On the Pixel 11 Pro lineup, the new HiLight feature brings different colored LED lights next to the camera lens to provide different, quieter notifications. This is one of the many exciting features arriving with the Pixel 11 Pro. As useful as this is, Google currently only makes it work with phone calls and Gemini interactions – but a developer named Dhananjay Bhosale (@Dhanajay_Tech) has created a free app allowing users to get even more out of this feature.
Spotted by David Imel of The Verge, HiLight Studio is available via the developer’s GitHub page and gives users the ability to access a wide variety of color options, including animated patterns or solid colors, across the Pixel 11 Pro’s eight LED colors. Users who want to try this one out for themselves may need a bit of technical know-how, however, as the application needs shell-level access to a system service to function properly. Users will also need to know how to sideload apps.
What’s notable about this release is that Google has said that third-party developers won’t be able to access these LEDs. Interestingly, users can access this app without rooting their device. It’s also free and not supported by ads. While some users may just be happy that the Pixel 11 brought back a feature not seen on Android in years, those who want to tinker with LED notifications can have a little fun with the HiLight Studio app.
New app lets Pixel 11 Pro users control HiLight LED
Published by the developer on its The app even allows users to save and load their presets.
Getting this started may require a bit of work on the user’s part. First, users will need to go to GitHub to sideload the app, and they will need to rely on ADB or Shizuku to complete the process. Additionally, users will also need to grant the app shell-level access to the “Android Lights” service, which must be done every time the phone restarts. If you’re not familiar with a command prompt, this one may not be for you. However, the developer has provided more detailed instructions on its GitHub page.
Given that the developer of this app has now shown that the HiLight feature can go way beyond what Google currently uses it for (again, just phone calls and Gemini), it will be interesting to see if the company expands the feature to users in the future. Right now, it’s great that users have options, but having to constantly restore access after every reboot may just not be worth it. However, this may still be less frustrating than Google’s new “dynamic” pricing for the Pixel.
