How to check Display over other apps permission on Android
Find apps that can draw over your screen, why scammers use overlays to steal PINs and OTPs, and how to switch the permission off.
Display over other apps, also called overlay or Draw over other apps, lets an app put a window on top of other apps. Chat bubbles and screen recorders use it. Fraud apps use it to paste a fake bank login over the real one. Menu names differ slightly on Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, Realme and OnePlus phones.
Steps
- Search for the setting. Open Settings and search for Display over other apps. It may also appear as Appear on top or Draw over other apps, often under Apps, then Special app access.
- Read the app list. Apps with permission show Allowed or On. Common honest ones include messengers with chat bubbles, screen filters and call recorders that you installed on purpose and still use.
- Open the unknown ones. Tap any app you do not use or recognise and switch off Allow display over other apps. If it is a utility you rely on, ask yourself whether it really needs to draw on screen.
- Look for a pattern. Be alert if a recently installed app, cleaner, loan or video app is on the list. Then check Accessibility and Device admin for the same name, because fraud apps often ask for all three.
- Remove it if it is suspicious. Go to Settings, Apps, open the app and tap Uninstall. If the button is greyed out, follow our guide on removing apps that will not uninstall.
Menu names differ a little between phone makers and Android versions. If you cannot find a setting, open Settings and use the search box.
Why it matters
An overlay can sit exactly on top of a real login or payment screen. You think you are typing a PIN into your bank app, but you are typing it into a fake layer. It can also hide a button so you tap Allow without seeing it. Keeping this permission narrow closes a common trick.
Watch out for
- An overlay can hide the real prompt, so permissions may be accepted without you seeing it.
- Screen recording and remote-control apps use overlays, so only keep those you set up.
- Do not install a screen-share app because a caller or bank agent asks.
- Updates can silently add this permission, so recheck now and then.
How Safeavio helps
Safeavio's phone scan reviews installed apps and their permissions and warns about risky ones. Remote help only works when you approve it on the phone and the person is someone you trust. Money Shield reminds you to verify before you pay, even if a screen looks right.
Check it before you tap or pay
Safeavio Sentinel is a made-in-India Android app: paste a message or link, or scan a QR code, and get a plain verdict with the reasons. It helps you spot a scam; it does not promise to stop every one.
Download for AndroidWhat the app does
Google Play listing: coming soon. Today the signed APK is on safeavio.com/download. Android 7.0 or later.
Questions
Is it normal for WhatsApp or Messenger to be on the list?
Some chat apps use overlays for bubbles or call windows, so it can be normal. If you do not use that feature, switching it off does no harm.
How can I tell a fake login overlay?
It may appear suddenly, ask for PIN or OTP, or look slightly different. Close it, open the real app from your app drawer, and never enter a PIN you were asked for.