As part of the November 2026 Pixel Drop, Google expanded its face-down visual notification system to support Google Messages alongside incoming phone calls (see the Official Google Pixel Help guide for HiLight). It pairs directly with the Pixel VIPs live location widget so your priority contacts stay connected across both your home screen and face-down alerts.
Step 1: Curate Your Pixel VIPs List
HiLight filters alerts using your Pixel VIPs list so noisy group threads and promotional texts never trigger the light:
- Open the Contacts app (or the Pixel VIPs widget) on your Pixel 11 Pro.
- Select the 2 to 5 people whose messages genuinely require immediate attention (partner, children, immediate family).
- Tap Add to VIPs / Favorites so they are prioritized across both Phone and Google Messages.
Step 2: Enable HiLight for Google Messages & Assign Custom Colors
- Open the main Settings app on your Pixel 11 Pro, Pro XL, or Pro Fold.
- Navigate to Settings > System > HiLight (if the option hasn’t appeared yet, open the Google Play Store and update Google Messages and Device Personalization Services).
- Toggle Use HiLight to On.
- Under Supported Apps, toggle Google Messages on alongside Phone calls.
- Tap individual VIP contacts to assign custom glow colors (for example, blue for your partner, amber for family)—allowing you to tell who messaged without flipping the phone over.
Step 3: Pair With “Flip to Shhh” for Zero-Distraction Evenings
HiLight works best when combined with Pixel’s built-in gesture that silences every other notification automatically:
- Navigate to Settings > System > Gestures.
- Tap Flip to Shhh and switch it On.
- Now, whenever you set your Pixel face-down on a desk or coffee table, the phone gives a single gentle vibration to confirm Do Not Disturb is engaged—muting every noisy app while keeping HiLight active for VIP texts and calls.