How to make an application on top of all windows on Android

The modern pace of life requires multitasking, and Android smartphones have become indispensable tools for performing multiple tasks simultaneously. Users often need to communicate via messenger without closing a YouTube video, or monitor currency exchange rates while playing. Standard switching between windows takes time and disrupts the work mood.

Fortunately, the Android operating system provides a powerful tool that allows you to fix a specific application as a floating window on top of all other apps. This function, known as "On top of other applications" or Picture-in-Picture, radically changes the approach to using a smartphone, turning it into a real working harvester.

In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanisms of this function, how to activate it for different versions of Android and the nuances of setting it up for specific popular ones services. You will learn how to avoid common mistakes and why some apps may not work in this mode without additional permissions.

The principle of overlay mode in the Android system

Technically, the implementation of windows that remain visible on top of the main content is achieved through a special system permission. In the Android kernel this right is called SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW. When you grant an application this permission, it is able to draw its interface on top of whatever is displayed on the screen, including the desktop and other running apps.

It is worth distinguishing between two main types of such display. The first type is native mode Picture-in-Picture (PiP), which is supported at the system level for video players and cards. It allows you to compress video into a small corner of the screen. The second type is full-fledged floating windows or “bubbles”, which are often used in instant messengers like Facebook Messenger or Telegram.

It is important to understand that an application cannot simply access the screen on top of others. This is done for the purposes of user security. Malicious software could overlay invisible buttons on top of the bank's interface to intercept clicks. Therefore, the system requires explicit confirmation from the user for each application that wants to use the overlay.

Application developers must explicitly request this permission in the app manifest, and the user must confirm it in the settings. Without this step, an attempt to bring a window to the foreground will be blocked by the Android security system.

Global permission settings in the system menu

To activate the ability to bring windows to the desired app, you need to go deep into the system settings. The path may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell (MIUI, OneUI, ColorOS), but the logic remains the same. You will need to find the section responsible for special access rights.

Usually the algorithm of actions is as follows:

• 📱 Open Settings your device and go to the section Applications or Applications and notifications.
• 🔍 Find the item Special access or Additional settings, which is often hidden in the menu with three dots.
• 👁️ Select an option On top of other applications (sometimes called "Display on top of other applications").
• ⚙️ In the list that opens, find the desired app and move the switch to active position.

After completing these steps, the application will have the technical ability to create floating windows. However, this in itself does not guarantee that the window will appear automatically. Often, additional activation of the function within the application itself is required.

On some Xiaomi or Huawei smartphones, these settings may be hidden even deeper. For example, in MIUI you need to go to Settings → Privacy → Special. capabilities. If you cannot find the item you need, use the search in the settings by entering the phrase “on top” or “overlay”.

Activation of functions inside popular applications

Even after issuing the system permissions, many apps require manual configuration of the internal interface. Developers often disable floating windows by default so as not to disturb the user, or offer to choose a display format.

Let's consider the setting using the example of video services and instant messengers. T YouTube PiP is often enabled by default for Premium subscribers, but may require additional steps in the free version. In Telegram or Viber you need to go to the chat settings and activate the "Floating windows" or "Pop-up videos" item.

For gaming applications the situation is more complicated. Using standard Android tools, it is impossible to move a game on top of another window, since games take over the entire screen. However, there are special gamebox utilities from smartphone manufacturers that allow you to minimize the game to a small window. For example, in Samsung Game Launcher there is a function "Play in a pop-up window".

If you are using a browser Google Chromethen to activate picture-in-picture mode you just need to start playing the video, and then minimize the browser or go to the main screen. If the video is minimized, it means everything is configured correctly. If the application just closed, check the resolution in the system menu described above.

Features of working on different versions of Android

The functionality of overlays is significant has evolved over time. Starting with Android 8.0 (Oreo), mode Picture-in-Picture was introduced at the system level, which allowed developers to standardize the behavior of floating windows. Before this version, each application implemented its own “crutches” for displaying on top of other apps.

In more recent versions, such as Android 12, 13 and 14, Google has tightened its security rules. The system can now automatically block overlays if they overlap important interface elements, such as payment confirmation buttons or system dialogs. This is done to prevent fraud.

It is also worth noting the difference in the behavior of the “bubbles” introduced in Android 11. This format allows you to turn notifications from instant messengers into round icons floating above the screen, similar to the Chat Heads feature on Facebook. This is a more modern and convenient alternative to classic floating windows for communication.

