A modern smartphone is not just a phone, but a real multitasking center where instant messengers, navigators, players and banking clients work simultaneously. Sometimes it is critical that a certain window remains visible above all other running apps, be it a video player while working with documents or a notes widget during a call. The function "Display on top of other applications" solves this problem, but its incorrect configuration often leads to the fact that windows simply do not open or the buttons in them are not pressed.
Users often encounter a situation where a downloaded application requires special permission to work correctly, but in the standard settings menu this item is hidden deeply or has another name. In this article we will analyze a detailed algorithm of actions for different versions of the operating system and manufacturer’s shells. You will learn how to activate this mode, why the security system needs it, and what to do if the function does not work correctly.
We will talk not only about standard settings, but also about hidden features available through the engineering menu or special utilities. We will look at technical nuances such as WindowManager and access rights SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOWso that you understand the essence of the processes taking place in the background of your device.
System requirements and purpose of the function
The window overlay feature was introduced in Android to improve the user experience by allowing you to create floating interfaces. However, starting with version Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Google has tightened control over this mechanism for security purposes. Now each application must request and receive explicit permission from the user to render its interface on top of system elements.
This is necessary to protect against malware that could replace real login windows for a bank or social network with fake forms to steal data. If you see a request to grant the "Over other applications" right, this means that the app plans to use system overlay. Without this permission, applications such as Facebook Messenger (for chat heads), TeamViewer (for remote control) or various voice recorders with a floating button will simply not be able to perform their functions.
It is worth noting that on some custom firmware, such like MIUI from Xiaomi or One UI from Samsung, the names of menu items may differ. Instead of the standard “On top of other applications,” you may see statements like “Pop-up windows” or “Permission manager.” Fundamentally, the essence remains the same: you give a specific package com.example.app the right to draw its elements in the very top layer of the GUI.
If the application requires this permission, but you do not trust its developer, it is better not to install it. Attackers often use this function to hide malicious activity from the user's eyes.
Step-by-step guide for pure Android
On smartphones with a “clean” operating system (Pixel, Motorola, Nokia series), the activation process is as standardized as possible. You do not need to look for hidden menus, since all the necessary switches are placed in the general security section.
First, open the main settings of the device and scroll down the list to the section Applications and notifications. Here we are interested in the subsection responsible for extended access rights. Depending on the version of Android, it may be called Special access or Additional permissions. This is where the management of system overlays is hidden.
Find the item with the name "Display on top of other applications". By clicking on it, you will see a list of all installed apps that have the potential to use this feature. By default, most of them will be turned off. You need to find the desired application in the list and activate the toggle switch opposite it. After this, the app will be able to legally place its windows on top of any other content on the screen.
Sometimes it is useful to check which applications already have this access to avoid interface conflicts. If you have two widgets running simultaneously trying to occupy the same area of the screen, one of them may overlap the other or cause sensor glitches.
☑️ Checking access settings
Setting features on the MIUI and One UI shells
Owners of popular smartphones from Chinese and Korean manufacturers often encounter difficulties due to aggressive memory optimization and confusing settings menus. In the shell MIUI (Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO), the required item is not in the applications section, but in the security menu.
You need to go to the application Securitythat is preinstalled in the system, then go to Permissions and select Other permissions. In the list that appears, find "Display in a pop-up window". The logic here is a little different: you don't just enable a feature, but choose a specific behavior for each application. For some apps, three options are available: “Deny”, “Ask” and “Allow”.
On Samsung devices with shell One UI the path is a little shorter, but the names can be confusing. Go to Settings → Apps. Click on the three dots in the upper corner of the screen to open a special menu and select Special access. Next, select "On top of other apps". Please note that on newer versions of One UI, some system apps may not appear in this list because they have privileged access by default.
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi smartphones, when you first try to enable the function, a red warning about security risks may appear. You will need to wait 10 seconds before the OK button becomes active. This is a protective mechanism against accidental clicks.
Solving problems with non-working buttons
One of the most common complaints from users is: “I turned on the resolution, but the buttons in the floating window cannot be pressed.” This is a classic input layer conflict problem. When an application draws its interface on top of another, it can intercept all screen touches, making it impossible to interact with the underlying window, or vice versa - it itself becomes “transparent” to touches.
Most often, the problem lies in the accessibility settings (Accessibility Services). Some window management applications require accessibility services to be turned on at the same time. Check the data-i="98">section in your phone settings and make sure that the service for your application is activated. Without this synergy, the overlay may be displayed visually, but not respond to taps. Special. capabilities and make sure that the service for your application is activated. Without this synergy, the overlay may be displayed visually, but not respond to taps.
