Gemini's 'Instructions' Redirect Bug: How to Manage Custom Instructions in Google Workspace

Gemini Settings Bug: When 'Instructions for Gemini' Redirects to Chat

A user, gemini_platform, recently reported a persistent UI bug within their Gemini account. When attempting to access crucial settings like "Instructions for Gemini" or "Saved Info / Memory" from the settings menu, the expected modal fails to open. Instead, users are instantly redirected back to the chat screen, creating a frustrating loop.

This routing bug prevents users from accessing and managing their saved data, such as deleting an old custom instruction (e.g., a translation rule). The issue persists despite common troubleshooting steps like clearing cache, using incognito mode, and accessing Gemini from both desktop and mobile apps, indicating a deeper UI or account-side problem that Google's engineering team is investigating.

Immediate Workaround: Manage Gemini Instructions via Chat

While Google engineers work on a permanent UI fix, a clever chat-based workaround has been identified to help users manage their custom instructions directly within the Gemini interface. This method bypasses the problematic settings modal entirely.

Directly Delete or View Instructions

You can often interact with Gemini's memory and saved instructions by submitting specific commands directly into the chat box. This allows you to clear or review your saved data without needing to access the settings menu.

• To delete a specific instruction:

  Please delete/forget the saved translation instruction from February 14.

• To view all saved instructions:

  Show me all my saved custom instructions and memory.

In many cases, Gemini will confirm that the specific memory or instruction has been cleared from your profile, providing an immediate solution to the redirect loop.

Comprehensive Reporting and Troubleshooting Steps

To assist the Gemini team in resolving this UI bug, providing detailed feedback is crucial. The more information they receive, the faster they can diagnose and implement a fix.

• Send In-App Feedback: Click your Profile Icon / Settings > Help & Feedback > Send feedback. Include a detailed description of the redirect behavior, ensure the screenshot/system logs box is checked, and mention that the issue occurs on both desktop and mobile. A short screen recording of the loop can be particularly helpful.
• Update Software: Ensure both your Gemini app (if applicable) and web browser are fully updated to their latest versions.
• Account Check: Confirm you are signed in to the correct Google Account. If you use multiple Google Accounts in the same browser profile, try opening Gemini in a fresh browser profile logged only into the affected account to rule out session conflicts.
• Test with Different Account: If possible, try accessing the settings with a different Google Account to see if the issue is account-specific.

Where Workalizer Helps: Monitoring Gemini Usage in Google Workspace

While this specific bug affects individual user settings, organizations leveraging the broader google dashboard g suite for overall management understand the importance of functional tools. For administrators, gaining insights into how users interact with AI tools like Gemini is vital for adoption, governance, and optimizing productivity within Google Workspace.

Workalizer's Gemini Usage Report provides a comprehensive overview for Workspace admins. It helps you track how your team is utilizing Gemini, identify power users, monitor engagement trends, and ensure responsible AI integration. This report is a key component of your larger google dashboard g suite strategy, allowing you to manage the impact and adoption of AI tools, even when individual user settings experience temporary glitches.

Conclusion

Encountering UI bugs like the Gemini settings redirect loop can be frustrating, especially when trying to manage personal AI instructions. Thankfully, the chat-based workaround offers an immediate solution, and diligent reporting helps Google's engineering team address the underlying issue. For organizations, maintaining a holistic view of AI tool usage through platforms like Workalizer ensures that even minor individual issues don't hinder broader productivity and strategic planning within Google Workspace.