Pixel VIPs 2.0 and a new widget finally make Google's favorite-contacts feature useful.
Google's Pixel VIPs widget, launched in June 2025, now lets you call or message your favorite people right from the home screen.
A 5x1 row shows up to four contacts. The larger 5x2 layout adds pill buttons to call or message with one tap.
Circular badges now flag unread messages on a contact's photo, so you know who texted without opening an app.
The app now opens a full page with a quick contact switcher and an edit shortcut, but some buttons are harder to reach one-handed.
Available on Pixel 6 and newer via Google Contacts. The widget rollout is server-side, so it may take a few days to appear.
Pixel VIPs Finally Earns Its Home Screen Spot With One-Tap Calls