] **Connectors.** Open `Settings > Plugins` (older pages say Apps). Which connectors are set up? Disconnect any you don't need. [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Connected apps in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/11487775-connected-apps-in-chatgpt) - [ ] **Training.** Open `Settings > Data controls` and look at Improve the model for everyone. Is it on or off? [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Data controls in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/7730893-data-controls-in-chatgpt) _(for Free or Go, Plus or Pro)_ - [ ] **Temporary Chat.** Open a new chat and select Temporary. Does it show Personalized or Unpersonalized before you send anything? [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Temporary Chat in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8914046-temporary-chat-in-chatgpt) - [ ] **Saved files.** Open Library from the left sidebar and look at what is saved. Your screen may say Space instead. [Older page] [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: File storage and Library in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001052-file-storage-and-library-in-chatgpt) [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT release notes, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/6825453-chatgpt-release-notes) - [ ] **Folder (desktop app only).** If you use Work with a local folder, check which folder is open. It should be the one you made for that project. [Our suggestion] [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT Work and Codex, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex) - [ ] **Ask your admin.** Which connectors are on, whether Work and local files are allowed on your plan, and how long chats are kept. [Business, Enterprise and Edu] [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Connected apps in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/11487775-connected-apps-in-chatgpt) [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: ChatGPT Work and Codex, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001275-chatgpt-work-and-codex) [Source, archived copy from 2-21 Oct 2026: Chat and file retention in ChatGPT, OpenAI help](https://help.openai.com/en/articles/8983778-chat-and-file-retention-in-chatgpt) ## What Claude can see right now ### Your workplace or school controls some settings Some switches below may be missing, locked or set for you. Ask your admin, the person who manages Claude for your workplace or school, which ones apply. For example, on Team and Enterprise the owner decides whether memory is available, and it starts off for each member until they turn it on [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude chat search and memory, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context). An owner must enable connectors for the organisation before members can connect [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Google Workspace connectors, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/10166901-use-google-workspace-connectors). [Unverified] We could not find Anthropic's pages on memory, training or retention for Claude for Education, so ask your university. Besides the chat you have open, Claude can use memory, your past chats, projects, files you upload, connectors (links to other services, such as Gmail) and the instructions you set. Which ones depends on your settings and your plan. Details and sources are below. ### One conversation, or Cowork (where Claude works through a task for you)? In Claude's new layout there is one conversation and no mode to choose. If your message box still shows Chat and Cowork options, you don't have the new layout yet. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Claude, Cowork and chat are one Claude, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/16761823-claude-cowork-and-chat-are-one-claude) - Only the desktop app gives the full Cowork experience, where Claude can also use your local files and browser. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude Cowork on web, desktop and mobile, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/15520349-use-claude-cowork-on-web-desktop-and-mobile) - Claude reaches your local files, the built-in browser and computer use (where Claude clicks and types on your screen) only while the desktop app is open. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Claude, Cowork and chat are one Claude, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/16761823-claude-cowork-and-chat-are-one-claude) - [Free] Cowork is for paid plans only. You may not see it. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Get started with Claude Cowork, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13345190-get-started-with-claude-cowork) - [Pro and Max] Cowork runs on desktop, web, mobile and in the Claude in Chrome side panel. From 6 Oct 2026, new Cowork tasks on Pro and Max run in the cloud. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude Cowork on web, desktop and mobile, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/15520349-use-claude-cowork-on-web-desktop-and-mobile) - [Team and Enterprise] Cowork is available. Computer use, where Claude clicks and types on your screen, is not available at this time. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Get started with Claude Cowork, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13345190-get-started-with-claude-cowork) [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Let Claude use your computer in Cowork, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/14128542-let-claude-use-your-computer-in-cowork) ### The things Claude can see **The current chat** The conversation you have open right now. **Memory** Memory is how Claude carries details from one chat to the next. [Free, Pro and Max] Memory is on by default on the web, in Claude Desktop and in Claude Mobile. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude chat search and memory, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context) [Team and Enterprise] Owners control whether memory is available, and it is off for each member until they turn it on. