Pixel 11 Pro HiLight now glows for WhatsApp messages

What is new for HiLight

The Pixel 11 Pro's rear LED light, called HiLight, now responds to WhatsApp messages as well as calls. Shenaz Zack, Pixel's Senior Director of Product Management, confirmed the change in a post on X.

Until now, the light only glowed for incoming WhatsApp calls. According to Android Police, support for message alerts arrives with Android 17 QPR2.

Why the small change matters

WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps in the world, so the addition gives the feature a genuine audience. Users can set HiLight to glow when a message arrives from a chosen VIP contact.

The change is most useful for people who leave their phone face down on a desk. In that position the screen is hidden, and the glowing rear light becomes the only visible signal that someone important has made contact.

A slow start for the feature

Android Police is critical of Google's pace here. The Pixel 11 Pro launched in August, and this is the first meaningful improvement to HiLight roughly three months later.

Support is also limited. The site notes that apps such as Telegram, Signal, Snapchat and Instagram are not covered, even though many people use several messaging apps at once. Google has not announced whether further apps are planned.

A third-party option for more control

If the official support feels too narrow, Android Police points to HiLight Studio, a third-party app that makes the rear LED work with any app. Users can assign a specific light effect to each app, so the pattern reveals which app triggered the alert.

The app also offers presets that configure groups of apps in one go. That makes the initial setup quicker before fine-tuning individual settings.

What Pixel owners should do

The WhatsApp message support appears tied to Android 17 QPR2, so owners should install that update before trying to configure HiLight for WhatsApp.

After updating, the light can be set up to react to messages from selected contacts. Anyone wanting broader app support will need the third-party route, or patience while Google extends official coverage.