The Over Other Windows feature (or Display over other apps) allows applications to create overlayed interface elements, such as chat bubbles in instant messengers, mini-players in music services, or overlays in games. On Xiaomi smartphones with a MIUI shell, this mode is often blocked by default due to security policies, leading to errors like “failed to overlay over other windows.” In this article, we will discuss all the ways to enable the feature, from standard settings to hidden developer parameters.
It is important to understand that MIUI actively restricts the background activity of applications to save battery power.So even after activation of the overlay, the system can automatically close overlays after 5-10 minutes of inactivity. We will show how to bypass these restrictions and fix applications in memory. The instructions are relevant for MIUI 12-15 (including HyperOS), but some points may differ on older versions (up to MIUI 11).
Why do you need a “Over Other Windows” function?
The overlay mode is used in dozens of scenarios:
- 🎵 Music players: a miniature player on top of other apps (e.g. Spotify or YouTube Music).
- 💬 Messengers: Floating notifications about new messages (WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber).
Without this permission, apps will either not work properly (for example, Twitch will not show chat on top of the stream), or they will not run at all, especially critical for game assistants like Octopus or PPSSPP, where the overlay controls the emulation settings.
⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (e.g. SberBank Online or Tinkoff) block work if they detect active overlays. This is a security measure against keyloggers. Before using the feature, check if it conflicts with your financial services.
Method 1: Standard MIUI settings (without developer rights)
On most Xiaomi devices (e.g. Redmi Note 12 Pro+, POCO X5 Pro, Xiaomi 13T) the function is enabled via the “Special Permissions” menu**:
- Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Select the application you want (such as Telegram or Spotify).
- Tap on Other Permissions (or Application Permissions in older versions of MIUI).
- Find the option on top of other windows and switch the slider to the "Allow" position**.
If the item "Above other windows" is not in the list, it means:
- 🔹 The app did not request this permission (check its settings).
- 🔹 The function is blocked at the system level (developer rights are required).
- 🔹 You have an outdated version. MIUI (firmware update).
☑️ Preparation for the inclusion of the overlay
MIUI 14+ may hide this item for some applications (especially system ones), in which case only the developer mode will help (see next section).
Method 2: Through the Developer Menu (for hidden options)
If the standard method didn’t work, turn on Developer Mode** and manually activate the overlay:
- Tap 7 times on the MIUI version until the notification “You became a developer!” appears.
In MIUI 15 (and HyperOS), the path may be different:
Settings → Memory and performance → Special permissions → On top of other windows →⚠️ Note: Some devices (e.g. Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra) require a reboot after the developer mode is activated.
What to do if there is no “Developers” item?
On devices with HyperOS (for example, Xiaomi 14 or Redmi K70), the path to the developer’s settings has changed: now it is in Settings → About Phone → HyperOS version (you need to tap on this item).
Method 3: Through ADB (for power users)
If the system persists in blocking overlay, you can use the command ADB (Android Debug Bridge), which works even on blocked firmware:
- Install. ADB-PC drivers.
- Enable “USB Debugging”** in the developer settings (see previous section).
- Connect your smartphone to your computer and start the command line (cmd in Windows).
- Enter the command to check the connection: Adb devices must appear serial number of your device.
- Give permission to the application (replace com.example.app with your application package, for example com.whatsapp): adb shell pm grant com.example.app android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW
To find out the application package, use the command:
adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"Example:
adb shell pm list packages | grep "telegram"
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If ADB does not recognize the device, try switching USB connectivity mode to File Transfer (MTP) in the notification curtain.
After you execute the command, restart your smartphone. The resolution will be valid until the settings are reset.
Why Overlays Don’t Work: Typical Problems and Solutions
Even after the overlay function is turned on, we may not see the main reasons and ways to eliminate them:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Overlay disappears in 5-10 minutes. | MIUI kills background processes to save battery | Add the app to No restrictions in battery settings |
| The "Allow" button is inactive | App does not request permission in manifesto | Update the app or use ADB |
| Overlay appears but does not interact with the screen | Conflict with navigational gestures | Turn off full-screen gestures in display settings |
| Permission resets after rebooting | Firmware restrictions (especially on Chinese versions of MIUI) | Install global firmware or use Magisk modules |
If the problem persists, check:
- 🔋 Battery Optimization: Go to Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization and Select for the Application Without Limitations.
How to fix the application in memory (so that the overlay does not disappear)
MIUI aggressively closes the background processes, causing the overlays to disappear after a few minutes.
- Open Settings → Battery and Performance → Battery Management
- Select the application and install it without restrictions.
- Return to the main settings menu and go to Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on the application → Permissions → Autostart (enable).
- Activate Attachment (if any) – this will prevent the application from closing when the memory is cleared.
For MIUI 15/HyperOS, add the app to Priority**:
Settings → Memory → Priority applications⚠️ Warning: Sticking too many applications in memory will slow down the system and increase battery consumption.
Features on different models Xiaomi
The manufacturer makes changes to the interface depending on the series of devices, and here are the key differences:
| Series of devices | Features of inclusion of overlay | Additional nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Redmi Note 10–13 | Item Above other windows hidden in Other permissions | Chinese firmware requires ADB |
| POCO X3–X6 | Developer menu is included in taps on the MIUI version | In POCO Launcher, overlays can conflict with gestures |
| Xiaomi 12–14 | On the HyperOS path: Settings → Applications → Special permissions | Supports dynamic overlays (for example, for AR-applications) |
| Black Shark 5/6 | Gaming overlays are managed via Shark Space | Required to disable Game Turbo Mode for Third-Party Overlays |
On devices with pure Android (such as Xiaomi A3 or POCO F1 on Android One), customization is done in the standard way through Settings → Applications → Special Access → On top of other windows.
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On Xiaomi with MediaTek processors (such as Redmi 10C or POCO M5), you may need to reboot after overlaying – otherwise overlays will be displayed with artifacts.
Safety: Risks of using overlays
The “Over Other Windows” feature* opens up potential vulnerabilities:
- 🕵️ Keyloggers: Attackers can create transparent overlays to steal passwords.
- 🎭 Phishing: Fake data entry windows (e.g. fake bank forms).
- 🔄 Conflicts: Overlays can intercept gestures and block interaction with the system.
To minimize the risks:
- Allow overlays only to trusted apps (from Google Play or Mi App Store).
- Check the list of applications with permission in Settings → Apps → Special permissions regularly.
- Use Mi Security to scan for malicious overlays.
If you notice suspicious windows after installing the app (such as ads on top of all screens), immediately:
1. revoke the "Above Other Windows" permission for this application.
2. Remove it through Settings → Apps.
3. Perform a full virus scan.