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude chat search and memory, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context) Claude saves memory as a set of individual topics as you chat. Everything it remembers is listed under Topics. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude chat search and memory, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context) Find it at `Settings > Memory`. Older accounts use `Settings > Capabilities` and View and edit your memory. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude chat search and memory, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context) [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Import and export your memory from Claude, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12123587-import-and-export-your-memory-from-claude) By default Claude does not store topics about personal or sensitive subjects. You can change that with Include sensitive topics in memory. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude chat search and memory, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context) Cowork sessions that run locally on your computer do not use memory. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude chat search and memory, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context) **Chat history** Your chats are listed under Chats and tasks in the left sidebar. A switch called Search and reference chats, at `Settings > Memory`, controls whether Claude searches past chats. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Delete or rename a conversation, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/8230524-delete-or-rename-a-conversation) [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude chat search and memory, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context) A deleted chat leaves your history immediately and is deleted from Anthropic's storage within 30 days. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: How long do you store my data, Claude privacy help](https://privacy.claude.com/en/articles/10023548-how-long-do-you-store-my-data) [Team and Enterprise] Anthropic keeps your chats in the product to give you a consistent experience. A deleted chat leaves your history immediately and is deleted from Anthropic's storage within 30 days. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: How long do you store my organization data, Claude privacy help](https://privacy.claude.com/en/articles/7996866-how-long-do-you-store-my-organization-s-data) **Projects** A project is a space for one topic, with its own files, instructions and memory. Files and instructions you add to a project are used across all chats in that project. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Create and manage projects, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/9519177-how-can-i-create-and-manage-projects) Project instructions apply only to chats inside that project. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Understanding Claude personalization features, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/10185728-understanding-claude-s-personalization-features) Each project has its own memory. To keep it fully separate, turn off Use account memory under Memory on the project's page. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Create and manage projects, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/9519177-how-can-i-create-and-manage-projects) [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude chat search and memory, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context) [Pages disagree] One help page says free accounts can have up to five projects. Another marks project instructions "paid plans only". Check what your screen offers. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Create and manage projects, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/9519177-how-can-i-create-and-manage-projects) [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Understanding Claude personalization features, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/10185728-understanding-claude-s-personalization-features) [Team and Enterprise] Projects can be shared with others. Chats inside a shared project stay private to the person who wrote them. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Manage project visibility and sharing, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/9519189-manage-project-visibility-and-sharing) **Uploaded files** For documents, Claude reads the text, not images inside them. PDFs of 100 pages or fewer are the exception: it also reads visuals, such as images, charts and graphics. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Upload files to Claude, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/8241126-upload-files-to-claude) Files in a project's Files section stay available across conversations. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Upload files to Claude, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/8241126-upload-files-to-claude) [Unverified] How long uploaded files are kept on consumer plans, and who can see them. We could not find an official answer. **Connectors** A connector lets Claude reach another service, such as Gmail, read your data there and take actions. Claude uses the same permissions you have in the connected service. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use connectors to extend Claude, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11176164-use-connectors-to-extend-claude-s-capabilities) The Gmail connector can search and read email, and send, reply to and forward it. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Google Workspace connectors, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/10166901-use-google-workspace-connectors) By default, each action Claude takes on your behalf needs your explicit approval. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Google Workspace connectors, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/10166901-use-google-workspace-connectors) [Pages disagree] The research page says Research (a Claude mode that runs several searches to answer a question) can use your connectors automatically, without asking each time. Treat Research as a time when connectors may run without a prompt. