Users of Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO smartphones often encounter intrusive system notification that blocks work in popular messengers or games. This message warns that a particular application requires permission to “Show on top of other applications” to work correctly. Without activating this feature, you will not be able to use pop-ups, voice messages on WhatsApp or (picture in picture) when watching video.
In MIUI and its successor HyperOS, security is the first priority, which is why Android by default forbids programs from overriding the system interface so that attackers can’t swap a password window or steal your data, but for legitimate tasks, this mechanism must be unlocked manually through hidden or hard-to-reach settings menus.
In this article, we will look at where to find the switch, why it may not be available, and how to set priorities for your programs, and we will look not only at the standard activation path, but also at specific cases where the system blocks access to settings due to running background processes.
Why Xiaomi smartphones are allowed to display over windows
The Display over other apps feature is critical to the many services we use every day, and when you get an incoming call to Viber or Telegram and your phone is in standby mode, that resolution allows the call window to appear over the lock screen or the game you're running, without which you'll only see a standard system notification that's easy to miss.
In addition to communication, this permission is required for widgets, floating windows and multitasking functions, for example, if you watch videos on YouTube or VK and want to fold the player to chat in the browser, the video will continue to play in a small window thanks to this mechanism, and it is used for recording screens, voice recorders and various assistants.
- 📱 Instant notifications about calls in messengers on top of any running programs.
- 🎥 Picture in Picture mode for video players and streaming services.
- 🗣 Voice messages and voice recorders operating in the background with the interface.
- 🛡 Antiviruses and memory cleaners that require access to system events.
It’s important to understand that giving this access gives the app a high level of screen control. Xiaomi’s system security rightly limits that access by requiring confirmation from the user.This protects against so-called “clickjacking,” where malware draws an invisible button over the legitimate button, causing you to click the wrong place you’re aiming.
Where to find display settings over windows in MIUI and HyperOS
Finding the menu in Xiaomi shells can be confusing, as the items have changed in different versions of the firmware. Most often the setting you want is deep in the Privacy or Protection section. To get there, you need to open the Settings of the phone and enter the phrase “over” or “display” in the search bar (the magnifier at the top).
If the search doesn't work, you can go the classic way. In most current versions of MIUI 12, 13, 14 and HyperOS, the path is as follows: go to Settings, select Privacy Protection (or just Privacy), then click on Special Access Rights. This is where the key toggle "Show on top of other applications" is hidden.
Some older versions of the shell or Chinese firmware may have different paths, and sometimes this item is hidden in the Apps menu -> Permissions -> Special Rights. It's also worth noting that the Special Access Rights menu does not list programs alphabetically, but by frequency of use or importance, so the desired application may be at the bottom of the list.
Why can the menu be hidden?
Step-by-step instruction for inclusion for a specific application
Once you have reached the list of special access rights, you will see a list of all installed programs, some of which will already have access (marked with a blue switch), others will not. You need to find on this list the application that gives an error or that you want to configure (for example, Facebook, WhatsApp or a gaming launcher).
Click on the name of the program. A pop-up will open with a detailed description of the rights. There will be a switch that says "Allow display over other applications" (or similar). Put it in active position. The system can again warn you of the risks - confirm the action. After that, the application will receive the necessary permission.
☑️ Verification of authorization activation
Sometimes, after switching on the switch, the changes do not take effect immediately, in which case it is recommended to completely close the application (unload from RAM through the menu of running tasks) and start it again, which ensures that the new permission status is read correctly by the system.
⚠️ Warning: If the app doesn't work properly after you turn on the permission, check if you have a background restriction in your battery settings. Display permission and background permission are different settings.
What to do if the menu item is gray or unavailable
One of the most common problems on Xiaomi is when you go to the special rights menu, but the switch for the desired application is inactive (gray) or not on the list at all. Often this happens if the application itself is running in the background or hanging in a rolled-down state. Android system blocks the change of rights for active processes for stability.
To solve this problem, you have to force the application to stop. Go to Settings -> Apps -> All Apps. Find the problem program in the list, click on it and select Stop (or Close) button. Only after the application is completely stopped, go back to the special permissions menu, now the switch should become active.
Another reason for blocking is the use of third-party launchers or themes that have deep system rights. If you use a custom launcher, try temporarily switching to standard to change the settings. Access can also be blocked if the debugging mode is enabled on the phone. USB A computer with certain access rights is connected.
- 🛑 Forced to stop the application through the settings before changing the rights.
- 🔄 Reboot your smartphone if the app is stuck in memory.
- 🎨 Turn off third-party themes or launchers for setup time.
- 🔌 Unplug. USB-cable if the phone is connected to the PC.
💡
If the app is not listed in the Special Access Rights list, it probably doesn’t ask for that permission systemically, in which case the bug could be caused by the program itself — try updating it via Google Play or Mi GetApps.
Solving the error "It is impossible to change the display settings"
There's a specific bug that users often encounter when trying to turn on permission for banking apps or Google Pay. When you click on the switch, you get a message that says, "You can't change your display settings. First, turn off the "Show on top of other apps" feature for this application." It looks like a logical dead end, but the solution lies elsewhere.
This error occurs when the application already has permission, but it conflicts with security policy or is corrupted. You need to turn it off, which is to turn it off, then restart the phone and turn it on again. This resets the request flag.
In some cases, especially with call recording apps or voice recorders, the system requires additional permissions through the Accessibility menu. Go to Settings -> Additional -> Special Features and check if activation is required for your program. Without this system access layer, window management can be blocked.
| Type of application | Permission required | Frequent problem | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) | Showing over windows | The bell window won't pop up. | Include in “Special Rights” |
| Video players | Picture in picture | Video goes out when it folds | Enable in player settings |
| Banking applications | Blocking of the imposition | Denial of entry due to overlays | Disable for all unnecessary programs |
| Game Utilities (GameTurbo) | overlay | Gamer's panel is not working. | Update the security component |
💡
The “Impossible to change settings” error is most often solved by forcefully stopping the app before attempting to change the rights, rather than simply restarting the phone.
Impact on the security and operation of banking applications
Despite the convenience, the display feature over windows carries potential risks. Banking applications (Sberbank Online, Tinkoff, Alpha Bank, etc.) are extremely sensitive to this parameter. If you have this permission enabled for a suspicious application (for example, a flashlight or ad calculator), the bank can block the entrance for security reasons, believing that an attacker can intercept the pin code input.
Overlay is a technical term that banks use: If the system is active overlay, it blocks sensitive data entry. So if you have a login stop, check the list of apps with the right to “show on top of others” and disable this permission for all programs that do not need it critically (everyone except instant messengers and video players).
Regularly audit installed programs. Often users forget that they once gave full rights to a utility to clean up memory or optimize battery. Such programs are often a source of problems. Delete unknown applications and verify their rights immediately after installation.
⚠️ Warning: Never turn on Show On Other Apps permission for programs with dubious reputations, file managers of unknown developers, or applications to “accelerate the Internet.