Pixel 11 Pro XL Limits HiLight LED to 2 Uses Despite 6 Colors
Updated
Updated · Tom's Guide · Aug 23
Pixel 11 Pro XL Limits HiLight LED to 2 Uses Despite 6 Colors
3 articles · Updated · Tom's Guide · Aug 23
Summary
Google’s new HiLight LED currently works only for Gemini sessions and calls from starred contacts, leaving the Pixel 11 Pro XL’s standout hardware feature with little practical use at launch.
Six colors are available—blue reserved for Gemini plus teal, yellow, magenta, purple and white—but users cannot assign the light to texts, email, WhatsApp or other notifications.
HiLight also activates only when the phone is face down, shutting off if the device is tilted too far, which further narrows when the rear light can be useful.
Google has said more features are coming, including alerts for messages from favored contacts, but gave no timeline; third-party developers are already trying system-level workarounds to unlock broader app support.
Why did Google intentionally restrict the Pixel 11 Pro's HiLight LED to basic functions when the hardware is clearly capable of much more?
With third-party developers hacking the Pixel 11 Pro's HiLight LED, will Google officially unlock its full potential or block these complex workarounds?