On supported Pixel 11 Pro phones, HiLight can show a soft visual cue while you speak with Gemini or when a favorite contact calls. Open Settings > System > HiLight to choose which cues appear. To hide private notification details from the lock screen, use a separate notification setting; it does not control HiLight.
Check whether your Pixel supports HiLight
Google documents HiLight for Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. If you do not see the setting, first confirm your device model; feature availability and labels can also change with software updates. Google describes HiLight as a subtle glow for certain important activities. Google’s HiLight help page explains the available controls and behaviors.
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Choose which HiLight cues to use
- Open Settings > System > HiLight.
- Turn Use HiLight on or off.
- Select Speaking with Gemini, Calls from favorites, or both, according to which cues you want.
The Gemini option provides a soft visual cue while you speak with Gemini. The favorite-call option applies to incoming calls from favorite contacts using Phone by Google or WhatsApp.
Set colors for calls from favorite contacts
HiLight uses a default color for favorite calls unless you customize a contact. To assign an individual color:
#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]
- In Contacts, open the person’s contact card and mark them as a favorite if they are not already one.
- Under Contact Settings, tap HiLight.
- Choose a color, preview it, then tap Done.
If the contact or favorite status is wrong, update it in Contacts before choosing a color. Note that enabling flash notifications prevents HiLight from appearing for incoming calls.
Adjust HiLight behavior in Modes carefully
HiLight glows by default when modes such as Flip to Shhh, Bedtime, or Do Not Disturb are active. Google’s instructions for stopping the behavior in a particular mode are:
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]
- Open Settings > Modes and select the mode.
- Tap People > Calls > None.
- Turn off Allow repeat callers, as Google’s instructions specify.
Important: Setting Calls to None also turns off ring or vibration notifications for calls while that mode is active. This is not just a HiLight change; choose it only if you want calls silenced during that mode.
Hide sensitive notification details on the lock screen
To control what notification content is visible while the phone is locked, open Settings > Notifications > Privacy > Notifications on lock screen, then turn Show sensitive content on or off. This setting concerns notification content on the lock screen. Google documents it separately from HiLight, so changing it should not be treated as a HiLight privacy control. See Google’s lock-screen notification guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Google’s guidance does—and does not—say about privacy
The documented controls let you choose HiLight cues and limit sensitive notification details visible on the lock screen. Google’s HiLight help page does not explain how HiLight handles or processes data. It therefore does not establish whether processing occurs on-device or what information, if any, is collected. Avoid treating the lock-screen visibility setting as an answer to those separate questions.
Quick Recap
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
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]
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