If HiLight stopped working after an upgrade, first check that your Pixel model supports it and that the specific HiLight option for your problem is enabled. Google currently lists Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold as compatible. For favorite-call effects, also check the caller’s favorite status, the phone’s position, flash notifications, and Modes.
First, check whether your Pixel supports HiLight
Google’s HiLight instructions list the Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold as compatible models. If you have another Pixel, the reviewed Google documentation does not establish that HiLight is available on it. A missing HiLight setting on an unlisted model is not, by itself, evidence that an upgrade broke the feature.
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HiLight can provide visual cues for Gemini interactions and calls from favorite contacts. Favorite-call HiLight works with Phone by Google and WhatsApp. See Google’s HiLight setup and compatibility instructions.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIdentify which HiLight behavior stopped
Open Settings > System > HiLight. Confirm Use HiLight is on, then check the option that matches what you expect to see:
#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]
- Speaking with Gemini: relevant if Gemini cues are missing.
- Calls from favorites: relevant if incoming calls from favorite contacts no longer trigger HiLight.
If the setting itself is missing on a supported phone, continue with the update checks below. If the setting is present but only one behavior is affected, focus on that behavior’s prerequisites rather than changing unrelated settings.
If HiLight is missing for favorite calls
Check the contact and call app
Confirm the caller is marked as a favorite in Contacts, and update Contacts if it is not current. Google says favorite-contact colors require Contacts to be up to date and the contact to be a favorite. Check that the call comes through Phone by Google or WhatsApp, the apps Google identifies for favorite-call HiLight.
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]
Test with the phone face down
Place the phone face down on a flat surface and ask a favorite contact to call. Google’s instruction is explicit: “When your phone is face down and a favorite contact calls you, HiLight will glow.” If the phone is face up, that documented condition is not met.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Turn off flash notifications for the test
Incoming-call HiLight will not display while flash notifications are enabled. Check the phone’s flash-notification setting, disable it temporarily, and test again.
Check whether a Mode is changing call behavior
Review active modes such as Flip to Shhh, Bedtime, and Do Not Disturb. HiLight glows by default when these modes are enabled, but a mode’s call settings can turn it off. In the relevant mode, check People > Calls.
If that setting is set to None, HiLight is off for that mode. Changing it may affect more than the glow: Google says selecting None also turns off ring or vibration call notifications while the mode is active. Choose a different call setting only if you want those call alerts during that mode.
Rank #4
- 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]
Restart and install pending updates
- Restart the Pixel. Test the affected HiLight behavior after it starts again.
- Check Android updates: open Settings > System > Software update and install any available update.
- Update relevant apps in Play Store. Prioritize Contacts if favorite-contact colors or contact options are involved; update Phone by Google or WhatsApp if calls through that app are the problem.
- Restart after each troubleshooting step and test again. Google recommends this sequence in its general guidance for apps that are not working on Pixel phones: Fix an installed app that isn’t working on a Pixel phone.
A Pixel Community user reported that a missing HiLight option for a favorite contact appeared after pending updates completed. That is one person’s report, not proof that upgrades generally cause the problem or that updates will always resolve it: HiLight not showing as an option to choose for favorite contacts.
If HiLight still does not work
If your phone is one of the listed models, the relevant HiLight option is enabled, the favorite-call requirements are met where applicable, and the problem persists after restarting and updating, contact Google through Pixel Help. The available Google documentation does not confirm a widespread post-upgrade bug or a guaranteed repair.
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
Do not begin by clearing app storage or factory-resetting the phone. Google’s general app guidance treats clearing app data as a later, app-specific step and warns that it erases data; it does not identify that step as a HiLight fix. Only consider app-level troubleshooting such as force-stopping or clearing cache if the app involved is itself malfunctioning, and follow Google’s instructions for that app.
Quick Recap
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