Google restricted the Pixel 11 Pro HiLight feature to basic call notifications and Gemini status updates at launch. Despite Google claiming the hardware was not intended for third-party control, a developer has already bypassed these limitations.
The new tool, HiLight Studio, allows users to repurpose the RGB LED as a fully customizable notification light. Users can now assign specific patterns and colors to individual apps. The software also provides the ability to keep the light active constantly or share preset configurations with other owners of the device.
Getting this functionality requires a significant technical hurdle. Because Google locked down the feature, the app is not available on the official store. Installation requires sideloading via GitHub, active use of Shizuku, and ADB command execution from a connected computer. The app also demands a reactivation process every time the device restarts.
This development highlights the gap between hardware capability and software policy on the Pixel 11 Pro. While the current method is risky and intended for power users, it demonstrates that the hardware is capable of far more than what Google provides by default. It remains to be seen if official updates will ever match the level of control found in this third-party solution.