ChatGPT users are running into a strange problem with the platform’s memory feature: deleted memories keep coming back. Multiple reports on Reddit show people getting stuck in a loop where memories they’ve tried to remove just won’t disappear, even after repeated attempts across different devices and browsers.

The issue seems to hit hardest when users are close to or at their memory limit. One frustrated user posted about the issue saying, “Bro why the f**k when I delete something from memory, it comes back?!”

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Others described similar experiences, with some finding their memory storage at 97-99% capacity and unable to remove a single entry to free up space.

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Users have tried everything from reinstalling the app to switching between iOS, web browsers, and different platforms. Nothing works. The manual delete button appears to do absolutely nothing, leaving people with full memory banks and no way to make room for new information they actually want ChatGPT to remember.

Several users discovered a workaround that involves asking ChatGPT directly to forget specific memories through the chat interface. Instead of using the delete button, they tell the AI something like “forget [memory content]” and apparently it works for some people.

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But even this hack has mixed results. One user mentioned trying the verbal delete method only to find the memory still hanging around afterward.

Since most of the reports seem to have popped up within the last 24 hours, this is likely a server-side bug. Some speculated OpenAI might be updating something on the backend, though the company hasn’t officially acknowledged the problem or posted any kind of status update warning users about potential issues.

Plus subscribers are especially bothered by this since memory management is part of what they’re paying for. When the basic functionality of removing unwanted information doesn’t work, it undermines the whole point of having customizable AI memory in the first place.

We’ll keep an eye out for any further developments on this and will update the article if there’s something to share.

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Dwayne Cubbins
2752 Posts

I cover fast-moving stories across apps, online platforms, and everyday tech — phones, wearables, consoles, and whatever else people are fighting with this week. Bugs, rollouts, scams, policy enforcement, and the occasional internet-culture rabbit hole are all fair game. My goal is simple — make confusing tech news readable. When I'm not working, I'm working out or chilling with my dog. Got a tip? You can find me on X @dcubbins.

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