Pixel VIPs widget starts rolling out early to select Pixel phones: Here’s what it does

By Ashish Singh | Updated on 09-Jun-2025

HIGHLIGHTS

Pixel VIPs widget allows up to 8 contacts to be pinned with real-time updates and messaging shortcuts.

VIPs can bypass Do Not Disturb, ensuring you never miss important calls or texts.

Available on Android 15 (May 2025 patch), but not yet on Android 16 QPR1 Beta.

Pixel VIPs widget starts rolling out early to select Pixel phones: Here’s what it does

Ashish Singh

09-Jun-2025

Google has begun an unexpected early rollout of its new Pixel VIPs widget to a few Pixel smartphones, weeks before it is expected to debut with the upcoming Pixel 10 series. According to 9to5Google, the widget first appeared as a quiet app update on some devices, implying that Google may be speeding up its release.

Users can pin up to eight VIP contacts on the home screen with the new Pixel VIPs widget, which is integrated directly into the Google Contacts application. These contacts are then given a unique VIP tag in the Favourites tab, elevating them within the application.

The users will be able to see recent calls, messages from apps like WhatsApp and Google Messages, and even real-time location sharing (if enabled by the contact). If the user taps on a VIP opens a full profile view showing birthdays, saved notes, time zone info, and even location-specific suggestions and weather updates, all from their contact card.

Also read: Realme Narzo 80 Lite 5G India launch teased, will pack 6,000mAh battery: Check expected price, specs

Additionally, the VIPs will also be able to bypass the Do Not Disturb mode, ensuring that their calls and messages are never missed, by any chance. However, the widget does not appear as a standalone app and can only be accessed through the widget picker or within the Contacts app.

Interestingly, the feature is currently showing up on Pixel phones running Android 15 with a May 2025 security patch. However, the feature is currently unavailable on Android 16 QPR1 Beta, where the Play Store listing fails to load.

On the other hand, Google has yet to make any official announcement or confirmation at the moment. The users interested in trying the new widget can check their Contacts app for updates or test the Play Store link manually.

Ashish Singh

Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek. View Full Profile