Skip to main content

Android 17 QPR2 enables Pixel 11 Pro HiLight for messages 

With Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6.1, HiLight on the Pixel 11 Pro series now supports message notifications.

After updating, go to Settings > System > HiLight for the new “Messages from favorites: Glows when your favorite contacts send you messages” option below Speaking with Gemini and Calls. 

When you go to a Google Contacts page, the HiLight bottom sheet shows options for Phone calls and Messages that you can individually enable/disable.

We’re seeing this work with Google Messages today, while there should also be support for WhatsApp since calls already work. When you receive a message, HiLight blinks twice.

Advertisement - scroll for more content

This is a huge finally and a feature that should have really been available on day one for the Pixel 11 Pro, 11 Pro XL, and 11 Pro Fold.

Expect a stable launch of Android 17 QPR2 in December. 

Android 17 QPR2 Beta 6.1 comes a few days after the initial release that did not support the Pixel 11 series. Notably, Beta 6.1 features the September 2026 security patch and can be installed by users currently on the stable build (which is still not QPR1).

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Google — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Abner Li Abner Li

Editor-in-chief. Interested in the minutiae of Google and Alphabet. Tips/talk: abner@9to5g.com