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How to Fix 'Screen Overlay Detected' Error on Android Device

Learn how to fix 'screen overlay detected' error on Android device with clear steps, practical tips, and troubleshooting advice for the most common problems.

Table of Contents

Learning how to fix 'screen overlay detected' error on Android device is easier when the steps are completed in the correct order. Use this guide to prepare, make the changes, and verify the result.

Fortunately, the fix is relatively easy when you know the cause of the error: a feature found in Marshmallow and allows the app to "paint" on other applications. For example, Facebook Messenger uses Chat Head to float the screen on whatever application you are using. It is an application that is using the 'Draw over other apps' feature. In other words, it is a screen overlay.

  • Application error on a suspended, frozen Android device, this is a fix

However, some applications do strange things when the overlay is active, especially when the app requires new permissions. Android completely disallows permission to change permissions when the overlay is running, thus resulting in a 'Screen Overlay Detected' error.

Fix 'Screen Overlay Detected' Error on Android Device screenshot

So if you install a new application and start it for the first time while having a conversation on Facebook Chat Head, you will get this error when the new application requests it.

Fix 'Screen Overlay Detected' Error on Android Device screenshot 2

Sometimes in this error message there is a ' Open Settings' link , clicking on the link will take you directly to the 'Draw over other apps ' menu. The part where each application must be turned on manually - just touch an app, slide the 'Permit Drawing Over Other Apps' Switch and return. You can disable each application but this will take a long time, especially if you have dozens of applications installed.

Fix 'Screen Overlay Detected' Error on Android Device screenshot 3Fix 'Screen Overlay Detected' Error on Android Device screenshot 4

The list in the screenshot above shows all applications that have floating rights on the screen, but if you can find out what's floating on the screen when you get that error, you just need to disable it and continue. Otherwise you need to disable all of them and turn it back on when needed. Fortunately, in Android Oreo, Google will notify you which applications have problems.

How to access the menu 'Draw Over Other Apps'

So how can you access the " Draw over other apps ' menu without a quick link? This action is quite easy, but the biggest problem is installing the screen overlay on your home devices. Production will be different.

On the original Android Oreo

If you are using Android Oreo, the Settings Menu has been redesigned so most things will be slightly different from other modern versions of Android, including the Draw Over Other Apps feature.

First, drag the notification bar and touch the gear icon to open Settings .

On the original Android Oreo screenshot 5

From here, select the category 'Apps & Notifications' , then press the 'Advanced' Button.

On the original Android Oreo screenshot 6On the original Android Oreo screenshot 7

Select the 'Special App Access' option At the end.

On the original Android Oreo screenshot 8

In the new window you will see the option 'Display Over Other Apps' .

On the original Android Oreo screenshot 9On the original Android Oreo screenshot 10

On the original Android Nougat

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On the original Android, drag the notification bar twice and touch the gear icon.

On the original Android Nougat screenshot 11

From here, click " Apps " and then touch the gear icon on the top right.

On the original Android Nougat screenshot 12On the original Android Nougat screenshot 13

In this menu, scroll down and touch the 'Special Access' option . From there, you will find the 'Draw over other apps' Menu.

On the original Android Nougat screenshot 14On the original Android Nougat screenshot 15

You will see installed applications, just touch the app to enable or disable it.

On the original Android Nougat screenshot 16

On Samsung device

First, drag the notification bar and touch the gear icon and then scroll down to the " Applications " option.

On Samsung device screenshot 17On Samsung device screenshot 18

From here, touch the "Application manager" Link, then click the " More " button at the top right.

On Samsung device screenshot 19On Samsung device screenshot 20

Next, select the 'Apps that appear on top' option . Next to the app name you will see conversions, which will be easier for users.

On Samsung device screenshot 21On Samsung device screenshot 22

On LG device

Again, drag down the notification bar and touch the gear icon, then access the " Apps " menu.

On LG device screenshot 23On LG device screenshot 24

Next, click the three vertical dots button and then select the 'Configure apps' option.

On LG device screenshot 25On LG device screenshot 26

From here, it will work like the original Android, click the 'Draw over other apps' option And you will see the app you need to disable.

On LG device screenshot 27On LG device screenshot 28

I wish you all success!

FAQ

What should I prepare before I fix 'screen overlay detected' error on Android device?

Review the requirements in the guide, confirm that your device or software is compatible, and save important work before changing settings related to fix 'screen overlay detected' error on Android device.

Why might fix 'screen overlay detected' error on Android device not work as expected?

The most common causes are incompatible versions, missing permissions, incorrect settings, or an interrupted internet connection. Recheck each step and restart the app or device when appropriate.

Can beginners follow these fix 'screen overlay detected' error on Android device steps?

Yes. Follow the steps in order, avoid skipping confirmation screens, and compare your interface with the screenshots because labels may differ slightly between versions.

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