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Google Replaces Gemini Gems With Skills
Confirmed
In Short: Google is transitioning Gemini Gems to a new system called Skills, set to begin on November 17.
Google is transitioning its Gemini Gems to a new system called Skills, starting November 17, 2026. The move aims to streamline access to customized AI assistants within the Gemini platform.
According to Android Authority, Gems were introduced in mid-2024 as AI helpers with unique personalities and goals. However, they were often forgotten due to their siloed nature in the sidebar.
Google will begin migrating existing Gems to Skills on November 17, with the process expected to take place gradually. Users will still be able to use their Gems until the migration is complete.
The new Skills system is integrated with Gemini Spark, allowing for more seamless and versatile AI assistance. Users can activate Skills with a slash command or let Gemini Spark apply them automatically when relevant.
Android Authority noted that the transition to Skills is not a full shutdown but rather a shift in how customized Gemini workflows are accessed and managed. The exact Nov. 17 start date comes from the Gemini app notice reported by 9to5Google.
Google’s transition documentation indicates that Gems will disappear from personal accounts in November 2026, with Google converting existing Gems to skills automatically. However, the replacement is not identical, as Skills currently lack several Gem tools.
According to TechRepublic, Skills require a personal Google Account belonging to someone 18 or over, an eligible Google AI Pro or Ultra subscription, Gemini Spark access, and the “Keep Activity” setting turned on.
Google says skill sharing, Google Drive files, and Gemini Notebook support are coming in the next few weeks. However, Skills are still rolling out to personal accounts and currently lack several Gem tools, leaving some workflows worth checking before migration.
The system can also combine multiple Skills for one task, enhancing the flexibility and utility of the new system.
Google is separately replacing Google Assistant with Gemini on eligible Android devices, further integrating its AI offerings.
Users on Google’s $4.99 AI Plus subscription are also losing access to Gemini Pro, with the Flash Lite model becoming the only option for free plan users.
Google’s skills documentation says users can invoke them with “/,” and Gemini can apply an enabled skill automatically when relevant, allowing for more efficient task management.
What this adds
Google’s transition to Skills is not identical to Gems, as Skills currently lack several Gem tools, leaving some workflows worth checking before migration.
The exact Nov. 17 start date comes from the Gemini app notice reported by 9to5Google, which said users can continue using Gems until each one migrates.
Google Wallet’s integration with Gemini allows the assistant to access and analyze spending data, further integrating AI into daily life.
Gemini for Home now performs better in multilingual households, reducing instances where the AI misunderstands commands.
Background
Gemini for Home now performs better in multilingual households, reducing instances where the AI misunderstands commands.
Google Wallet can now connect to Gemini, allowing the assistant to access and analyze spending data.
What's confirmed
- Google is preparing to retire Gemini Gems in November and move custom assistants to a new system called Skills.
- Android Authority spotted a new banner in the Gemini Gems manager confirming Google’s plans.
- Starting November 17, Google will begin migrating existing Gems to Skills, a newer system tied to Gemini Spark.
- Moreover, folks over at Android Authority discovered code in Gemini earlier this year that Google was preparing to retire Gems and direct users toward Gemini Spark Skills instead.
- Gems will join Google’s long list of discontinued products, but this isn’t a full shutdown.
- Instead, Google will move existing Gems to Skills.
- The biggest unanswered question is what happens to people using Gems for free.
- Existing Gems should remain usable until their individual migration is complete, so they may not all disappear on the same day.
- Google begins moving Gemini Gems to skills Nov. 17, with changes to age eligibility, Keep Activity, files, sharing, and supported tools.
- Google will begin moving personal-account Gems to skills on Nov. 17, changing how customized Gemini workflows are accessed and managed.
- Google will begin automatically converting Gems on personal Google accounts into skills on Nov. 17, 2026, according to an in-app notice.
- The exact Nov. 17 start date comes from the Gemini app notice reported by 9to5Google, which said users can continue using Gems until each one migrates.
What's still developing
- But if not, here’s a rundown on what’s changing — and how to start using Gemini Skills today.
- Gemini made a skill called “draft-proofreader” for me (I can change the name if I’d like).
- Gems lived in their own silos, in the sidebar, and were trivially easy to forget.
- When they came out, I played around with them and quickly forgot they existed.
- Next, open the Skills creation area in your tool of choice and start creating a new Skill via chat.
- Gemini Live Expands From Voice Assistant to Agentic Productivity Tool : Google is upgrading Gemini Live so users can move from talking about tasks to delegating them by voice.
- Whether you read them now or save them for later, you won't want to miss these.
- Build AI employees that match your standards and work autonomously 🗞️ Industry news from Gemini, Meta, and more Skills have become the new gold standard for custom AI assistants.
- Recent news indicates that ChatGPT and Gemini both appear to be phasing out their traditional custom GPTs and Gems in favor of Skills, so it's time to convert those assistants.
- Get the ready-to-use prompt for converting your GPTs and Gems into Skills instantly when you join the AI Business Society.
- Google's published requirements for Skills currently differ from those for Gems.
- Google says Skills are currently unavailable in the European Economic Area, Nigeria, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.