Users frustrated as Pixel VIPs disappear after Android 16 update

Yesterday, Google rolled out the Android 16 update to supported Pixel devices, aiming to bring various subtle system enhancements to improve user experience. Many users anticipated significant changes, especially with the full Material 3 Expressive UI redesign expected later this year. However, following the update, a considerable number of users have faced a common problem: the Pixel VIPs feature, designed to streamline communication with select contacts, is not displaying correctly on their devices. The Pixel VIPs feature is integrated into the Contacts app and is intended to highlight recent interactions, share locations, and provide event details that facilitate better communication. One significant aspect of this feature is its ability to allow designated VIP contacts to bypass the Do Not Disturb mode, ensuring that users do not miss important notifications from their close contacts. Unfortunately, despite the feature being praised in Google's official announcement, many are expressing their disappointment on social media platforms and support forums. The reaction from the user community has been increasingly vocal, with threads on platforms like Reddit gaining traction and accumulating hundreds of upvotes as users share their frustration over the missing Pixel VIPs functionality. As complaints continue to rise, it seems that technical difficulties are overshadowing the promising features of the Android 16 update for a significant number of Pixel device owners. In response to the issues, troubleshooting steps have been suggested, such as ensuring that apps are updated via the Google Play Store, which may help in resolving the visibility problem of Pixel VIPs. However, many users remain uncertain if these measures will effectively restore the functionality, and as unresolved complaints accumulate, there is growing sentiment about the need for clearer communication from Google regarding technical issues related to their updates.