How to Turn Off Screen Overlay on Android

Are you an Android user who has encountered the frustrating “screen overlay detected” error message? This error typically occurs when you try to launch an app while actively using another app that has the screen overlay feature enabled. Screen overlay allows an app to appear on top of other apps, such as the popular “chat heads” feature in Messenger. While this feature can be useful, it can also prevent you from using certain apps. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to disable screen overlay on Android devices, including stock Android, Samsung Galaxy phones, and LG smartphones. By following these simple instructions, you can resolve the “screen overlay detected” error and regain full control of your device.

Understanding Screen Overlay

Before we dive into the steps to disable screen overlay on Android, let’s first understand what screen overlay is and why it can cause issues. Screen overlay is a feature that allows an app to display its content on top of other apps, even when those apps are in the foreground. This feature is commonly used by messaging apps like Messenger and WhatsApp, which utilize “chat heads” to enable quick access to conversations while using other apps.

While screen overlay can be convenient, it can also interfere with certain app functionalities. For example, when you’re watching a video in full screen and a screen overlay-enabled app like Messenger displays a chat head, it can disrupt your viewing experience. In such cases, you may encounter the dreaded “screen overlay detected” error message, preventing you from using the app until the screen overlay is disabled.

Disabling Screen Overlay on Stock Android

If you’re using a smartphone running stock Android, here’s how you can disable screen overlay:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Select Apps & Notifications.
3. Tap on Advanced.
4. In the expanded menu, tap on Special App Access.
5. Scroll down and select Display Over Other Apps.

This will open a list of all the apps that have been granted permission to use the screen overlay feature. To disable screen overlay for a specific app:

1. Tap on the app you want to disable screen overlay for.
2. Toggle off the switch next to Allow Display Over Other Apps.

Repeat these steps for any other apps you suspect may be causing the “screen overlay detected” error. Common culprits include Messenger, WhatsApp, and blue light filter apps like Twilight.

Note: Some Android devices may display a list of screen overlay-enabled apps with switches next to them. In this case, simply toggle off the switches for the apps causing the problem.

Disabling Screen Overlay on Samsung Galaxy Phones

Samsung Galaxy phones have a slightly different process for disabling screen overlay. Follow these steps to resolve the “screen overlay detected” error on your Samsung device:

1. Go to the Settings app on your Samsung Galaxy phone.
2. Select Apps to view the list of installed apps.
3. Tap on the More option in the top-right corner of the screen.
4. On some Samsung Galaxy phones, this may be represented by three dots.
5. Choose Apps That Can Appear on Top.

You will now see a list of apps that have been granted permission to use screen overlay. To disable screen overlay for a specific app:

1. Toggle off the switch next to the app you want to disable screen overlay for.

Repeat these steps for any other apps that may be causing the error.

Disabling Screen Overlay on LG Smartphones

If you own an LG smartphone, the process for disabling screen overlay is different from stock Android. Here’s how you can resolve the “screen overlay detected” error on LG devices:

1. Open the Settings app on your LG smartphone.
2. Select Apps.
3. Tap on the three dots icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
4. From the dropdown menu, select Configure Apps.
5. Under Advanced, tap on Draw Over Other Apps.

You will now see a list of apps that have been granted permission to use screen overlay. To disable screen overlay for a specific app:

1. Tap on the app causing the problem.
2. In the pop-up menu, switch the toggle next to Permit Drawing Over Other Apps to off.

Repeat these steps for any other apps that may be triggering the error.

Identifying the App Causing the Error

If you have multiple apps with screen overlay permissions, it may be challenging to pinpoint the exact app responsible for the error. Instead of revoking permission for all apps at once, try the following method:

1. Disable screen overlay for one app and test whether the error persists.
2. If the error disappears, you have likely identified the problematic app.
3. If the error persists, re-enable screen overlay for that app and move on to the next one.

By systematically testing each app, you can isolate the culprit causing the “screen overlay detected” error.

Resolving the “Screen Overlay Detected” Error

Now that you have identified the app causing the error, follow these steps to resolve the “screen overlay detected” issue:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to Apps & Notifications.
3. Select the app causing the error.
4. Tap on Permissions.
5. Disable the Draw Over Other Apps permission for the app.

Once you have disabled the screen overlay permission for the app, the “screen overlay detected” error should no longer appear.

Important Considerations

While disabling screen overlay can resolve the error, it’s essential to consider a few factors:

1. Some apps, like the blue light filter app Twilight, require screen overlay to function correctly. Therefore, it is advisable to disable screen overlay only for the app causing the error.
2. If you still encounter issues after disabling screen overlay, try restarting your device. This can help refresh system settings and resolve any lingering conflicts.
3. Keep your apps and operating system up to date. Developers often release updates to address bugs and enhance compatibility, which can help prevent screen overlay issues.

By considering these factors, you can optimize your Android device for a seamless user experience.

Conclusion

The “screen overlay detected” error can be frustrating, but with the simple steps outlined in this guide, you can disable screen overlay on your Android device and resolve the issue. Whether you’re using stock Android, a Samsung Galaxy phone, or an LG smartphone, the process is straightforward and can be completed in just a few minutes. Remember to disable screen overlay for the specific app causing the error and consider the important considerations mentioned in this guide. By doing so, you can regain control of your device and enjoy uninterrupted app usage.

FAQs

What is screen overlay on Android?

Screen overlay is a feature that allows an app to display its content on top of other apps, even when those apps are in the foreground. It can be useful for features like “chat heads” in messaging apps.

How do I disable screen overlay on Android?

To disable screen overlay on Android, open the Settings app, navigate to Apps & Notifications, tap on Advanced, select Special App Access, and then choose Display Over Other Apps. From there, you can disable screen overlay for specific apps.

How do I identify the app causing the “screen overlay detected” error?

To identify the app causing the error, systematically disable screen overlay for one app at a time and test whether the error persists. Once the error disappears, you have likely found the problematic app.