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This Google Contacts widget now supports notification alerts

AH Google Contacts Widget scaled.webp

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Google Contacts is getting a new feature that allows it to get notification alerts in widgets for individual contacts. So, now you can access important alerts related to that contact from one place, even if they come from different apps. This is not the only change received by the app recently.

The Google Contacts app allows you to set widgets for individual contacts or groups of contacts. There’s one individual widget in particular that includes the contact’s photo as a background (if you set one) and a couple of shortcuts. These shortcuts start a call directly with the contact or a conversation in Google Messages. Now, the widget is getting a bell icon for notifications.

A Google Contacts individual widget gets a “bell” for notifications

The new notification bell is placed in the upper-right area of the widget. Currently, it is only available in the widget for individual contacts that include the shortcuts mentioned above. According to 9to5Google and our testing, it is not compatible with other widget formats.

When you tap on the new bell for the first time, you’ll see a floating window inviting you to enable the “Notifications access” permission for the Contacts app. The pop-up says that this will allow you to “see and reply to the latest messages from your contacts.” The widget will also allow you to directly access other notifications related to that particular contact. For example, missed calls, important date alerts (such as birthdays), etc.

The goal of including notification alerts in individual Google Contacts widgets is to prevent you from having to jump between multiple apps to stay in touch with or up-to-date on your most precious contacts. Now you will have calls, conversations in Messages, and important notifications within reach of a single tap.

The new feature is present in the Google Contacts app on Android starting with the 4.31 update. It is possible that you have not received it yet. However, you probably won’t have to wait long to have it available.

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WATCH THE VIDEO HERE