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Research on Claude, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11088861-use-research-on-claude) Find connectors at `Customize > Connectors`. You can switch them on for one conversation only. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use connectors to extend Claude, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11176164-use-connectors-to-extend-claude-s-capabilities) Data retrieved through connectors is stored on Anthropic's servers, and you can delete it by deleting the chat. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Google Workspace connectors, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/10166901-use-google-workspace-connectors) [Free] You can add one custom connector. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use connectors to extend Claude, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11176164-use-connectors-to-extend-claude-s-capabilities) **Instructions for Claude** What you write under Instructions for Claude applies to all of your conversations. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Understanding Claude personalization features, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/10185728-understanding-claude-s-personalization-features) Click your initials in the lower left corner, choose Settings, then find Instructions for Claude. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Understanding Claude personalization features, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/10185728-understanding-claude-s-personalization-features) Claude app skills are separate. They add specific behaviours, such as how Claude formats its replies. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Understanding Claude personalization features, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/10185728-understanding-claude-s-personalization-features) **Incognito chats** Temporary conversations that are not saved to your chat history or to Claude's memory. A later section explains them. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use incognito chats, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12260368-use-incognito-chats) **The training setting** A switch called Help Improve our AI models decides whether your chats can be used to improve Claude. Some other pages use a different name for it. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: How do I change my model improvement privacy settings, Claude privacy help](https://privacy.claude.com/en/articles/12109829-how-do-i-change-my-model-improvement-privacy-settings) [Unverified] The pricing page lists model training as "Opt-out" for Free, Pro and Max. Opt-out usually means your chats are used unless you switch it off. The announcement of the choice says people were given a choice but not which way the default goes. The privacy help page gives no default either. We can't tell you whether yours starts on or off, so check the switch. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Claude pricing page](https://claude.com/pricing) [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Updates to our Consumer Terms, Anthropic](https://www.anthropic.com/news/updates-to-our-consumer-terms) [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: How do I change my model improvement privacy settings, Claude privacy help](https://privacy.claude.com/en/articles/12109829-how-do-i-change-my-model-improvement-privacy-settings) When it is on, Anthropic uses your chats and coding sessions, including to improve its models. When it is off, it will not use your previous or new chats for future model training, apart from the cases in the next paragraph. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Is my data used for model training, Claude privacy help](https://privacy.claude.com/en/articles/10023580-is-my-data-used-for-model-training) [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: How long do you store my data, Claude privacy help](https://privacy.claude.com/en/articles/10023548-how-long-do-you-store-my-data) The switch is not the only route. The same privacy page says Anthropic may also use a conversation that is flagged for safety review, including to train models its Safeguards team uses. It also uses chats where you explicitly opt in to training in some other way, such as joining its Trusted Tester Program. [Source, checked 24 Oct 2026: Is my data used for model training, Claude privacy help](https://privacy.claude.com/en/articles/10023580-is-my-data-used-for-model-training) Turning it off does not undo training that has already started or finished. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: How long do you store my data, Claude privacy help](https://privacy.claude.com/en/articles/10023548-how-long-do-you-store-my-data) If the switch is on, Anthropic may keep your chats in a form that doesn't identify you for up to five years for training. Feedback you send about a reply is kept for five years. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: How long do you store my data, Claude privacy help](https://privacy.claude.com/en/articles/10023548-how-long-do-you-store-my-data) Find it at `Settings > Privacy`, under Help Improve our AI models. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: How do I change my model improvement privacy settings, Claude privacy help](https://privacy.claude.com/en/articles/12109829-how-do-i-change-my-model-improvement-privacy-settings) [Team and Enterprise] Anthropic does not train its models on your content by default. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Claude pricing page](https://claude.com/pricing) Incognito chats are not used to improve Claude, even when the switch is on. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Is my data used for model training, Claude privacy help](https://privacy.claude.com/en/articles/10023580-is-my-data-used-for-model-training) ## What changes if you give Claude a folder Claude reaches files on your computer only through the desktop app, only in folders you have connected, and only while the app is open. