Never made a GPT or a Gem? You have nothing to move.
This change is only about custom GPTs (ChatGPT) and Gems (Gemini).
Still, everyone can do one thing: keep your best AI request in a note.
A note works in any AI, and it stays put when apps change.
New to this? Try the practice letter first.
Step 1: Pick a request you reuse
- Think of something you ask AI again and again.
- Example: "Explain this letter in plain English. List what I must do and by when."
- No favorite yet? Use the starter below.
Step 2: Save it in a note
- Open the notes app on your phone or computer.
- Make a note called My AI requests.
- Tap Copy on the box below. Paste it into your note.
Explain this in plain English, in short lines. Then list each thing I must do, with the date for each. If a date or amount is unclear, say so. Don't guess. Here it is:
- Never save passwords, codes or account numbers in this note.
Step 3: Use it from your note
- Open ChatGPT or Gemini. Start a new chat.
- Copy your request from the note. Paste it in.
- Add your letter after it, as text or a photo. Hide private details first (guide 15). Send.
Step 4: Make it yours
- Like how an answer came out? Add that wording to your note.
- Example: add "Use short words. Put the deadline first."
- One request per line or paragraph. Give each a short title.
Step 5: Check the dates
- ChatGPT custom GPTs: scheduled to retire Dec 11, 2026. Some work accounts get more time.
- Gemini Gems: go away starting November 2026 for personal Google accounts. Google will turn them into "skills" for you. Work or school accounts: 2027.
- Look for a notice in the app. It has the plan for your account.
I made a GPT
- On a computer, go to chatgpt.com/gpts. Select My GPTs.
- Pick your GPT, then Edit GPT. Copy everything in Instructions into your note.
- Can't open Edit GPT? Save the requests you type into it instead.
- Want to keep it in ChatGPT? When it's offered, My GPTs has Migrate to plugin.
- The new plugin starts private. Test it with a request you know.
- After you migrate, the old GPT can't be changed. Finish any edits and click Update first.
I made a Gem
- On a computer, go to gemini.google.com. Open the side menu, then Gems.
- Next to your Gem, click Edit. Copy its instructions into your note.
- Google says it will turn your Gems into skills for you.
- Added files under "Knowledge"? Google moves supported files for you. To keep your own copy, download them one at a time.
- Google says skills only work with Keep Activity on. Turned it off after guide 15? You can leave it off. Use your note instead.
I use someone else's GPT
- You don't need to move it, and you can't.
- Look for a notice on the GPT, or a message from its maker about a replacement.
- Save the requests you type into it in your note.
- Your old chats with GPTs stay after Dec 11. The GPT pages go away.
Checked Oct 19, 2026: help.openai.com, support.google.com/gemini.
Practice letter
PRACTICE - NOT REAL. Made up for this guide. There is no real library.
============ PRACTICE - NOT REAL ============ SAMPLETOWN PRACTICE LIBRARY (made up - not a real library) Notice date: November 2, 2026 Hello, library member. 2 books you borrowed are due back on November 9, 2026. You can renew each book once, online or at the front desk. A renewal adds 14 days. After the due date, the late fee is $0.25 per book per day, up to $5.00 per book. ============ PRACTICE - NOT REAL ============
To practice:
- Save the starter request in your My AI requests note (Step 2).
- Open ChatGPT or Gemini. Paste your request from the note.
- Tap Copy on the practice letter. Paste it after your request. Send.
- Bonus: open the other AI. Paste the same note and letter. The answer should cover the same points. That's your note working anywhere.
How did you do? A good answer:
- Says it's a library notice about 2 borrowed books.
- Says to return or renew them by November 9, 2026.
- Says you can renew each book once, online or at the front desk, for 14 more days.
- Explains the late fee: $0.25 per book per day, up to $5.00 per book. That's at most $10.00 for both.
- Says you owe nothing yet.
- Does not make up a phone number or website. Does not ask for your library card number.