Error “Display Over Other Apps Not Available”? Here’s the Fix!

Ever wanted to dim your screen at night with Twilight while checking Facebook Messenger bubbles?

Modern Android’s screen overlay feature lets you do just that, showcasing compatible apps over others.

But what if you encounter the dreaded “Display over other applications feature not available” error? Don’t panic!

While this roadblock can affect apps like Pixlr, screen recorders, and even moving files to your SD card, there are ways to bypass it.

The good news? You don’t need a one-size-fits-all solution! This pesky error pops up on various phone brands, and the fix might be as unique as your device.

So, buckle up, and let’s try some troubleshooting tricks, one by one, until your screen overlay woes vanish.

Ready to conquer this tech hurdle? Dive into the solutions below!

(Remember, the following steps may vary slightly depending on your phone model and Android version.)

“Understanding ‘Display Over Other Apps’ Feature Unavailability

Have you ever encountered an error when launching a new app while another floating app is active on your device?

This issue can prevent the app from launching correctly and lead to various problems. Let’s delve into why this happens and what it means for you.

Incompatibility with Your Device

This feature might be missing on some lower-end Android Go devices. It was removed because it’s resource-intensive and could slow down these devices.

There’s a workaround involving a PC and ADB, but it’s not guaranteed to work on non-Android Go devices.

Screen Overlays Disabled by Default

For some phones, like the Realme c11 2021, the screen overlay feature is turned off by default.

This feature is essential for displaying apps over others. The reason behind this default setting is unclear, but it can be frustrating for users.

Conflict with Permissions

When granting permissions to apps, such as the Camera, screen overlay needs to be off. If it’s on, you might see an error.

This precaution is to prevent the overlay from causing confusion, leading you to grant permissions unintentionally, like access to personal information.

Always be cautious and grant permissions only to trusted apps.

How to Fix Display Over Other Apps Feature Not Available

#1) Allow Screen Overlays on Settings

• Go to Settings
• Scroll down and find About phone
• Click Version
• Tap Build number multiple times until it says “You are now a developer”
• Enter your password
• Go back to Settings and find System
• Click Developers options
• Scroll down and look for Allow screen overlays and turn it on

#2) Re-enable The Feature For a Specific App on Android GO

• Open “Settings”.
• Tap “About”.
• Tap on “Build Number” many times until you see a popup stating that you are now a developer.
• Return to the main Settings menu and select “Developer Options.”
• Find “USB Debugging” and enable it.
• Now, let’s utilize ADB in combination with a PC to remove this program.
• Download ADB on your computer here.
• Extract the ZIP file once done.
• Navigate to the folder the ADB executable was extracted to. It will be located in the platform-tools folder.
• Hold down Shift and right-click on the folder.
• Click “Open command window here”.
• This will open a command prompt window.
• Use a USB cable to plug in your Samsung phone.
• Type “adb devices” and press Enter.
• On your smartphone, tap OK to accept the prompt.
• Your device’s serial number should show.
• Now, type in “adb shell pm grant <package-name> android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW”.
• Replace <package-name> with package name of the app that you want to display over other app, then press Enter.

Package Name Viewer may be useful in determining the name of a package.

#3) Turn on Screen Overlay For App That You Want to Display Over Other App

Go to Settings > Apps > Configure Apps > App Permissions and enable the setting manually.

To access the configure apps menu, utilize the drop-down menu in the upper right corner of the Apps screen.

Alternatively follow these steps:

• Open Settings on your device.
  
• Tap on ‘Apps & notifications’ Under Settings.

• Now, under Apps & Notifications, select Advanced.

• Tap ‘Special app access‘ in the Advance section.

• Then, go to ‘Display over other apps‘.

• You will see a list of applications where you may disable screen overlay for one or more of them.

• Simply choose one or more programs and disable the toggle next to “Allow display over other apps.”

#4) Manually Enable The Permission(s) For The App

When you launch a new app for the first time and it asks you to grant (or refuse) a certain permission. When you tap “Allow”, you get the error message “Display Over Other Apps Feature Not Available” and it doesn’t let you “Allow” the permission.