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude Cowork on web, desktop and mobile, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/15520349-use-claude-cowork-on-web-desktop-and-mobile) A local folder is a folder stored on your own computer, such as one inside Documents. It is different from a file you upload to a chat. ### Browser or desktop app - **Browser and phone app:** Cowork is available, but only the desktop app gives the full experience, including local files and the browser. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude Cowork on web, desktop and mobile, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/15520349-use-claude-cowork-on-web-desktop-and-mobile) - **Desktop app:** Claude can read and change your local files without you uploading or downloading them. Where those files are processed is covered under "What it can read and change" below. You need the Claude desktop app for Windows or macOS, open and connected. The page says Cowork needs the latest version of Claude for Windows. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Get started with Claude Cowork, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13345190-get-started-with-claude-cowork) - Some connectors run on your own computer, and those work only in the desktop app. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude Cowork on web, desktop and mobile, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/15520349-use-claude-cowork-on-web-desktop-and-mobile) - [Free] Cowork is for paid plans only, so this section may not apply to you. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Get started with Claude Cowork, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13345190-get-started-with-claude-cowork) ### What it can read and change - Claude can only read and write files in folders you have connected. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Get started with Claude Cowork, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13345190-get-started-with-claude-cowork) - Claude asks your permission before permanently deleting any file, in every mode. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude Cowork safely, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13364135-use-claude-cowork-safely) - The default permission mode is Manual, where Claude asks before it takes actions. You can change the mode at any time using the permission mode control in the chat box. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Claude, Cowork and chat are one Claude, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/16761823-claude-cowork-and-chat-are-one-claude) [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Get started with Claude Cowork, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13345190-get-started-with-claude-cowork) - In Skip all approvals, nothing checks what Claude does. The same page makes a separate promise about permanent deletion: Claude asks first in any mode. Leave Skip all approvals for later, or for never. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude Cowork safely, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13364135-use-claude-cowork-safely) - Files Claude opens through the desktop app are still processed on Anthropic's servers, not only on your computer. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude Cowork safely, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13364135-use-claude-cowork-safely) - Your connected folders are listed under Trusted folders. The working folder is listed under Storage folder. Both labels are in Settings. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Claude, Cowork and chat are one Claude, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/16761823-claude-cowork-and-chat-are-one-claude) - Folder instructions add project-specific context when you pick a local folder on desktop. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Get started with Claude Cowork, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13345190-get-started-with-claude-cowork) - [Pro and Max] Computer use, where Claude clicks and types on your screen, is in beta. It asks permission before each application. There is no wall (a sandbox) between Claude and your applications. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Let Claude use your computer in Cowork, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/14128542-let-claude-use-your-computer-in-cowork) - [Pro and Max] Anthropic advises against giving computer use access to sensitive apps such as banking, healthcare or government. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Let Claude use your computer in Cowork, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/14128542-let-claude-use-your-computer-in-cowork) - [Unverified] We could not find a full list of what the desktop app cannot read or change outside your connected folders, or the exact button names for choosing one. The pages we read don't say, so follow what your screen offers. ### A safe first step [Our suggestion] 1. In File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac), make one new, empty folder for one project. Name it for the project, for example "Thesis reading". 2. Copy into it only the files that project needs. Leave your originals where they are. 3. In the desktop app, connect that folder to a Cowork task. 4. Keep the permission mode on Manual. Ask for something low-risk first, such as a summary of one file, and read Claude's plan before you let it continue. - Anthropic suggests a dedicated working folder rather than broad access. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude Cowork safely, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13364135-use-claude-cowork-safely) - It advises avoiding files with sensitive information, such as financial documents, and keeping backups of important files. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude Cowork safely, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13364135-use-claude-cowork-safely) - Its first-step advice is to start with low-risk tasks like summaries, and to review Claude's planned actions before it proceeds. