On a Pixel 6 or newer, open Google Contacts and go to Organize > Pixel VIPs. Finish the introduction, add the people you want, grant the requested permissions, then tap Add to Home screen. If you already have the updated widget picker, you can also add it from the home screen’s Widgets menu.
Who can use Pixel VIPs?
Google says Pixel VIPs is available on Pixel 6 and later, including Pixel Fold. It is a Pixel-exclusive feature, but the contacts you add can use either Android or iPhone. The setup happens on the Pixel owner’s phone, in Google Contacts. Google’s Pixel VIPs help page recommends keeping Google Contacts up to date and also names Pixel Weather and WhatsApp among the apps to update.
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Set up Pixel VIPs in Google Contacts
- Open the Google Contacts app.
- Tap Organize at the bottom right, then tap Pixel VIPs.
- Complete the introductory screens.
- Tap Add, select the contacts you want to include, and grant the permissions requested by the app.
- Tap Add to Home screen to place the widget.
You can return to Contacts > Organize > Pixel VIPs to add or remove people. Google also says you can press and hold the widget and choose Edit.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsAdd the widget from the home screen
A newer widget-picker route was reported in October 2026, though labels and availability can vary with your software and app versions:
#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]
- Long-press an empty area of the home screen.
- Tap Widgets and search for “VIP,” or look under Contacts.
- Choose VIPs and add the widget.
- If prompted, tap Add your VIPs and select contacts.
This route is described by Android Authority. If it is not available on your phone, use the Google Contacts setup path above.
What the widget can show
Pixel VIPs brings selected information about a person into one place. What appears depends on the details available and the permissions you grant. Google lists recent calls and messages—including Google Messages and WhatsApp—shared location, local time and weather, birthdays and anniversaries, personal notes, crisis alerts, priority conversations, and activity suggestions. Those suggestions can draw on popular search results and preferences you enter in Pixel VIPs. Google’s June 2025 launch post describes the original widget as showing a VIP’s last call and message, shared location, and important event updates.
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]
Google’s 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; do not assume every Pixel will show the same layout immediately. Android Central’s September 2026 update coverage describes the call, message, and notification changes.
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Location appears only when the contact shares it
Adding someone as a VIP does not grant access to their location. The person must choose to share their location 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, but entering an email address alone does not enable sharing. Google’s practical guidance is in its Pixel VIPs tips article.
Review notification and Do Not Disturb behavior
Google says VIPs are automatically added to Favorites and can bypass Do Not Disturb. You can customize priority notifications for each VIP; Google says prioritization is on by default for Messages and WhatsApp. Review these settings during setup if you do not want VIP calls or conversations to interrupt your usual quiet-time rules. If WhatsApp prioritization does not work, Google identifies Companion Mode and contact-sync settings as possible causes and provides troubleshooting steps in its Pixel VIPs support instructions.
If Pixel VIPs is missing
- Check eligibility: the feature is for Pixel 6 and newer, including Pixel Fold.
- Update the relevant apps: check Google Contacts, Pixel Weather, and WhatsApp for updates.
- Look in both places: check Contacts > Organize and the home-screen Widgets picker.
- Allow for rollout differences: Pixel software updates can arrive in phases, so menus may not appear identically on every eligible device at the same time.
Google’s English help page says “up to 8 people,” while other official localized versions state 16. Because Google’s published limits conflict, the practical approach is to select contacts in the app rather than rely on a specific maximum.
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]
What the privacy notes mean
Google says Pixel VIPs organizes information already held in Contacts, Phone, Android Messages, WhatsApp, and Maps, while preferences you enter in Pixel VIPs are saved on the device. Google’s June 2025 launch note says sensitive call-log and message-content data do not leave the device. The information displayed still depends on app permissions and on what you and your contacts choose to provide or share.
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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
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