Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the cryptic message of permission to access “Above Other Apps.” This system feature in the shell of MIUI and the new HyperOS raises many questions, as it controls whether one program can override the interface of another. Without understanding the essence of this mechanism, a user can accidentally block access to important settings or, conversely, open the door to intrusive advertising.
In fact, it’s a security mechanism that prevents so-called clickjacking, and attackers could exploit vulnerabilities by creating invisible layers on top of the payment confirmation or program installation buttons, which is why the Android operating system, in conjunction with Xiaomi’s security modules, strictly regulates which utilities are allowed to display their content on top of all other windows.
In this article, we will discuss in detail why this option is needed, how to configure it correctly and what to do if the system blocks access to the menu due to application conflict, and learn to distinguish between secure system processes and potentially dangerous programs that require limited access.
The essence of the “Above Other Apps” function in Android
Technically, this feature is known as Draw over other apps, or "Map on top of other apps," and it allows a running program to create windows that are visually above the active interface. For ordinary users, these are familiar elements: instant messenger floating windows, memory cleaning widgets, thumbnail recorders or chats that hang on top of the browser.
But if you don't control that list, any program installed can block important system dialogs. Imagine if you're trying to confirm a bank transfer, and there's a transparent window of the ad module on top of the Pay button, and you actually click on the hidden layer, and the money goes wrong, and it's to prevent these scenarios that Xiaomi has implemented tough restrictions.
The system divides applications into two categories: trusted system utilities and third-party software. The first is automatic, and the second requires manual user confirmation, and if you notice an application that you don't know about on the list, that's a reason to look closely.
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Check the list of apps with Above Others access once a month, and if you see unfamiliar names, turn them off immediately and check the phone with antivirus.
It is important to understand that disabling this feature for all programs will immediately cause many useful services to fail, for example, you will not be able to use picture-in-picture mode when watching videos or quickly respond to messages without opening the main application.
Why do apps need this access?
Many users mistakenly believe that the resolution of "Above Other Applications" is only for viruses, in fact, it is a critical feature for legitimate and useful utilities, without which it is impossible to normalize the entire class of programs that we use every day.
This is especially true for messengers, and the pop-up feature on Telegram, WhatsApp, or Viber works because of that resolution, and when you watch a video and a small window with an incoming message appears on top, the system takes priority over the other layers, and without that access right, the notification will simply get lost in the curtain or not appear at all if you're in the game.
The second important aspect is productivity tools and system optimizers: screen recording apps, voice recorders, floating window calculators, and even some launchers require this right, and access is also required for Google services like Google Pay (when adding maps) or Google Assistant so that they can respond to voice commands at any time.
- 📱 Messengers: to display floating chat windows and quick answers.
- 🎥 Multimedia: for the “Picture in Picture” mode in YouTube and video players.
- 🛡️ Security: for antivirus, ad blockers and password managers.
- 🎮 Game utilities: for overlays showing FPS, Temperature or allowing screenshots.
It's worth noting that some games also request this access, usually to display internal currency purchase windows or dialog boxes that don't have to be overlaid by system elements, but if a simple solitaire game requires the right to draw over all windows, that's a clear red flag.
Why do some apps hide the request?
Where to find display settings over windows on Xiaomi
The interface of the MIUI shell and HyperOS may vary depending on the version, but the logic of the search remains the same: you can find the right switch through a global search in the settings or by going through the full path manually, the first way is faster and more efficient.
Open the Settings app and at the top of the search, type in the phrase "Over" or "Access" and the system immediately gives you "Access: Display on top of other applications" or "Special features." By clicking on it, you will be placed in a list of all installed programs with the ability to manage their rights.
If you prefer manual navigation, the path will look like this: Settings → Security & Security → Special features. In some firmware versions, this section may be simply called “Special Features” and be located in the main settings menu. Inside the list “Mastering on top of other applications”, you will see switches for each program.
☑️ Checking access settings
Note that newer versions of Android and MIUI may temporarily block access to this menu if you have an app running that already uses this functionality, in which case the system will ask you to close the interfering application or do so automatically.
| Type of application | Do you need access? | Security risk | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| System services | I'll be sure. | Low. | Security, Screen. |
| Messengers | Preferably. | Low. | Telegram, WhatsApp |
| Optimizers | If you wish, | Medium. | Clean Master, DU Battery |
| Games and utilities | Rarely. | High-pitched | Unknown APKs |
By managing this list, you have a direct impact on the security and usability of your smartphone, and you should not leave access on just in case for programs you rarely use.
Problem of blocking settings: “It is impossible to determine the application”
One of the most common problems faced by Xiaomi users is the inability to press a button in the dialog box because of the message: “It is impossible to identify an application that tries to display content on top of other applications.”
The problem is that some application (often a memory cleaner, a weather widget, or even a system launcher) has created an invisible layer on top of the screen, and the system sees the conflict, but it can't pinpoint the culprit, so it blocks any taps to prevent accidental action, and as a result, you can neither confirm the installation nor change the settings.
To solve this problem, you need to act quickly and consistently. First find and close all applications that work in the background, especially those that have floating windows. If that doesn't work, try restarting the device in Safe Mode, where third-party apps don't run.
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The main solution: temporarily disable the “Above Other Apps” feature for all suspicious programs to access the settings menu, and then turn on only the ones you need.
Often, screen recording applications or Internet accelerators are the culprit, creating a permanent overlay that the system perceives as a threat, and temporarily removing such programs allows you to safely complete the setup of the main software.
How to allow or deny access to a particular application
Access rights management is a simple process, but it requires care. Once you're in the Special Opportunities menu → Display on top of other applications, you'll see a complete list of installed programs. To the right of each name is a switch.
If you've just installed a new launcher or messenger and it asks for permission, find it on the list and activate the slider. The system can issue a risk warning, which is standard procedure. Confirm if you trust the source of the application download. For system services Google or Xiaomi, it's best not to touch access.
If you want to improve security, you can go through the list and turn off access for programs that don't need it, for example, a calculator or voice recorder (if it's not in floating mode) doesn't have to block other windows, which will reduce the attack surface for potential malicious code.
- 🔍 Search: Use list search if there are many applications.
- ⚙️ System: Do not disable access to components MIUI System and Google Play Services.
- 🚫 Blocking: If the app is acting strangely, deny it access and remove it.
Remember, the changes are effective immediately. If after access is enabled, the application begins to behave incorrectly or banner ads appear in unexpected places, immediately disable this option and uninstall the program.
Safety: When to Worry About
While the feature is useful, it is a favorite tool of scammers. malware, especially those that are downloaded not from Google Play but from third-party sources (APK-files), often disguised as useful utilities: flashlights, scanners QR-codes or modified versions of games.
The main danger is that such an app can create an invisible button on top of the bank or store screen, and the user thinks that he is clicking “Cancel” or “Back” and actually confirms a transaction or installing another virus, which is why Xiaomi is so aggressively warning about enabling this access for new applications.
⚠️ Note: If the application requests access "Above Other Applications" immediately after installation and has no obvious reason for doing so (not a messenger or player), deny access and remove it.
Also to be wary of applications that require this access to "battery optimization" or "internet speeding." 99 percent of the time, these are fake features, and the real goal is to collect data or display ads. Real system optimizers in MIUI are already built into the shell and do not require separate rights.
Regularly auditing installed software will help keep your phone safe, remove anything you don't use, and monitor what rights you grant to new software, and the security of your device and data depends on your care.