Yes, Google is rolling out an impressive new feature called Pixel VIPs as part of its June 2025 Feature Drop, and it's tailor-made for people who rely on Do Not Disturb (DND) to focus, but don’t want to miss important calls or messages.
🔔 What is Pixel VIPs?
Pixel VIPs is a widget-based feature exclusive to Pixel phones that allows users to:
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Designate up to 8 contacts as "VIPs"
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Bypass DND mode for calls and messages from these VIPs
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Display recent activity (calls, texts, WhatsApp messages) with VIPs right on the home screen
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Show real-time location, weather, and local time at their address (if location sharing is on)
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Label VIPs inside the Contacts app for easy recognition
This feature is especially useful for:
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Staying connected to family or emergency contacts
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Ensuring important work messages break through DND
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Keeping tabs on loved ones without needing to open multiple apps
📲 Key Functions:
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Home Screen Widget:
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Lets you pin VIP contacts
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View last interaction (calls, texts, WhatsApp)
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See real-time location via a built-in mini map
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Extra Perks:
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Send location requests
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View weather and time zone info at the contact’s saved location
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Add personal notes about each VIP
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Get activity suggestions based on shared habits or preferences
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🔍 How to Access:
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Not found in the app drawer — instead:
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Add via the widget picker (long press home screen > Widgets)
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Or go to the Contacts app > select a contact > mark as VIP
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📆 Availability:
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Currently rolling out as part of the June 2025 Feature Drop
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Initially seen in a leaked internal version, but now appearing live on select Pixel devices via a quiet Play Store backend update
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Expected to fully roll out soon to Pixel 6 and newer models
⚙️ Summary:
If you often miss urgent calls while on Do Not Disturb, Pixel VIPs could be the perfect balance between focus and responsiveness. With integrated location, recent interactions, and priority notifications, it takes contact management to a smart, contextual level — and gives Pixel users another exclusive edge.
