Google plans to retire Gems and automatically transition them to skills, but the change is scheduled for later: November 2026 for personal Google accounts, March 2027 for Workspace business, enterprise, and nonprofit accounts, and June 2027 for Workspace education accounts. You can recreate a Gem as a skill sooner if you want. Google says skills are available without a Google AI subscription, although account eligibility and rollout still affect who can use them.
When will Google migrate Gems to skills?
Google says it will automatically migrate Gems when Gems go away. Its announced schedule, as of October 3, 2026, is:
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| Account category | Planned Gems retirement and automatic transition |
|---|---|
| Personal Google accounts | November 2026 |
| Workspace business, enterprise, and nonprofit accounts | March 2027 |
| Workspace education accounts | June 2027 |
All three dates are future planned dates, not completed migrations. Google’s transition notice says supported Gem files will transfer with the automatic migration. Gems by Google Labs are an exception: they are scheduled to go away with the November change but will not migrate into skills. See Google’s transition help page and its September 30, 2026 announcement for the current schedule.
Can you use Gemini skills for free?
Yes. Google’s skills help page says skills are available without a Google AI subscription. That answers whether a paid AI plan is inherently required; it does not mean every account can use them immediately. The same page currently lists these conditions: you must be at least 18, signed in to a personal Google Account, and have Keep Activity turned on. It also says work and school accounts are not yet available there and that skills are gradually rolling out.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
Google’s September 30 announcement said skills were rolling out globally in Gemini chat and that Workspace business, enterprise, nonprofit, and education availability would follow in the coming weeks. Access is therefore account- and rollout-dependent; the announcement’s timing should not be read as confirmation that every Workspace account already has access. Skills are separate from Gemini Spark tasks and schedules, which may require a subscription that supports Gemini Spark.
How to recreate a Gem as a skill before the automatic migration
You can move the core of a Gem manually by copying its name, description, and instructions into a new skill. The process differs if the Gem has Knowledge files.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
For a Gem without Knowledge files
- In Gemini on the web, open the Gems sidebar and edit the Gem. Keep its name, description, and instructions available to copy.
- In another browser tab, open Settings → Skills → Create manually.
- Enter the Gem’s name, description, and instructions in the skill creation flow, then click Create. Google says it automatically adjusts the skill name to the required format.
For a Gem with Knowledge files
- Before creating the skill, download each Knowledge file from the Gem individually. GitHub files are not supported in skills.
- Create a local folder whose name matches the skill name, using lowercase words separated by hyphens, and put the downloaded files in it.
- Create the skill, then download it as a ZIP. The ZIP contains the skill’s
SKILL.mdfile. - Place
SKILL.mdin the folder with the downloaded Knowledge files. In Skills, open the skill’s actions, choose the option to replace it, select that folder, and upload it. The folder name must match the skill name.
Google says multiple supported files can be uploaded together during a manual transfer, even though they must be downloaded individually from the Gem. Its automatic-migration instructions say supported Gem files will transfer automatically at the planned migration.
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What changes when a Gem becomes a skill?
Skills are reusable instructions for Gemini chats. You can invoke one by typing / followed by its name, let Gemini apply it automatically when relevant, or combine skills. Google sets a limit of 100 active skills; disable one if you need to make room for another.
Skills can work with Connected Apps, including Workspace apps, but they do not preserve every Gem workflow. Google says several tools do not yet work with skills, including Create video, Create music, Canvas, Deep Research, and Guided learning. The help page also says sharing, adding files from Google Drive, and Gemini Notebook support are planned additions “in the coming weeks”; that is a roadmap statement, not confirmation those capabilities are already available.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where can you create and manage skills?
Google lists Gemini web, mobile, and Mac as skill platforms, but some management tasks are limited. Manually created skills may not save in the mobile app; Google’s current guidance is to create them conversationally in a Gemini chat or task, or manually on the web. Skills with uploaded files must be edited in Gemini web for now, not in the mobile or Mac app.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
Rank #4
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
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