HiLight is a ring of colored LEDs around the camera flash on the Pixel 11 Pro, Pro XL and Pro Fold. With the phone face down, it can show Gemini activity and signal calls from favorite contacts. Google has also said favorite-contact message alerts are coming, but its announcement did not give a date; that capability was not documented as available at launch.
What HiLight does
HiLight is a hardware feature controlled by Pixel software, not an add-on notification light. The LEDs around the camera flash provide a glanceable cue while the phone is face down, so you can notice certain activity without lighting up the display. Google describes the arrangement as a ring of ambient, color-coded LEDs around the flash.
Gemini activity
Google says HiLight uses different light patterns to indicate when Gemini is listening, thinking or responding. You can enable or disable Gemini cues separately from call alerts in HiLight settings.
Calls from favorite contacts
When a favorite contact calls, HiLight can display a color assigned to that person. Google Help says the call feature works with Phone by Google and WhatsApp. It requires current Contacts app software and favorite contacts set up. Google’s HiLight help page lists the requirements and settings.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
What is the new feature—and is it available yet?
The new capability Google has announced is message notifications from favorite contacts. In its Pixel 11 announcement, Google said users could expect more HiLight capabilities over time, “like message notifications from your favorite contacts.” That wording describes a planned addition, not a feature the announcement says was available at launch, and it provides no release date.
Launch coverage from 9to5Google likewise reported that contact-color message support was unavailable at launch and had no announced timing. Do not assume the update has since arrived based on that announcement alone.
Rank #2
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
Which Pixel phones have HiLight?
Google Help lists three supported models:
- Pixel 11 Pro
- Pixel 11 Pro XL
- Pixel 11 Pro Fold
The feature is not documented for every phone in the Pixel 11 line. Google’s August 2026 U.S. announcement listed launch starting prices of $1,099 for the Pixel 11 Pro, $1,299 for the Pro XL and $1,899 for the Pro Fold, with retail availability beginning August 20, 2026. Those are launch figures, not verified current prices; prices and availability vary by region and over time. Google’s product information has the launch details.
How to manage HiLight and what can prevent it from appearing
- Open Settings > System > HiLight.
- Choose whether to enable Gemini cues and calls from favorites; Google says these can be controlled separately.
- For favorite-contact calls, check that your contacts are marked as favorites and that the Contacts app is current.
Google notes two behavior constraints. If flash notifications are enabled, HiLight will not display for incoming calls. Modes such as Flip to Shhh, Bedtime and Do Not Disturb can also affect whether HiLight glows.
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- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
Can other apps use HiLight?
Google’s documented call support covers Phone by Google and WhatsApp; it does not establish broad notification support for other apps. TechRadar reported on August 21, 2026 that a third-party app called HiLight Studio could extend alerts to other apps and customize colors or patterns. Its reported setup required downloading the app from GitHub, installing and configuring Shizuku, and manually restarting HiLight Studio after a phone reboot. TechRadar’s report said the app was not distributed through Google Play at the time. This is a reported workaround, not a Google-supported feature or a guarantee of present-day availability.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel’s iconic design meets the latest evolution of the Pixel Camera on the new Pixel 11; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can stay perfectly present[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Sleek, solid, and built to last: Pixel 11 has the slimmest camera bar yet in its class, a smooth satin back, and ultra-durable glass and IP68 water and dust protection, so it’s intentionally built to stay strong for years[3,4]
- Long battery life: With 30+ hours of reliable power and upgraded wireless charging, your Google Pixel 11 can charge 25% faster than before[5,6]; it even powers up to 55% in about 30 minutes with ultra-fast wired charging[7]
- The latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera: Take super crisp closeups with an upgraded 30x Super Zoom[3]; Night Sight takes clear photos, portraits, and panos in low-light settings
Rank #4
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
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