It is also worth checking the energy saving mode. Aggressive sleep mode algorithms can kill the floating window rendering process as soon as the screen goes dark or the application goes into the background. Add the desired app to the list of battery exclusions by selecting the option "No restrictions" in the power settings of a specific application.
If all else fails, try clearing the launcher cache or rebooting the device in safe mode to exclude the influence of third-party themes. Sometimes custom launchers do not correctly process system requests to create new windows.
Why do the buttons not work in safe mode?
In safe mode, all third-party applications are disabled. If your floating window works correctly in this mode, then the conflict is caused by some other installed application, such as a clipboard manager or screen magnifier.
Using ADB for advanced settings
For advanced users for whom the standard settings are not enough, it is possible to manage window overlay rights via USB debugging using the tool Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method allows you to grant permissions to applications that for some reason are hidden from the user interface or require specific flags.
First, you need to activate developer mode on your smartphone. Go to Settings → About phone and click 7 times on the item Build number. After the message “You have become a developer” appears, return to the main settings menu, find the new section For developers and enable there “USB debugging”.
Connect your phone to your computer and run the command to grant the right to overlay windows to a specific app. You will need to know the exact name of the application package. The command looks like this:
adb shell appops set [package_name] SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW allowFor example, for an application with a package com.example.floating the command would be: adb shell appops set com.example.floating SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW allow. This is a direct way to register a permission in the system database, bypassing the graphical interface. Be careful: granting this right to system processes can lead to unstable operation of the interface.
| ADB Command | Action | Risk |
|---|---|---|
appops get [package] |
Checking the current status resolution | Low |
appops set [package] SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW allow |
Force overlay on | Medium |
appops set [package] SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW ignore |
Complete window overlay prohibition | Low |
pm grant [package] android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW |
Alternative issuance method rights | High |
⚠️ Attention: Using ADB commands requires an understanding of the Android structure. Incorrectly changing the rights of system applications can lead to an endless reboot of the device (bootloop). Always check the package name before entering the command.
Security and Phishing Protection
The window overlay feature is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it is convenient for multitasking, on the other hand, it is a favorite tool of scammers. The attack technique is called «Clickjacking» (clickjacking). Attackers create an invisible or translucent window on top of a legitimate application, such as a banking application.
When you think you are clicking the “Cancel Transfer” button in the bank application, you are actually clicking the “Confirm” button in an invisible layer of the malware. That's why Android blocks keystrokes in these situations, displaying a message saying "Input blocked for security reasons."
To protect yourself, never enter sensitive data (passwords, PINs, card details) while other floating windows are open on the screen. The system will automatically dim the screen or block input if it detects an active overlay while running mission-critical applications. This is not a bug, but an important security feature.
System input blocking when there are active windows on top of other applications is Android's main defense mechanism against data theft through interface spoofing.
Regularly check the list of applications that have access to this function. If you see a app there that you do not trust or that does not need this function for its type of activity (for example, a simple flashlight or calculator), revoke the permission immediately. This will reduce the attack surface of your device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why does the system block button presses when a floating window is open?
This is Android's defense mechanism against clickjacking. The system detects that there is another layer on top of the active application and blocks input so that you do not accidentally press the hidden button of the malicious app. Close the floating window to continue working.
Is it possible to make YouTube videos play on top of other windows without Premium?
Officially, this feature is only available to YouTube Premium subscribers. However, there are third-party clients (such as NewPipe) or browser solutions that use Picture-in-Picture (PiP) functionality that requires the "On top of other apps" permission. Be careful when installing unofficial clients.
How to remove the “Drawing on top of other applications” message when taking a screenshot?
It is impossible to completely remove this notification when taking a screenshot using standard means, since this is a system security warning. Some custom firmware allows you to hide it through the developer settings, but on pure Android it will always be displayed if an application with an overlay is active.
Does this feature affect battery consumption?
Yes, an active application that constantly draws the interface on top of other windows consumes more CPU and GPU resources than a background app. This can lead to faster battery drain, especially if the floating window contains animation or video.
What should you do if you no longer have access to the settings after updating Android?
In new versions of Android, Google often changes the menu layout. Try searching within Settings for “On Top” or “Special Access.” If the item has disappeared completely, the device manufacturer may have limited this function in the new firmware version.