Google locked down the Pixel 11 Pro’s multi-colored HiLight LED at launch, restricting it solely to Gemini status and call notifications. Now, a tool called HiLight Studio allows users to bypass those limits and control the hardware for any app.
Google pitched the multi-colored light strip on its flagship as a standout hardware addition. Rumors first painted it as being similar to Nothing’s Glyph system, before eventually revealing it wasn’t much more than a notification LED, previously known as the much better name of Pixel Glow. But then, after launch, it became clear it was even worse, as it only worked for two types of notifications. Consumers quickly discovered that the software side of the feature was heavily constrained, limiting functionality to call alerts and Gemini status updates. Google explicitly stated it would not open the feature to third-party developers, leaving users with a high-end light strip that offered surprisingly few practical uses out of the box.
HiLight Studio Arrives to Unlock Third-Party Control
The restrictions did not last long. YouTuber-turned-vibe coder Dhananjay Bhosale (@Dhananjay_Tech)—highlighted by David Imel (currently working with The Verge)—developed an application to bypass Google’s software limitations on the Pixel 11 Pro. The utility, known as HiLight Studio, gives users granular control over the device’s RGB LED array, transforming the hardware into a fully functional notification system.
Instead of being restricted to standard system events, the app lets individuals assign a specific light effect for an app so you know which app has triggered the alert, offering custom color choices and more. Users can build and export presets to share with other users, or even just have “HiLight” active all of the time if you want. It’s almost exactly what we wanted from this feature. A Quick Settings tile is also included, so you can enable or disable the app without needing to open the app.
Safety Mechanisms and Battery Management
Because the hardware was not meant to stay on a lot (which may explain why Google has limited it so much), the custom software incorporates strict safety controls. To prevent issues, the HiLight Studio app has strong limits on how long it can be used for, with the light dimming automatically after ten seconds. If you want to use it while a specific app is open, then it will turn itself off after 30 seconds—though you can extend that through the settings if you absolutely must.
The software also will also be shut off by your Do Not Disturb settings too. It’s easy to see why people might be worried, as the Pixel flashlight problem may not have been as big a blow as the Note 7 was for Samsung, but it clearly had an impact, and the last thing anyone wants is their phone’s silly lights setting fire to their pockets.
Complex Installation and Future Outlook
While the software delivers the flexibility many anticipated, installation requires technical expertise. You’ll need to sideload the app from Github, then use Shizuku and ADB sideloading from a computer to finalize the install. Furthermore, even once installed and active, you’ll need to reactivate the app every time the phone is rebooted. Google didn’t exactly make “HiLight” easy to control – shocker.
It’s still wild to see that someone figured out how to do this on day one, and it just opens up hope that Google might make this all possible directly through the software someday. But, seeing as this is sideloaded and using advanced permissions, install at your risk. We doubt anyone bought their Pixel 11 Pro on the basis of the HiLight system alone, because, well, it’s a multi-colored flashlight, but even those who saw it as a fun bonus were probably disappointed by what it offered.
