Google’s new Pixel HiLight LED alerts will only work for Gemini and calls: Here’s the reason
Last Updated: 2026-08-14 11:33:38
Google has added a new HiLight LED notification light at the back of the new Pixel 11 Pro series devices that had many people intrigued before the launch. These new phones offer LED coloured alerts when you get Gemini talking or get a call.
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Pixel 11 Pro series features new HiLight LED alerts.- HiLight LEDs only work for Gemini and phone calls.
- No third-party app support for HiLight alerts.
But does it also work across other apps like WhatsApp or even delivery updates? Turns out, Google has limited its access to the main core features and it is unlikely that we will see HiLight turn up green when a WhatsApp message flashes on your screen.
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No HiLight for these apps on Pixel 11
Multiple reports quoting Google have pointed out that the new flashy LED dot at the back of the Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL models will serve just two features. You add a new feature and make it work for just two apps, that doesn’t make any sense. The new LED feature is placed next to the camera sensors in the bar on the 11 Pro models. There are no settings to change the colours and no app support either.
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This also means you need to be on Google’s Phone app to get the call alerts on the back of the phone. No third-party app support for HiLight feels very much like Apple’s playbook and Google doing this makes no sense. You have limited its support for the Pro models, and made it compatible with just two features. Every time we hear this part we find it hard to understand the logic behind this move.
Nothing did start something unique in this space, making use of the back of the phone and giving it more purpose by offering updates and alerts with the Glyph interface and later the bar version.
Surely Google will have to reconsider its plans for the HiLight otherwise having the feature will eventually become stagnant. The Pixel 11 series has launched in India with a Rs 10,000 higher price this year but we finally get the 512GB variants of all the four models.