Google is replacing Gemini Gems with Skills, reusable instructions that can be used in Gemini chats. The change is rolling out in stages: Workspace Skills start arriving October 5, 2026, and Skills in the Gemini app start October 13. Gems will remain temporarily available after moving to the app’s Settings panel on November 17, but retirement dates differ by account type.
What changes when Gemini Gems become Skills?
Google describes Skills as reusable custom instructions that can help automate tasks and save time in Gemini. Unlike Gems, which have a separate interface, Skills can run in a Gemini chat, be applied automatically when relevant, and be combined in one conversation. Google says Skills use the Markdown-native SKILL.md format, which can support importing Skills made on other platforms.
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Skills can include text files, PDFs, and images, and users can invoke them with a slash command. Google lists a maximum of 100 active Skills. Skills in the Gemini app and Workspace apps do not automatically sync, so people who need a Skill in both places must create it separately.
| Area | Gems | Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Where they run | Separate Gem interface | Inline in Gemini chat |
| Combining instructions | Not stated in Google’s description | Multiple Skills can be combined in one conversation |
| Format and portability | Not stated in Google’s description | Markdown-native SKILL.md format; supports importing Skills created on other platforms |
| Files | Gems can have uploaded knowledge files | Can include text files, PDFs, and images |
| Sync between Gemini and Workspace | Not stated in Google’s description | Does not sync automatically between the Gemini app and Workspace apps |
| Deep Research and Canvas | Some Gem tools include these capabilities | Not currently supported for Skills |
When are Gemini Gems going away?
The transition dates announced by Google differ by account type and surface. The dates below describe the planned rollout and retirement windows as of October 2, 2026; Workspace rollouts vary by release track.
#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]
| Date | What happens | Who is affected |
|---|---|---|
| October 5, 2026 | Skills rollout begins; expected to finish October 12 | Workspace Rapid Release domains |
| October 13, 2026 | Skills rollout begins; expected to finish by mid-November | Gemini app users |
| October 19, 2026 | Skills rollout begins; expected to finish by mid-November | Workspace Scheduled Release domains |
| November 17, 2026 | Gems move to the Gemini app Settings panel; users can still create, edit, and use them temporarily | Gemini app users |
| No sooner than March 1, 2027 | Gems stop working; remaining Gems migrate to draft Skills. Ask a Gem flows in Workspace Studio stop working | Business, enterprise, and nonprofit Workspace users |
| No sooner than June 1, 2027 | Gems stop working; remaining Gems migrate to draft Skills | Education users, including use in Gemini, Classroom, and supported LMS integrations |
Google’s September 30, 2026 announcement says personal Gemini users will also transition from Gems to Skills, but the dates above are the specific retirement windows stated for Workspace business, enterprise, nonprofit, and education users.
Will existing Gems automatically become Skills?
Google says it will automatically migrate Gems into inactive draft Skills when Gems go away. The migration is intended to preserve the Gem’s name, description, custom instructions, uploaded knowledge files, and applicable Drive permissions. A draft is not ready to use or share until its creator reviews and activates it.
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]
Google has not published an independent migration success rate, error rate, or user-satisfaction statistic. For important workflows, treat the automatic conversion as a starting point: manually rebuild high-priority Gems early, then check the resulting instructions, files, and permissions before relying on them.
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- Check the account and date. Identify whether the Gem is used in the Gemini app, a Workspace business, enterprise, or nonprofit account, or an education account. Tell affected users the applicable rollout and retirement window.
- Enable Skills and try them early. Google recommends enabling Skills and encouraging early adoption so users can learn the new workflow before Gems are retired.
- Copy the Gem’s core details. For a manual rebuild, copy its name, description, and instructions into a new Skill.
- Move knowledge files. Download the Gem’s knowledge files and upload them with the generated
SKILL.mdpackage. Google says GitHub files are not currently supported for this workflow. - Review and activate. Check the draft or replacement Skill’s instructions, uploaded files, and applicable permissions, then activate it before use or sharing.
- Update Workspace Studio flows. Replace any Workspace Studio steps that use “Ask a Gem,” since those flows stop working when the Workspace Gems retirement takes effect.
Do Skills work with Workspace, Canvas, or Deep Research?
Skills are rolling out in Workspace as well as the Gemini app, but they do not automatically sync between those surfaces. A Skill created in one must be recreated separately in the other if it is needed in both.
Google’s current limitations exclude Canvas and Deep Research. Skills also do not support several default Gem tools, including video creation, music creation, and Guided Learning. Compatibility may change, so check Google’s current help pages before designing a workflow around a specific tool.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to keep in mind
- Skills are Google’s reusable, stackable replacement for Gems, but migration creates drafts rather than immediately usable replacements.
- Workspace rollout and retirement timing depends on the account type and release track.
- Gemini-app Skills and Workspace Skills are separate unless recreated on both surfaces.
- Review critical Skills yourself, especially where a Gem depends on knowledge files, Drive permissions, Workspace Studio, Canvas, or Deep Research.
Google’s announcement and help pages provide the transition dates and feature details: Google’s Gemini Skills announcement, Google Workspace Admin Help, Google Workspace Updates, and Google Gemini Help.
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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