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude Cowork safely, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13364135-use-claude-cowork-safely) [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Get started with Claude Cowork, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13345190-get-started-with-claude-cowork) For more on staying safe with AI agents (programs that carry out tasks on your computer), see [Clank Safely](https://ignoreprevious.dev/clank-safely/). ## How do I get a chat without my memory? Start an incognito chat. It does not use Claude's memory and is not saved to your chat history. Your personal instructions and style settings still apply in it. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use incognito chats, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12260368-use-incognito-chats) Open a new chat outside a project and click the ghost icon in the upper right corner. You will see a black border and an Incognito chat label in the upper left. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use incognito chats, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12260368-use-incognito-chats) [Unverified] We found no official way to pause Instructions for Claude for a single chat. ### What applies in an incognito chat - **Memory:** not used, and incognito chats are not added to future memory. Claude does not pull from them when it searches past conversations. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use incognito chats, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12260368-use-incognito-chats) - **Your instructions:** they still apply. The incognito page says your personal preferences and style settings apply, and calls them profile information. That page uses older names, so assume Instructions for Claude apply too. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use incognito chats, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12260368-use-incognito-chats) - **Projects:** incognito is only available for chats outside projects, so project knowledge is not in play. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use incognito chats, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12260368-use-incognito-chats) - **Training:** incognito chats are not used to improve Claude, even if the training switch is on. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Is my data used for model training, Claude privacy help](https://privacy.claude.com/en/articles/10023580-is-my-data-used-for-model-training) - **Kept for:** the chat is not saved to your chat history, but the incognito page says Claude keeps it for 30 days by default. The general retention page does not mention incognito chats. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use incognito chats, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12260368-use-incognito-chats) - **Afterwards:** once closed, an incognito chat cannot be reopened or turned into a regular chat. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use incognito chats, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12260368-use-incognito-chats) - **New layout:** incognito chats open in the previous chat experience, so Claude can't create files or run code in them. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use incognito chats, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12260368-use-incognito-chats) [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Claude, Cowork and chat are one Claude, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/16761823-claude-cowork-and-chat-are-one-claude) - [Work plans] Anthropic's page for business customers says incognito chats are deleted automatically within 30 days, unless they are flagged as breaking Anthropic's usage policy. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: How long do you store my organization data, Claude privacy help](https://privacy.claude.com/en/articles/7996866-how-long-do-you-store-my-organization-s-data) ### Or turn things off for a while - **Memory, one chat:** click + in the message box, then click Memory to turn it off for this chat. Do it before you send the first message. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude chat search and memory, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context) - **Memory, all chats:** use Pause in `Settings > Memory`. Claude keeps its existing memory but won't use it or make new memories. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude chat search and memory, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context) - **Careful:** Reset permanently deletes all memories, including project memories. Pause is the gentler choice. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude chat search and memory, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context) - **Past chats:** switch off Search and reference chats at `Settings > Memory`. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude chat search and memory, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context) - **Connectors:** you can switch them on for a single conversation, so leave them off in a chat where you want a clean answer. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use connectors to extend Claude, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11176164-use-connectors-to-extend-claude-s-capabilities) - [Our suggestion] For Instructions for Claude, copy the text somewhere safe, clear it in Settings, and paste it back later. Anthropic's pages don't describe this, so check the result. ## Is asking "What do you remember about me?" a reliable check? Not on its own. Anthropic points to a list in Settings, so check that. - Anthropic's memory page says: "Everything Claude remembers is listed under Topics." [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude chat search and memory, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context) - Its import and export page suggests asking Claude to "write out your memories of me verbatim". That is a suggestion for moving memory elsewhere. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Import and export your memory from Claude, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12123587-import-and-export-your-memory-from-claude) - [Unverified] No Anthropic page we read says that Claude's reply to a question like this is complete or accurate. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Import and export your memory from Claude, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12123587-import-and-export-your-memory-from-claude) - So read the list at `Settings > Memory`. Older accounts use `Settings > Capabilities` and View and edit your memory. Select any topic to read it, edit it or delete it. