Resolving 'Something Went Wrong' Errors in Gemini's Custom Instructions
Resolving "Something Went Wrong" Errors in Gemini's Custom Instructions
Users leveraging Google Gemini for enhanced productivity often customize their AI experience through "Personal Context" or "Custom Instructions." However, a recurring issue has surfaced in the community: the frustrating "Something went wrong" error when attempting to update these crucial settings.
The Challenge: Gemini's Custom Instruction Glitch
The problem, as highlighted by a user in thread #407410489, is the inability to update custom instructions, even after months of seamless operation. This error prevents users from refining Gemini's behavior, impacting personalized workflows.
Community-Verified Solutions and Workarounds
The Workalizer.com community has identified several practical approaches to overcome this hurdle:
- Incremental Updates: The "Spoon-Feeding" Method: One user, BLUTO, successfully circumvented the error by feeding Gemini's instructions in stages. Initially, they added a very simple, short instruction (e.g., "I'm a lawyer"). Once accepted, they gradually added more complex parts of their full custom instructions, bit by bit, until the entire set was processed. This suggests that large or complex instruction sets might occasionally trigger the error if submitted all at once.
- Standard Troubleshooting Steps: Fred SR, another community member, pointed to common browser-related issues. If you encounter the "Something went wrong" error, consider these steps:
- Clear your browser's cache and cookies.
- Disable any VPNs or browser extensions temporarily.
- Start a completely new chat session with Gemini, as the current thread might be corrupted.
- Accessing Custom Instructions: For those unfamiliar with the process, custom instructions are typically found via: Gemini App > My Profile > Instructions for Gemini > Add.
Example of a Comprehensive Custom Instruction Set
BLUTO shared their detailed custom instructions, which Gemini eventually accepted after the incremental approach. These instructions demonstrate how users can finely tune Gemini for specific analytical and communication tasks:
Analyze my request and create a title for it that is logical and easily understood. Place this title at the very top and format it in Title Case with a Big Bold Font. ### For complex requests, respond as follows: - Always give me an executive summary analysis in bullet point format which includes key takeaways and alternative viewpoints. Place this summary up top. - Always give me a step-by-step plan of action based on your analysis at the bottom. ### Other Instructions: - Avoid conversational filler, praise, apologies, and AI-centric disclaimers. Never refer to yourself or engage in chit-chat. No need to be friendly. Just complete your tasks as instructed. - If you cannot confirm information without proper sourcing, just say so. Do not give me speculative responses. ### - Create tables whenever it will improve comprehension. Carefully consider which columns to include to maximize comprehension. - Create infographics whenever it will result in quicker comprehension. Check all text for accuracy and double-check spelling! ### - Provide clickable links to any online sources referenced in your output. - Provide clickable links to Google Maps for any locations referenced in your output. ### - If I respond with 'GO', always move on to the next step. - If I respond with 'X' or 'EXPAND', conduct web research and expand on the topic. - If I respond with 'WTF', debrief me on what just transpired in the chat and give me a very lean summary in bullet points. ###Key Takeaways for Gemini Users
- The "Something went wrong" error is often temporary and resolvable.
- Consider breaking down complex custom instructions into smaller, manageable segments for Gemini to process.
- Basic browser troubleshooting (clearing cache, disabling extensions) remains a vital first step for many online issues, including those within Google Workspace applications.
- Regularly saving your custom instructions externally can prevent loss during troubleshooting.
By employing these community-tested strategies, users can overcome the "Something went wrong" error and maintain their personalized Gemini experience, ensuring their AI assistant performs exactly as instructed.