mem0ai--mem0/docs/core-concepts/memory-operations/update.mdx

---
title: Update Memory
description: Modify an existing memory by updating its content or metadata.
icon: "pen-to-square"
iconType: "solid"
---

# Keep Memories Accurate with Update

Mem0’s update operation lets you fix or enrich an existing memory without deleting it. When a user changes their preference or clarifies a fact, use update to keep the knowledge base fresh.

## Key terms

- **memory_id**: Unique identifier returned by `add` or `search` results.
- **text**: New content that replaces the stored memory value. In the Python OSS SDK, `data` is a deprecated alias for `text`.
- **metadata**: Optional key-value pairs you update alongside the text.
- **timestamp**: Unix epoch (int/float) or ISO 8601 string to override the memory's timestamp.
- **batch_update**: Platform API that edits multiple memories in a single request.
- **immutable**: Flagged memories that must be deleted and re-added instead of updated.

## How the update flow works

<Steps>
<Step title="Locate the memory">
Use `search` or dashboard inspection to capture the `memory_id` you want to change.
</Step>
<Step title="Submit the update">
Call `update` (or `batch_update`) with new text and optional metadata. Mem0 overwrites the stored value and adjusts indexes.
</Step>
<Step title="Verify">
Check the response or re-run `search` to ensure the revised memory appears with the new content.
</Step>
</Steps>

## Single memory update (Platform)

<CodeGroup>
```python Python
from mem0 import MemoryClient

client = MemoryClient(api_key="your-api-key")

memory_id = "your_memory_id"
client.update(
    memory_id=memory_id,
    text="Updated memory content about the user",
    metadata={"category": "profile-update"},
    timestamp="2025-01-15T12:00:00Z"
)
```

```javascript JavaScript
import MemoryClient from 'mem0ai';

const client = new MemoryClient({ apiKey: "your-api-key" });
const memory_id = "your_memory_id";

await client.update(memory_id, {
  text: "Updated memory content about the user",
  metadata: { category: "profile-update" },
  timestamp: "2025-01-15T12:00:00Z"
});
```
</CodeGroup>

<Info icon="check">
  Expect a confirmation message and the updated memory to appear in the dashboard almost instantly.
</Info>

## Batch update (Platform)

Update up to 1000 memories in one call.

<CodeGroup>
```python Python
from mem0 import MemoryClient

client = MemoryClient(api_key="your-api-key")

update_memories = [
    {"memory_id": "id1", "text": "Watches football"},
    {"memory_id": "id2", "text": "Likes to travel"}
]

response = client.batch_update(update_memories)
print(response)
```

```javascript JavaScript
import MemoryClient from 'mem0ai';

const client = new MemoryClient({ apiKey: "your-api-key" });

const updateMemories = [
  { memoryId: "id1", text: "Watches football" },
  { memoryId: "id2", text: "Likes to travel" }
];

client.batchUpdate(updateMemories)
  .then(response => console.log('Batch update response:', response))
  .catch(error => console.error(error));
```
</CodeGroup>

## Update with Mem0 OSS

<CodeGroup>
```python Python
from mem0 import Memory

memory = Memory()

# Replace the content
memory.update(
    memory_id="mem_123",
    text="Alex now prefers decaf coffee",
)

# Update content plus metadata and an expiration date (None clears it)
memory.update(
    memory_id="mem_123",
    text="Alex now prefers decaf coffee",
    metadata={"category": "preferences"},
    expiration_date="2030-01-31",
)
```

```javascript JavaScript
import { Memory } from "mem0ai/oss";

const memory = new Memory();

// Replace the content
await memory.update("mem_123", { text: "Alex now prefers decaf coffee" });

// Update content plus metadata and an expiration date (null clears it)
await memory.update("mem_123", {
  text: "Alex now prefers decaf coffee",
  metadata: { category: "preferences" },
  expirationDate: "2030-01-31",
});

// Update metadata only, leaving the stored text untouched
await memory.update("mem_123", { metadata: { category: "preferences" } });
```
</CodeGroup>

<Note>
  In both OSS SDKs the content is optional: pass only `metadata` and/or an expiration date to update those while keeping the existing content. At least one of the three must be provided, otherwise the call raises.
</Note>

<Note>
  `data` is a deprecated alias for `text` in both OSS SDKs (`data=` in Python, `{ data: ... }` in JavaScript). It still works but logs a warning; prefer `text`. In JavaScript, passing a bare string is shorthand for `{ text }`, so `update(memoryId, "new text")` also still works.
</Note>

## Tips

- Update both `text` **and** `metadata` together to keep filters accurate.
- Batch updates are ideal after large imports or when syncing CRM corrections.
- Immutable memories must be deleted and re-added instead of updated.
- Pair updates with feedback signals (thumbs up/down) to self-heal memories automatically.

<Callout type="tip" icon="plug">
  **MCP Alternative**: With <Link href="/platform/mem0-mcp">Mem0 MCP</Link>, AI agents can update their own memories when users correct information.
</Callout>

## Managed vs OSS differences

| Capability | Mem0 Platform | Mem0 OSS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Update call | `client.update(memory_id, {...})` | `memory.update(memory_id, text=...)` |
| Batch updates | `client.batch_update` (up to 1000 memories) | Script your own loop or bulk job |
| Dashboard visibility | Inspect updates in the UI | Inspect via logs or custom tooling |
| Immutable handling | Returns descriptive error | Raises exception: delete and re-add |

## Put it into practice

- Review the <Link href="/api-reference/memory/update-memory">Update Memory API reference</Link> for request/response details.
- Combine updates with <Link href="/platform/features/feedback-mechanism">Feedback Mechanism</Link> to automate corrections.

## See it live

- <Link href="/cookbooks/operations/support-inbox">Support Inbox with Mem0</Link> uses updates to refine customer profiles.
- <Link href="/cookbooks/companions/ai-tutor">AI Tutor with Mem0</Link> demonstrates user preference corrections mid-course.

{/* DEBUG: verify CTA targets */}

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card
    title="Learn Delete Concepts"
    description="Understand when to remove memories instead of editing them."
    icon="trash"
    href="/core-concepts/memory-operations/delete"
  />
  <Card
    title="Automate Corrections"
    description="See how feedback loops trigger updates in production."
    icon="rocket"
    href="/platform/features/feedback-mechanism"
  />
</CardGroup>