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude chat search and memory, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context) [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Import and export your memory from Claude, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12123587-import-and-export-your-memory-from-claude) ## Check your own settings Your own screen is the final word. If it differs from this page, go with what you see. Open Claude in another tab or window and work down the list. Ticks stay on this page only and disappear when you leave it. - [ ] **Layout.** Look at your message box. Does it show Chat and Cowork options, or one conversation with no mode to choose? [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Claude, Cowork and chat are one Claude, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/16761823-claude-cowork-and-chat-are-one-claude) - [ ] **Memory.** Open `Settings > Memory`. Is it on? Read the topics Claude has saved. Edit or delete any you don't want. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude chat search and memory, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context) - [ ] **Past chats.** On the same screen, look at Search and reference chats. Is it on? [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude chat search and memory, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context) - [ ] **Sensitive topics.** On the same screen, look at Include sensitive topics in memory. Is it on? [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude chat search and memory, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context) - [ ] **Instructions for Claude.** Click your initials in the lower left corner, choose Settings, and read what is under Instructions for Claude. Does it still describe you? [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Understanding Claude personalization features, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/10185728-understanding-claude-s-personalization-features) - [ ] **Projects.** For each project, open its page and look under Memory. Is Use account memory on or off? [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude chat search and memory, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context) - [ ] **Connectors.** Open `Customize > Connectors`. Which are connected? Click one and choose Disconnect if you don't need it. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use connectors to extend Claude, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11176164-use-connectors-to-extend-claude-s-capabilities) [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Google Workspace connectors, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/10166901-use-google-workspace-connectors) - [ ] **Training.** Open `Settings > Privacy` and look at Help Improve our AI models. Is it on or off? [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: How do I change my model improvement privacy settings, Claude privacy help](https://privacy.claude.com/en/articles/12109829-how-do-i-change-my-model-improvement-privacy-settings) _(for Free, Pro or Max)_ - [ ] **Incognito.** Open a new chat outside a project. Can you see the ghost icon in the upper right corner? [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use incognito chats, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12260368-use-incognito-chats) - [ ] **Folders (desktop app only).** Look for Trusted folders (your connected folders) and Storage folder (the working folder) in Settings. The help page doesn't give the full path. Remove access to any folder you don't recognise, and check the permission mode in the chat box says Manual. [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Claude, Cowork and chat are one Claude, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/16761823-claude-cowork-and-chat-are-one-claude) [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Get started with Claude Cowork, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/13345190-get-started-with-claude-cowork) _(for Free, Pro or Max)_ - [ ] **Ask your admin.** Whether memory is on, which connectors are enabled, and how long chats are kept. [Team, Enterprise and Education] [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Claude chat search and memory, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/11817273-use-claude-s-chat-search-and-memory-to-build-on-previous-context) [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: Use Google Workspace connectors, Claude help](https://support.claude.com/en/articles/10166901-use-google-workspace-connectors) [Source, checked 22 Oct 2026: How long do you store my organization data, Claude privacy help](https://privacy.claude.com/en/articles/7996866-how-long-do-you-store-my-organization-s-data) ## About these sources Facts about ChatGPT and Claude link to the official help page they came from. Parts marked [Our suggestion] are our own advice. Help pages change, so if your screen looks different from what we describe, trust your screen. We checked the Claude pages on 22 and 24 Oct 2026. On 22 Oct we could not read OpenAI's live help pages, so the ChatGPT facts come from archived copies dated 2 to 21 October. Check the live page if something looks different. Where the official pages disagree, we say so and tell you to check your own screen. Where we could not find an answer, the part is marked [Unverified]. We left out prices and model names because they change. This guide is independent. OpenAI and Anthropic did not write or review it. --- [github.com/ignore-previous](https://github.com/ignore-previous) The code for this site, What's Allowed and Unclank is public there. Say hello: hello@ignoreprevious.dev No cookies, no personal data, no tracking across sites. Yes, the name is a joke. The tools are not. Fonts served from this site: Bricolage Grotesque (The Bricolage Grotesque Project Authors), Figtree (The Figtree Project Authors) and JetBrains Mono (The JetBrains Mono Project Authors). [SIL Open Font License 1.1](https://ignoreprevious.dev/assets/fonts/OFL.txt).