Quickly Access Favorite Contacts on Android with Pixel VIPs

Google has initiated the rollout of Android 16 for eligible Pixel phones, but there’s more exciting news for Pixel enthusiasts! The June Pixel Drop introduces a valuable new feature known as Pixel VIPs, enabling users to prioritize their most important contacts effortlessly.

Activating Pixel VIPs on Your Pixel Phone

With Pixel VIPs, getting in touch with your favorite people is just a tap away. This innovative tool allows you to add selected contacts to a customizable home screen widget, where you can quickly check their location, access local updates, and discover fun activities when spending time together.

First, ensure that your Pixel phone is updated to the latest operating system. To do this, navigate to Settings -> System -> Software updates. Tap on System Update and then the Check for update button.

If there’s an update available, proceed to install it. Once you’re on the latest version, open the Contacts app, then switch to the Organize tab at the bottom.

Next, select Pixel VIPs from the menu options. On the following screen, tap Next after reviewing the quick introduction.

Adding Your Pixel VIPs

Now it’s time to personalize your VIP list. Press the Add button on the empty VIPs card or check the Suggestion section for quicker options.

Select contacts to add as VIPs and press Done. After you’ve added your VIPs, proceed by pressing the Next button.

Next, you’ll need to grant the required permissions for the feature to function effectively.

Your Pixel device will automatically create a VIPs widget. Hit the Add to home screen option.

Adding the Pixel VIPs home screen widget.

Position the widget on your home screen as per your preference. If you’ve added more than four VIPs (the maximum is eight), consider resizing the widget to accommodate them all. Long press on the widget and adjust the handles to resize.

Enhancing Your Pixel VIPs with Additional Details

To make the most of your Pixel VIPs, it’s recommended to add as much relevant information as possible about your contacts. Here’s how to enhance your VIP experience.

Tap on a contact within the widget. A pop-up will appear at the bottom with quick actions.

Tapping on a contact in the Pixel VIPs widget.

You can easily call, message, or communicate via messaging apps like WhatsApp. Swipe up for the full-screen view, and tap the birthday card to add your contact’s birthday for timely reminders.

Adding a birthday for a VIP contact on Pixel phone.

Next, navigate to the Local updates card. This feature allows for location sharing with a simple tap or allows you to manually add an address for additional context.

Location data view for Pixel VIP contact.

After entering an address, access local weather updates and times for that area, adding more value to your contact interactions.

Consider adding notes for specific reminders, whether it’s to discuss important matters or to remember to gift them something special.

Adding notes as reminders for a Pixel VIP contact.

Lastly, Google will propose collaborative activities with your favorite contacts based on shared interests and recent trends. You can also suggest your mutual interests by tapping on Add your preferences.

After you input your interests, Google will provide tailored recommendations for shared experiences.

Personalizing Contacts with Photos

Enrich your Pixel VIPs widget by assigning photos to each contact. This not only adds a personal touch but also distinctly differentiates your VIPs.

Return to the Contacts app, tap on one of your VIPs featured under Favorites.

Tapping on a favorite contact in the Contacts app on Pixel.

Tap the pencil icon to edit, then select Add picture.

Choose an image for their profile and press Save. Your changes will be reflected on your home screen, making it easier to recognize each VIP.

Adding or Removing Pixel VIPs from Your Widget

Making changes to your VIPs is straightforward. Long press on the widget to bring up the pencil icon.

Tap the X icon in the upper right corner of a contact’s photo to remove them.

If you wish to add more VIPs (up to eight contacts), tap the Add button once again.

Have you recently transitioned to a Google phone? Explore essential Pixel features to enhance your experience. If you’re using a different Android phone, check our collection of tips to make your device feel more like a Google Pixel (without rooting).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are Pixel VIPs and why should I use them?

Pixel VIPs are a new feature designed to help you prioritize your most important contacts on your Google Pixel phone. By adding VIP contacts to a home screen widget, you can quickly access their information, locations, and updates, making it easier to stay connected.

2. Can I add more than eight contacts as Pixel VIPs?

No, the Pixel VIPs feature allows you to add a maximum of eight contacts. This limit helps keep your widget organized and ensures that you can easily manage your most important connections without feeling overwhelmed.

3. What types of information can I customize for my Pixel VIPs?

You can enrich your Pixel VIPs by adding photos, contact birthdays, shared preferences, notes, and location data. This customization enhances the interaction and helps Google suggest relevant activities for you and your VIPs.

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