How to Resolve Display Over Other Apps Feature Missing on Android Devices
Key Notes
- The ‘Display Over Other Apps’ feature enhances multitasking on Android devices.
- Unavailability can happen due to device specifications or software settings.
- There are several methods to troubleshoot and fix the feature effectively.
Troubleshooting the ‘Display Over Other Apps’ Feature on Android: A Comprehensive Guide
Are you struggling with the ‘Display Over Other Apps’ feature on your Android device? You’re not alone. This guide focuses on the common issues that can arise with this useful multitasking feature, detailing effective troubleshooting methods to optimize your experience.
Steps to Troubleshoot and Fix the Feature
Step 1: Enable Screen Overlays in Developer Settings
To enable the ‘Display Over Other Apps’ feature, access your phone’s Developer Settings. Here’s what to do:
- Open the ‘Settings’ app on your Android device.
- Scroll down and select ‘About phone’.
- Tap on ‘Build number’ seven times until you see a message confirming you’ve become a developer.
- Return to the main Settings menu.
- Scroll down and tap on ‘System’.
- Find and select ‘Developer options’.
- Look for ‘Allow screen overlays’ and toggle it on.
Pro Tip: Make sure to restart your device after making these changes to fully apply them.
Step 2: Re-enable the Feature on Android Go Devices
If you’re on an Android Go device, enabling this feature may require technical steps involving ADB:
- First, activate Developer Options by clicking ‘Build number’ multiple times.
- Enable ‘USB Debugging’ within Developer Options.
- Download and install ADB on your computer.
- Connect your Android Go device to your computer with a USB cable.
- Open Command Prompt and navigate to the ADB folder.
- Type ‘adb devices’ to ensure the device is recognized.
- Finally, enter the command ‘adb shell pm grant <package-name> android.permission. SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW’ to allow the necessary permissions.
Pro Tip: Ensure your device is compatible with ADB tools before proceeding with these steps.
Step 3: Manual Configuration for Specific Apps
To allow specific apps to display over others, here’s what to configure:
- Open ‘Settings’ on your Android device.
- Go to ‘Apps’ or ‘Application Manager’.
- Select the app needing configuration.
- Locate and toggle on options like ‘Display Over Other Apps’ or ‘Appear on Top’.
Pro Tip: For messaging apps, ensure chat heads stay visible for easier access.
Step 4: Resolve Permission Conflicts
If permissions are conflicting, address them by:
- Closing the problematic app to reset permissions.
- Navigating to the app settings through ‘Settings’ > ‘Apps’.
- Selecting the app causing issues and finding the ‘Permissions’ section.
- Enabling necessary permissions such as ‘Appear on top’.
Pro Tip: If the issue continues, consider disabling newly installed apps to troubleshoot.
Step 5: Utilize Third-party Solutions
If you’re still encountering issues, third-party apps can assist:
- Install Button Unlocker: Helps bypass screen overlays.
- Alert Window Checker: Lists apps with overlay permissions, aiding in conflict resolution.
Pro Tip: Stick to trusted sources when downloading third-party apps to avoid security risks.