The screen overlay on Android is the permission that some applications have to display information about other apps or the system's home screen. The function can be useful in some cases, such as sending messages quickly on Facebook Messenger, for example. Conversely, malicious applications often use the feature to display advertisements, which may result in the message "screen overlay detected" being displayed. In addition, the feature can generate conflicts and slowdown problems in old devices, such as the Galaxy J5.
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In the following walkthrough, check out how to take the screen overlay of apps on Android. The procedure was performed on a Moto G7 Play with Android 9.0 (Pie), but the tips also apply to other Motorola phones. On Samsung and LG devices, the path is slightly different, as explained at the end of the tutorial.
Learn how to disable app overlay on Android Photo: Helito Beggiora / dnetc
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Step 1. Access Android settings and open "Apps and notifications". Slide the screen all the way and touch "Advanced";
Access the app settings Photo: Reproduction / Helito Beggiora
Step 2. Now, go to "Special access to apps" and open "Overlay other apps";
Open the overlay settings Photo: Reproduction / Helito Beggiora
Step 3. Tap on the name of the application and disable the option "Allow overlapping other apps". Repeat the procedure to disable overlapping for other applications.
Disabling app overlay Photo: Reproduo / Helito Beggiora
On Samsung and LG phones
The Android phone system from Samsung and LG feature a modified interface. In these cases, the user must access the app settings and tap on the menu button in the upper right corner of the screen. Then, open the option "Special access" or "Configure apps" and go to "Apps that may appear at the top" or "Appear over other apps". In this section, just disable the key and the screen overlay is disabled.
Ready! Take advantage of tips to prevent apps from overlapping on your Android phone screen.
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