Pixel 11 Pro adds HiLight alerts for WhatsApp messages
Google’s official announcement named only Google Messages, but a Pixel executive confirmed that WhatsApp messages can trigger the lights too.
WhatsApp messages can now trigger HiLight alerts on Google’s Pixel 11 Pro series, extending a feature that already supported WhatsApp calls. Shenaz Zack, Senior Director of Product Management over Pixel, confirmed the addition in a video posted to X on November 13, 2026.
The expanded messaging functionality is enabled by Android 17 QPR2, which is rolling out to all Pixel 11 Pro devices. It follows the addition of Google Messages support in the November 2026 Pixel Drop.
Google’s announcement identified Google Messages as a supported app without mentioning WhatsApp. Zack’s video confirmed that the same lighting feature also works for incoming WhatsApp messages, rather than being limited to calls on that service.
HiLight lets users assign a particular light color to a selected contact for calls, messages or both. Google began beta testing the messaging functionality in September, while WhatsApp calling support was available when HiLight launched.
