How to Set Up HiLight on Pixel 11 Pro Phones

Pixel 11 Pro phones bring back a modern take on the old notification LED. HiLight uses RGB lights around the camera bar to show visual cues when the phone is face down. It works for calls and messages from favorite contacts plus Gemini interactions.

This feature stays limited by design. It only activates face-down and only for specific triggers. The November 2026 Pixel Drop expanded it to Google Messages, making it more practical for daily use. You no longer need to flip the phone just to check who texted.

What HiLight Does on Pixel 11 Pro Models

HiLight is available on the Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. The base Pixel 11 does not include it. The lights sit in the camera bar and produce a subtle glow rather than a bright flash. Google designed the effect so it remains noticeable on a desk or nightstand without lighting up the whole room.

It covers three main cases:

• Speaking with Gemini: soft cues while Gemini thinks and responds. This helps during hands-free voice sessions.
• Calls from favorite contacts: customizable color via Phone by Google or WhatsApp.
• Messages from favorite contacts: customizable color via Google Messages (added in the November Pixel Drop).

The phone must lie face down for the lights to appear. This pairs with features like Flip to Shhh for fewer screen checks. If the screen faces up, HiLight stays off even when a favorite contact reaches out.

Official steps come from Google’s Pixel Phone Help page. Always keep the Contacts and Messages apps updated for full color options. Outdated apps can hide the color picker.

Turn HiLight On or Off

Open the Settings app. Tap System, then HiLight. Toggle Use HiLight on or off. Separate switches exist for Speaking with Gemini, Calls from favorites, and Messages from favorites. You can leave Gemini cues active while turning off contact alerts, or the reverse.

When the phone is face down and a favorite contact calls or messages, HiLight glows in the assigned color. Disable flash notifications if you want HiLight to appear for calls and messages. Enabling flash notifications blocks the feature for those alerts. Check Settings > Notifications > Flash notifications to confirm the toggle.

Favorite contacts must be set up first. Mark contacts as favorites in the Contacts app before colors appear. Starred contacts in other apps do not automatically carry over.

Customize Colors for Favorite Contacts

Each favorite contact can have its own HiLight color. Open the Contacts app and select a favorite contact. Under Contact Settings, tap HiLight. Pick a color from the available options. Google provides distinct shades so you can tell people apart at a glance. Tap Preview and turn the phone over to check the glow. Tap Done to save.

Colors help identify callers or messagers at a glance without unlocking the screen. Assign bright colors to people you always answer and softer ones to less urgent contacts. If the HiLight option is missing under a contact, update the Contacts app and restart the phone. Some users saw the setting appear after background updates finished.

You can change colors later. Return to the same contact settings screen and pick a new shade. The preview button is useful when lighting in the room changes.

Adjust HiLight in Modes

HiLight stays active by default in modes such as Flip to Shhh, Bedtime, and Do Not Disturb. To change this, open Settings and tap Modes. Select the mode. Tap People, then Messages or Calls. Choose None to turn HiLight off in that mode. Also turn off Allow repeat callers if needed.

Turning off HiLight in a mode also disables ring or vibrate notifications for that mode. This keeps behavior consistent. If you want silent nights but still want the light for emergencies, leave the feature on and rely on color coding instead of full silence.

Test each mode separately. Flip to Shhh and Bedtime can behave differently depending on your schedule settings.

Tips for Reliable Use

Keep the phone on a flat surface so the face-down detection works. Soft cases can sometimes interfere with the sensor, so test without a case if cues fail. Thick cases that cover the top of the phone are the most common culprit.

HiLight does not support general notifications or other apps beyond the listed ones. Third-party tools exist for broader control, but they require sideloading and fall outside official support. Stick to the built-in options for reliability and future updates.

Pair HiLight with other Pixel tools. For example, the Pixel Tag setup guide covers tracking items while HiLight handles contact alerts. You can also review Android 17 QPR changes in related guides for any mode updates that affect lights.

Test with a favorite contact. Place the phone face down and have them call or message. Confirm the color matches your setting. Repeat the test after a restart to make sure the preference sticks.

Battery impact is minimal because the LEDs only activate briefly. Google has not published exact power numbers, but the subtle glow is designed for occasional use rather than constant display.

Watch the Official Demo

Made by Google released a short video showing HiLight in action during the Pixel 11 launch. The clip focuses on color coding and the face-down workflow.

Conclusion

HiLight gives Pixel 11 Pro owners a low-distraction way to spot important contacts and Gemini activity. Setup takes a few minutes in Settings and the Contacts app. With Messages support now live, the feature covers both calls and texts from favorites.

Update your apps, assign colors, and place the phone face down to try it. Official documentation at Google’s support page remains the best reference for any changes. Check for Pixel Drops if new app support appears later.

Sources

• Google Pixel Phone Help: Use HiLight to stay informed on your phone (support.google.com/pixelphone/answer/17455810)
• November 2026 Pixel Drop announcements from Google Pixel Community and coverage on Android Authority and The Verge
• Made by Google YouTube channel demo video