Troubleshooting the Screen Overlay Error on Samsung Phones and Tablets

Last Update date : 2023-01-11

A screen overlay is a feature that allows an app to display content on top of other apps that are currently running. This can be useful for features such as chat bubbles and live previews, but can also be intrusive.

Appear on top

When granting permission to other apps, such as the Camera, Screen Overlay must be disabled. An error will appear if it is enabled while granting permission. Because the overlay can cause confusion and misdirect a user into providing an unwanted permission, such as access to personal information, it is not recommended. Make certain that only trusted apps are granted permission.

Follow the below steps in order to avoid the error appearance: 

1 Go to Apps.

Home screen > Settings > then press Apps.

2 Go to Special access.

From the three vertical dots press More options > then press special access.

3 Press Apps that can appear on top.

To disable overlay permission for apps that may be causing the warning, tap "Appear on top" and look for the apps that use overlays. Then, turn off the switch next to those apps. Common examples of apps that use overlays include those that show bubbles, chat heads, or change screen colors.

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