Modern smartphone users often encounter incomprehensible interface elements that appear after a system update. One of these elements is the so-called “bubbles” - floating round icons reminiscent of instant messengers. Many device owners Android wonder what this function is and why you need it. In fact, this is not a separate application, but a system mechanism for quick access to active dialogs.
This technology was introduced by Google to improve multitasking. Bubbles allows you to switch between applications without closing the current chat or task. You can respond to messages in the messenger while browsing your news feed or working in your browser. Understanding how this tool works will help you use the capabilities of your smartphone more efficiently.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the purpose of the function, how to activate and disable it, and also look at potential performance problems. You will learn how to customize the display of notifications and make working with your device more comfortable. Let's dive into the technical details of the interface Android.
The essence of Bubbles technology in the Android system
Function Bubbles (Bubbles) is an evolution of the old "floating windows" that were popular in early versions of the operating system. However, the new mechanism works differently: it is integrated directly into the core of the notification system. This means that floating icons are created not by third-party software, but by the OS itself, which guarantees stable operation.
The main purpose of introducing this feature is to simplify multitasking. When you have several applications open, constantly switching between them through the recent tasks menu can take a lot of time. Floating notifications solve this problem by allowing you to collapse the dialog into a compact icon and return it to the screen with one touch. This is especially true for those who use a smartphone for work and communication at the same time.
Technically, each bubble is an extended notification. It can contain message previews, quick reply buttons, and even a full-fledged chat interface in miniature. The system allows you to drag these elements to any part of the screen so that they do not overlap important content. It is important to understand that this is not a virus or an adware, but a legitimate productivity tool from Google.
⚠️ Attention: If you see bubbles from unknown applications that you did not install, this could be a sign of malware. Check the list of installed apps in the security settings.
The bubbles function works most effectively on devices with RAM of 4 GB and above, as it requires additional resources for rendering windows.
What applications support working with bubbles
Far not all apps can use this system mechanism. Developers must explicitly add API support Bubbles to their application code. By default, in the system Android this function is activated for most popular instant messengers, such as Telegram, WhatsApp, Viber and VK Messenger.
In addition to communication tools, bubbles can be used in email clients to display new letters or in tasks for reminders. Some launchers and note-taking utilities also implement this feature to quickly create notes. However, support depends on the version of the application and the developer's policy.
The user can independently manage the list of apps that are allowed to create floating windows. This gives you complete control over which notifications will appear on the screen and which will remain in the standard curtain. Flexibility of settings allows you to adapt the interface to individual needs.
- 📱 Messengers: Telegram, WhatsApp, Signal, Discord.
- ✉️ Mail: Gmail, Outlook, Yandex.Mail (with support).
- 📝 Notes and tasks: Google Keep, Todoist, Microsoft To Do.
- 🎵 Music: Some players use bubbles to control playback.
How to enable and customize the display of notifications
In modern versions Android (starting from 11 and higher), the function is often enabled by default for supported applications. However, you can check the settings and change the system behavior. To do this, you need to go to the notification settings section and find the corresponding menu item.
The activation process may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS), but the general algorithm remains the same. You will need to find the specific application in the list and allow it to create floating windows. Without this permission, even a supported app will only show notifications in the curtain.
For detailed settings, follow these steps: go to Settings → Applications → Special access → Bubbles. Here you'll see a toggle to enable the feature globally and a list of apps. Select the desired service and activate the "Allow the creation of bubbles" option.
☑️ Setting up bubbles
After turning it on, try sending a test message to yourself or ask a friend to write to you. If everything is configured correctly, a round icon with the avatar of the interlocutor will appear on the screen. You can drag it to the edge of the screen to minimize it, or tap it to expand the chat.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface may change after major Android updates. If you do not find the specified path, use the search in the settings by entering the word "Bubbles".
Instructions for completely disabling the function
Not all users like the presence of foreign objects on the screen. Bubbles may interfere with watching videos, reading articles, or playing games by obstructing some of the content. If you prefer the classic type of notifications, the function can be completely deactivated in the system settings.
Disablement is done through the same menu where it was enabled. You need to find the global switch and set it to inactive. This will instantly remove all active bubbles from the screen and prevent new ones from appearing in the future.
