Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Google Replaces Gemini Gems With Skills, Promising Data Migration
Google is ending a Gemini feature called Gems.
Gems let people save special instructions for reusable custom assistants.
Google says those saved instructions will be moved into a new system called Skills.
The migration is scheduled to begin on November 17.
Users will not need to rebuild their Gems manually.
Google says custom prompts, rules, and attached reference files will be converted.
Skills can use more tools and complete several steps in a workflow.
People can create Skills by describing them, filling out a form, or uploading files.
Multiple Skills can also be used together in one chat.
Google will begin phasing out Gemini’s Gems on November 17.
Existing user-created Gems will be automatically converted into Skills.
Custom prompts, system rules, and attached reference files will be remapped during migration.
Skills are designed to support tool integrations and complex, multi-step actions.
Paid and enterprise subscribers will receive Skills first, followed by general consumers.
- Who
- Google and users of its Gemini AI platform.
- What
- Google is retiring customizable Gems and replacing them with Skills.
- When
- The phase-out begins November 17, with broader rollout over the following weeks.
- Where
- Within Gemini on the web and mobile platforms.
- Why
- Google says users increasingly want tool-using agents and multi-step workflows rather than static chat personas.
- Feature being retired
- Gemini Gems
- Replacement
- Skills
- Migration start
- November 17
- Migration process
- Google says existing user-created Gems will be converted automatically.
- Data preserved
- Custom prompt instructions, system rules, and attached reference files will be parsed and remapped.
- Initial availability
- Advanced enterprise and paid Gemini subscribers will receive Skills first.
- Creation methods
- Users can create Skills with Gemini, through a manual builder, or by uploading Skill packages.
- Workflow controls
- Skills can be triggered with slash commands, mentions, or automatic selection, and multiple Skills can be stacked.