So how do you fix something like this? The error gets in the way of app usage, and even causes problems with other unrelated applications. There’s no need to worry, fixing the error takes just a few minutes and doesn’t require any additional software or downloads.
Let’s get started!
Step 1
You usually see the Android screen overlay error when trying to open, or switch to another app while you have an overlaying app open. The error will look something like this. I honestly feel a twinge of frustration just looking at this. Nothing frustrates me more than software errors, especially when I don’t know how to fix them. If you’re looking at this popup right now, then the first thing you need to do is tap the Open Settings button. Otherwise, just open your settings from any other location on your phone.
Step 2
This next step changes depending on your phone model. There’s a certain path you need to follow through your phone to get to the settings you need, and this changes if you’re on a Samsung phone. Since there are two different paths, I’ll list each. For Samsung phones, go through these menus, in this order:
SettingsApplicationsApplications ManagerMoreApps that can appear on top
For Android devices other than Samsung phones, there are two ways:
SettingsAppsConfigure apps, or tap the gear iconDraw over other apps
Or you can go through:
SettingsUse the search bar, and search for DrawSelect Draw over other apps
No matter which set of options you take, at the end of them, you’re lead to the right menu.
Step 3
Here comes the fun part; it’s time to start troubleshooting. You should see a list of apps that are allowed to float, or draw themselves over other apps. One of the apps on this list that you currently have enabled is what’s causing the screen overlay detected error. It’s possible that multiple apps are causing the problem, but either way, to begin troubleshooting you need to disable floating apps one by one to see if they’re the problem. Note that you only need to do this if you want to know which app is causing the problem. Disabling all floating or drawn apps is an easy way to stop the problem, but you won’t know which of your apps is the troublemaker. You will be able to enable these apps again at the end of the process.
Step 4
Now that you’ve disabled all of your potential troublemakers, or are just individually troubleshooting, open the app that you first received a screen overlay detected error. If the troublemaking app is disabled, your initial app will open just the way it’s intended to function. Note: If you are on a Samsung Device, one-handed keyboard operation can also produce this error. If the screen overlay detected error persists, disable your one-handed keyboard by going through:
SettingsAdvanced featuresOne-handed operation
Step 5
Once you’ve opened and run an app that has had the screen overlay detected error successfully, you can enable your floating or drawn apps again. The reason for this is that your apps now have the proper permission to run alongside of your floating or drawn apps. So now your apps will be free from this error, until you need to give another app the same permissions.
Conclusion
The screen overlay detected error is an annoying one, but thankfully one that can be fixed in a matter of minutes. After a few settings tweaks, you can launch your apps without an issue. It’s unfortunate that you need to do the same process for each app, but once you’ve given an app permission, you’re free to use your screen again without this error holding you back. Did you have any problems with the instructions, or still manage to get the screen overlay detected error? You can leave any questions or concerns in the comments below for assistance. Featured Image Credit