You can also disable the function selectively for specific applications. For example, you can leave bubbles for work chat, but remove them for entertainment instant messengers. This is achieved by unchecking the checkbox in the list of permissions for the selected app.
| Action | Global disable | Disable for application |
|---|---|---|
| Menu path | Settings → Notifications → Bubbles | Settings → Applications → [Name] → Notifications |
| Result | The function does not work anywhere | Works for other apps |
| Difficulty | Low (1 click) | Medium (app search) |
If you accidentally collapsed the bubble and can’t find it, simply close all applications or restart your device. After the restart, all temporary floating windows will be cleared by the system. This is a useful feature that prevents the accumulation of “garbage” on the desktop.
What to do if the bubble does not disappear?
If the icon is frozen on the screen and does not respond to presses, try turning on and off developer mode or force stopping the application through the settings.
The effect of bubbles on performance and battery
Any additional interface element consumes processor and RAM resources. Bubbles are no exception. Although they are optimized by the system, their constant presence on the screen can affect the battery life of the device, especially on older smartphone models.
The main energy consumption occurs when the window is rendered and the content inside the bubble is updated. If you have many active chat bubbles open, the load on the system increases. This can lead to faster battery drain and slight heating of the case during intensive use.
On powerful flagship devices with the latest generation processors, this effect is almost unnoticeable. However, owners of budget smartphones with limited RAM may notice a slowdown in the interface when switching between applications with active bubbles.
- 🔋 Battery consumption: Increases slightly (1-3% per day).
- 🚀 RAM: Takes up from 10 to 50 MB per active bubble.
- 📉 Performance: May be reduced on devices with 2-3 GB of RAM.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that your phone starts to drain quickly after enabling Bubbles, try disabling this feature for all but the most important apps messenger.
Disabling bubbles on weak devices can extend battery life and speed up switching between applications.
Solving common problems and bugs
Like any software component, the bubbles feature may not work correctly. Users sometimes encounter that notifications do not turn into bubbles, or, on the contrary, disappear immediately after opening. Most often, the reason lies in the settings of a particular application or a software version conflict.
One of the common problems is the lack of a button to turn a notification into a bubble. This can happen if the application developer has not implemented support for a new version of the API, or if the system has power saving restrictions. Check whether the application is in "Hard Economy" mode.
There may also be situations where the bubble overlaps important controls in other apps. In this case, it is recommended to change the position of the bubble launch zone or temporarily disable the function. If the problem is systemic in nature, you may need to clear the service cache Android System.
To reset notification settings, you can use the following command via ADB (PC connection required):
adb shell pm grant com.android.systemui android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOWThis command forces the permissions to be updated for the system interface. Use it only if you are confident in what you are doing and have experience with USB debugging. In most cases, simply restarting your smartphone is enough.
Why don't bubbles appear in games?
In game mode, the system often blocks third-party overlays to prevent cheating and ensure complete immersion. This is standard behavior for many game modes.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to change the size or color of bubbles?
On stock Android, changing the size or color of system bubbles is not possible. However, some skin manufacturers (for example, Xiaomi or Samsung) may add themes that affect this interface element. In pure Android, the appearance is fixed.
Is it safe to use bubbles to enter passwords?
Yes, it is safe. Bubbles operate in a protected space of the system. When you open a password entry field in a bank or payment system, the system automatically hides the bubbles to prevent third-party applications from intercepting data.
Why does the bubble disappear when I minimize the application?
It depends on the settings of the specific messenger. Some applications are configured so that the bubble only lives while the application is active. Check the notification settings inside the messenger itself and make sure that the “Show on top of other applications” mode is selected.
Is it possible to pin a bubble in a certain corner of the screen?
There is no automatic pinning function in the corner. The bubble must be dragged manually. However, if you release it close to the edge of the screen, it will "stick" and turn into a small dot so as not to interfere with your view until you click on it again.
Do Bubbles work on Android 10 and below?
Bubbles was officially introduced in Android 11. On older versions (Android 10, 9) it can only work as an experimental function for developers or through third-party launchers, but stability is not guaranteed.