Google is changing access to Gemini models for personal accounts starting October 2026

Google announced in its Gemini help documentation that starting October 2026 it is changing access to models for personal accounts. For users without an AI plan subscription, these changes will take effect on October 9.

For those with an AI Plus subscription, Google promises to send an email with the date when the changes will affect their account. Users can change, sign up for, or cancel their AI plan at any time in Gemini settings.

This is not the first such change. Since May 17, 2026, usage limits and the availability of Gemini models have already changed for users over 18, while for those under 18 they took effect on July 24.

How limits are calculated now

Limits in Gemini are counted by computations: they refresh every five hours until a weekly cap is reached. The calculation factors in the complexity of the request, the features used, and the length of the conversation. Premium models and certain features consume the most quota, among them image, video, and music generation, Deep Research, the Pro model, extended thinking, and Deep Think mode.

Limits are higher on paid plans: AI Plus gives twice the standard level, AI Pro four times, and AI Ultra from 5 to 20 times more than AI Pro, depending on the subscription. For each available model, you can choose a level of effort: low, medium, or high. It improves the quality of answers but uses up the limit faster. AI Pro and AI Ultra owners also get Deep Think for maximum parallel reasoning.

Plans and access tiers

Google ties what exactly will be available after the changes to the user's plan: the documentation lists the Flash-Lite, Flash, and Pro models, and their availability depends on the subscription.

Image: Google Public domain

Translation editor: Салтанов А.