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Pixel VIPs is available on Pixel 6 and newer, including Pixel Fold. To set it up, open Google Contacts, tap Organize > Pixel VIPs, choose contacts, grant the requested permissions, then tap Add to Home screen. You can also add the widget from the home-screen widget picker on supported app and software versions.
Who can use Pixel VIPs?
Google lists Pixel 6 and later phones, including Pixel Fold, as supported. The feature is exclusive to Pixel phones, but the people you add as VIPs can use either Android or iOS; they do not need a Pixel themselves. Keep Google Contacts up to date, along with Pixel Weather and WhatsApp if you use them. See Google’s Pixel VIPs help page for current compatibility and setup guidance.
How to set up Pixel VIPs in Google Contacts
- Open the Google Contacts app on your Pixel.
- Tap Organize at the bottom right, then tap Pixel VIPs.
- Complete the onboarding screens.
- Tap Add, select the contacts you want, and grant the permissions requested by the app.
- Tap Add to Home screen to place the widget.
You can change the list later in Contacts > Organize > Pixel VIPs. Google also says to press and hold the widget and choose Edit to add or remove people.
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On versions that show the newer widget-picker entry, you can add Pixel VIPs without starting in Contacts:
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro XL; 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]
- Long-press an empty area of the home screen.
- Tap Widgets and search for “VIP.”
- Under Contacts, select VIPs and add the widget.
- If prompted, tap Add your VIPs and choose contacts.
This entry point and its labels may vary with the installed Android and Google Contacts versions. The Contacts > Organize > Pixel VIPs route is the official setup path.
What the Pixel VIPs widget can show
Pixel VIPs gathers contact details and recent activity from apps and services already connected to your phone. What appears depends on the information available and the permissions you grant. Google lists these possible features:
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
- Recent calls and messages, including activity from Google Messages and WhatsApp.
- A contact’s shared location, when they have chosen to share it with you.
- The contact’s local time and weather.
- Important dates such as birthdays and anniversaries, plus personal memos.
- Crisis alerts, priority conversations and activity suggestions. Google says suggestions may draw on popular search results and preferences you enter.
Google’s June 10, 2025 Pixel Drop announcement described the launch version as showing a VIP’s last call and message, shared location and important event updates. A September 2026 update was reported to add direct call and message buttons, unread or urgent-message badges, a floating navigation bar and a redesigned profile view. These newer controls are version-dependent, so the interface on your phone may differ.
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Adding someone as a VIP does not reveal their location by itself. They must share their location with you through Google Maps; Google also refers to Find Hub for Android contacts. The email address used for Maps sharing needs to be saved on that person’s contact card. Adding an email address alone does not enable location sharing. Google’s Pixel VIPs tips explain the location and contact-detail setup.
Rank #3
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
Check Do Not Disturb and message priorities
Google says Pixel VIPs are automatically added to Favorites and can bypass Do Not Disturb. You can customize notification prioritization for each VIP; Google says prioritization is on by default for Messages and WhatsApp. Review these settings during setup if you want quiet-time rules to apply to VIP calls or conversations. If WhatsApp prioritization is not working, Google identifies Companion Mode and contact-sync settings as possible causes and provides troubleshooting in its support instructions.
Privacy and permissions
Google says Pixel VIPs organizes information already held by Contacts, Phone, Android Messages, WhatsApp and Maps. Preferences you enter in Pixel VIPs are saved on the device. Google’s June 2025 launch announcement also says sensitive call-log and message-content data do not leave the device. The widget’s available details depend on app permissions and on information you or your contacts have provided.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If Pixel VIPs is missing
- Check that your phone is a Pixel 6 or newer, including Pixel Fold.
- Update Google Contacts and the related apps you use, such as Pixel Weather and WhatsApp.
- In Google Contacts, look under Organize > Pixel VIPs.
- Check the home-screen Widgets picker for VIPs under Contacts.
Pixel software updates can roll out in phases, and app versions can change labels or entry points. If the widget-picker option is absent, use the Google Contacts setup route and check again after the relevant apps and system software update.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 10 is the everyday phone unlike anything else; it has Google Tensor G5, Pixel’s most powerful chip, an incredible camera, and advanced AI - Gemini built in[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- The upgraded triple rear camera system has a new 5x telephoto lens - up to 20x Super Res Zoom for stunning detail from far away; Night Sight takes crisp, clear photos in low-light settings; and Camera Coach helps you snap your best pics[3]
- Pixel 10 is designed - scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and has an IP68 rating for water and dust protection[21]; plus, the Actua display - 3,000-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[4]
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