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Google will begin migrating Gemini Gems to Skills on November 17

Google will begin automatically migrating Gemini Gems to Skills on November 17, 2026, while Gems remain usable until each one moves. Google’s help page describes Skills as reusable instructions for Gemini chats and tasks, with availability

AI.info Team · Written with AI · fact-checked · 2026-09-28

Migration begins November 17

Google will begin automatically moving Gemini’s custom assistants, called Gems, into a newer feature called Skills on November 17, 2026. Gems will remain usable until they migrate, and the notice does not ask users to convert them themselves. The date appeared in a message in Gemini’s Gems manager, first reported by 9to5Google on September 27 and covered by TechCrunch the next day.

“Starting November 17, 2026, we’ll automatically begin migrating your Gems to skills. You will be able to use your Gems until they migrate.”

Google’s in-app notice, quoted by 9to5Google

Google introduced Gems in 2024 as customized versions of Gemini. They let people save instructions for recurring needs, such as coaching, brainstorming or editing, rather than re-entering those directions in each conversation. Gems can also include reference files, set a default tool such as Canvas or image creation, and be shared through links.

Skills work across chats and tasks

Skills are reusable instructions and context for Gemini. Skills can be used across Gemini chats and tasks, either when a user selects one or when Gemini recognizes that it is relevant, Google’s help page says. Users can invoke a particular Skill by typing a slash and choosing it, and can combine multiple Skills for one task.

A Skill can be created from a chat, a task or the Skills page, Google’s documentation says. Users can work with Gemini to create one, start from a template, write instructions manually or upload a skill file or folder. An upload must include a SKILL.md file; reference files can be included with the Skill. Uploaded files can total up to 100 MB, and internet-dependent scripts are not supported.

The Skills help page lists access requirements: users must be at least 18, sign in with a personal Google Account and have Keep Activity turned on. The feature is not available through work or school accounts, and Google is gradually making Skills available in Gemini chats. The listed platforms are the Gemini mobile app, the Gemini app on Mac and the Gemini web app.

What the move may change for Gem users

The two features overlap, but are not identical. Gems have offered settings such as a default tool and attached reference files, as well as link sharing. Skills, according to Google’s documentation, are designed to apply across chats and tasks, can be used together, and may be selected automatically when relevant. Users can also turn a Skill off or manage it from the Skills page.

For people who have built custom assistants, the immediate notice is that Gems remain usable until migration and that Google will handle the move. The announcement does not explain whether every Gem feature, including link sharing and default tools, will carry over in the same form. Nor does it specify how migration will work for each user as Skills availability expands. Google’s help page describes current eligibility and gradual availability, but does not say that an AI Pro or AI Ultra subscription is required to create or use Skills.