Below is a table showing support for basic multitasking functions in different OS versions:

Android version	PiP mode (video)	Bubbles (Bubbles)	Custom overlay
Android 7.0	Partially (for TV only)	No	Yes (via permissions)
Android 8.0 - 9.0	Yes (system)	No	Yes
Android 10 - 11	Yes (improved)	Yes (beta/implementation)	Yes (with limitations)
Android 12+	Yes (optimized)	Yes (full support)	Strict control

Owners of older devices should take into account that the lack of system support for PiP does not mean that it is completely impossible to use overlays. Many applications still use the old rendering methods, which work on Android 6.0 or 7.0, although less stable.

Solving problems with invisible windows and crashes

A frequent situation is when permission is granted, but the window does not appear or instantly disappears. This may be due to the aggressive energy savings implemented by smartphone manufacturers. Systems like MIUI, EMUI or Funtouch OS like to “kill” background processes, considering them unnecessary.

To prevent the floating window from closing, you need to pin the application in memory. To do this, open the recent applications menu (the square button or swipe up and hold), find the card of the desired application and click on the lock icon or select Lock. This will prevent the system from clearing it from RAM.

Also check your battery settings. Go to Settings → Battery → Launch applications (or a similar item) and make sure that your app is allowed to autorun and run in the background. If the "Hard Economy" restriction is set, the floating window will not work.

⚠️ Attention: If you use protective glass with rounded edges or cases with thick frames, they can physically block the control area of a floating window, making it impossible to move or close it.

Sometimes the problem lies in a conflict of design themes. Third-party launchers or themes with modified system navigation may incorrectly calculate the coordinates for the overlay, sending it outside the visible area of ​​the screen. Try temporarily returning the default theme for diagnostics.

Secret method for developers

If the window does not appear, you can try turning on "Keep screen on" in the developer menu, this sometimes prevents the application from resetting the focus when minimized.

Security and risks of using overlays

Using the “On top of other applications” feature carries certain risks that every user should be aware of. Attackers can create fake windows that visually copy the interface of banking applications or system login dialogs.

This attack is called Clickjacking (clickjacking). You think you're clicking the "Cancel" button in the system window, but in fact you're clicking the invisible "Allow" button in the scammer's app that sits on top. This is why Android warns about overlays when entering passwords.

Always check which apps you give this permission to. Trust only proven software from the official store Google Play. If some unknown application, such as a simple flashlight or calculator, requests the right to draw over other windows, this is a red flag and access should be denied.

⚠️ Attention: When entering passwords for banking applications or a Google account, the system may automatically lock the screen if it detects active overlays. This is a normal defensive reaction, do not try to bypass it.

Regularly review issued permits. Go to the accessibility settings and disable the right to overlay for those apps that you have stopped using or that raise suspicions with their activity.

Advanced methods: ADB and third-party utilities

For experienced users for whom standard settings are not enough, there are methods for managing overlays via a computer. Using the tool ADB (Android Debug Bridge) you can forcefully enable or disable permissions, as well as launch applications in specific modes.

For example, you can change the size of a floating window or its position programmatically if the application interface does not allow you to do this with your finger. To do this, you will need developer rights and installed drivers on your PC. The command to grant permission looks like this:

adb shell appops set  SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW allow

There are also specialized launcher applications and utilities, such as Floating Apps or X-plore with the function widgets that allow you to create a complete multi-window environment on Android. They emulate a computer desktop directly on the smartphone screen.

However, the use of such utilities heavily loads the processor and RAM. On budget devices this can lead to noticeable lag and rapid battery drain. Use these methods only if your smartphone has a performance reserve.

⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces and item names may change with firmware updates. If you do not find an exact match of names, look for synonyms or check the official documentation of your model.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Why is the "On top of other applications" button inactive (gray)?

This can happen for two reasons. Either you do not have administrative rights on this device (enterprise profile), or the app does not request this permission in its manifest. In the latter case, it is impossible to enable the function without modifying the application itself.

Is it possible to display the game in a small window without root access?

No, using standard Android tools, games run in full screen mode. However, many manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Asus) build game modes into their shells (Game Turbo, Game Launcher), which allow you to minimize games to a floating window. Look for this function in the game settings.

Does a floating window affect battery consumption?

Yes, it does. As the application continues to run in active mode and render graphics on top of other processes, power consumption increases. The processor cannot go into deep sleep while there is an active overlay on the screen.

How to remove the black border around a floating video?

The black border is the standard design for Picture-in-Picture mode in Android. It cannot be removed using system means. Some players (such as VLC or MX Player) allow you to change the appearance of their mini-player in their own settings, but it’s rare to completely get rid of the border.

Why won’t YouTube minimize to the background on my phone?

Officially, the background playback and Picture-in-Picture feature in YouTube is only available to Premium subscribers in most regions. For free accounts, the video stops when you minimize the application. There are browser bypasses (via Firefox with addons), but in the official application this limitation is paid.