An easier option, and one that has worked for many users, is to manually enable the app’s permission(s).

• Close the app that is asking for the permission
• Open the Android settings
• Open the Apps menu
• Find your App in the list and tap on it
• Open the “Permissions” menu
• Enable the permission that you were asked about before the error happened. You might wish to enable multiple permissions because you won’t be able to Allow any others when requested in the future without getting the same overlay issue.
• Close the menu
• Open your app again

How to Find Which App is Causing the issue?

Are you struggling with identifying which app is causing screen overlay issues on your device? You’re not alone! This common problem can be frustrating, but there’s a straightforward way to tackle it without the hassle of disabling and re-enabling screen overlay permissions for a bunch of apps—a process that can be painfully slow.

Typically, when you face this issue, only a few apps are active and overlaying on your screen. The culprit is usually one of these active apps. To pinpoint the problem, focus on apps that have features like:

• Display color and brightness adjustments, for example, those offering a night mode.
• Apps that display floating objects over other apps, like the rocket cleaner in clean master.

Remember, it’s possible that multiple apps might be causing interference at the same time. If you’re unsure which app is the troublemaker, try disabling the screen overlay permissions one by one. This method can help you identify and resolve the issue efficiently.

#5) Utilizing Third-Party Apps

Don’t mind adding a few more apps to your arsenal? There are several third-party programs designed to help you navigate screen overlay issues with ease. Consider these options:

• Install Button Unlocker: This handy app targets the problem directly by unlocking buttons hidden by screen overlays, allowing you to correct the issue without a hitch.
• Alert Window Checker: A great tool that lists out all the apps using screen overlay on your device. It also gives you the power to either force stop or uninstall these apps, giving you control over the overlay situation.

#6) An Additional Solution

Encountered the screen overlay error? Try this simple fix: After the error pops up, hit the back button. Look for an option labeled “USE NOTIFICATION BAR,” and give it a tap. Then, just follow the prompts—click ‘Next,’ and then ‘OK.’ This quick sequence can often resolve the issue right away.

Screen Overlay Detected Error on Android Devices

Encountering a “screen overlay detected” error on your Android smartphone? You’re not alone! This common issue often arises because many apps, like online games and banking apps, don’t allow others to display content over them.

The tips shared here can help solve this, as the root causes of both “Display over other apps feature not available” and “Screen overlay detected” errors are typically similar.

The Advantages of Screen Overlay

Without screen overlay, many of the innovative functions we enjoy in apps wouldn’t work. It allows apps to “draw” over the ones you’re currently using, enhancing multitasking. You can interact with one app while another operates in the background. Without this feature, you’d have to open each app separately for updates or to change your phone’s appearance.

However, screen overlays can have a downside. They can be exploited by malicious software. For example, an overlay could conceal a permissions dialogue, tricking you into agreeing to something unknowingly.

When an Android device detects an active screen overlay, it will notify you, blocking further actions. To continue, you’ll need to disable the screen overlay feature temporarily. This safety measure helps protect your device from potential threats.

FAQ:

What is the Display Over Other Apps Feature For?

The Display Over Other Apps, or Screen Overlay, allows apps to appear on top of others. It’s useful for certain apps like messaging services, where you might see a chat bubble pop up over a browser or other app you’re using. However, when granting permissions to apps like the Camera, you’ll need to disable Screen Overlay.

Which App Permissions Should I Consider?

When you download a new app, pay attention to the permissions it asks for. These can include Body Sensors, Calendar, Camera, Contacts, Location, Microphone, Phone, and SMS (Text Messaging). It’s essential to understand these permissions to maintain your privacy and device security.

Why Isn’t Screen Overlay Available on Android Go?

Screen Overlay was disabled on Android Go due to concerns about its resource intensity. On lower-end devices, this feature could lead to performance issues and lag, affecting the overall Android Go experience.

Conclusion

Dealing with the unavailability of the Display Over Other Apps feature can be tricky, but I hope this guide helps you navigate this issue.

Not everyone will face the same challenges, but understanding these aspects should aid in resolving any display problems you encounter.

I hope you found this article useful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to share them in the comments section.