How to Fix “Screen Overlay Detected” Error?

The “screen overlay detected” error message appears when the users try to grant certain permissions to the app. The error message indicates you to disable a screen overlay before proceeding with granting the requested app permissions.

The message says “Screen overlay detected. To change this permission setting, you first have to turn off the screen overlay from Settings > Apps”.

It’s a cryptic error message that leaves users wondering what’s causing this disruption and how to fix it. So, if you are facing challenges using your Android phone due to this error, read this article thoroughly.

Let’s get started…

What Causes Screen Overlay Detected Error?

Here are the common reasons for encountering the “Screen Overlay Detected” message:

• Security measure: Android displays this notification message as a security measure to prevent malicious applications from having unauthorized access to sensitive data or areas of your device.
• Permission conflicts: Screen overlays interfere with the app permissions dialog, causing problems when you are trying to grant certain permissions to apps.

How To Fix Screen Overlay Detected in Android?

As the error messages indicate that you need to turn off the Screen overlay, it’s best that you go for the guided instructions to remove the error message from the screen.

Here are the detailed instructions to do so:

• Click on the Open Settings option on the error message.
• Then, go to the Application Management or Apps section.

• Scroll down and select the Special App Access option.
• Now, choose the option Display over other apps.

• Navigate to the problem-causing app and toggle off the button for it.

Why Screen Overlay is Important on Android Devices?

Screen overlay feature is essential for Android devices due to several reasons and they are as follows:

• Multiple tasking: It allows the device to run multiple apps at the same time, making multitasking more efficient. With this feature, apps are able to display their content or UI on top of other apps, making it easier to switch between them.
• Security and privacy: Although the feature can be frustrating as it appears every time while granting app permissions, it’s an important security feature. It hinders malicious apps from having unauthorized access to sensitive data or stealing sensitive information.
• Floating feature: Certain apps, like calculator or note-taking apps, use screen overlays to display them on a floating window, hovering above other apps. It enhances usability by allowing users to access essential apps or tools, without leaving the primary app that you’re using.
• Customization: Apps like screen recording and screen filters use the screen overlay to capture the screen content or adjust the brightness, providing a more personalized experience.
• In-App features: Screen overlay is used by many to provide in-app features, such as stickers, annotations, or drawing tools. These features are specifically prevalent in drawing, photo editing, note-taking apps, etc.

How to Access “Draw Over Other Apps” Menu?

To access the Display over other apps” menu without the error message instruction indication, follow the below-instructed steps:

• On the Android Settings app head to the Apps.
• Scroll down and choose the option Special app access.
• Tap on the Display over other apps menu.

• Here, you will see the list of all the installed apps on your device and the app that has permission to draw over other apps.

How to Allow an App to “Display Over Other Apps”?

If you want any app to appear on top of other apps, you need to access the “Display over other apps” menu.

Here are the following instructions that you need to follow:

• Go to the Android Settings and access the Apps category.

• Then, navigate to the option Special app access.
• On the next screen, select the Display over other apps option.

• Here, under All category, choose the app to which you want to grant permission to display over other apps.

• Toggle on the button for Display over other apps.

Fix Android Errors with Android Repair Tool

If you have been troubled with a problem on your Android device for a long time and looking for a way to resolve it, here’s an all-in-one solution- Android Repair Tool.

This tool can fix several issues or errors on your Android device including black/blue screen of death, apps keep crashing, phone keeps restarting, bricked Android device issues, and many more.

Download the tool and get rid of any problem on your device within the blink of an eye. Here’s a link to its user guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does screen overlay detected mean?

The “screen overlay detected” error appears while granting certain permissions to the apps and thus there is a confliction between the newly installed app and the running app.

Is screen overlay permission safe?

Screen overlay feature is generally safe as it provides security to the device by preventing the malicious application from gaining the sensitive data on your phone. It also provides the users the convenience to switch between the apps or use the other app while being on the current app.

What apps cause screen overlay?

There are some applications that are noted to be causing such a problem. And they are Twilight, Facebook Messenger, ES File Explorer, and several others.

Conclusion

Here comes an end to this post!!! I hope, with this article, you have got enough information on the error message including its causes and fixes.

Now, just follow the mentioned instructions properly and get rid of the error. Also, follow us on Facebook or Twitter for any further queries and the latest updates on our posts.