Xiaomi’s “Show on top of other apps” feature: what it is, how it works and why it’s needed

Introduction: Why Xiaomi asks permission to display on top of other apps

Have you ever seen a pop-up asking, "Let the app show on top of other apps?" on your Xiaomi smartphone? This feature is one of the most incomprehensible for users, but it's critical to the operation of many utilities. On the one hand, it allows applications to display notifications, overlays or control panels on top of any open window, on the other, it can become a loophole for malware that will show annoying ads or steal data.

In this article, we will understand what it means to allow “show on top of other applications”** on Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO, You'll also learn how to turn it on or off, what risks it poses, and how to protect your smartphone from abuse. MIUI (12 to 14) and popular models such as Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5.

If you have ever encountered the fact that the application suddenly stopped working after the update MIUI Or you start acting weird -- like not showing floating notifications or not responding to gestures -- this article will help you get things back to normal.

What is “show on top of other apps” in simple words?

Display over other apps or Draw over other apps is a special resolution in Android that allows an application to draw its elements on top of the interface of other programs.

• 📱 Output floating windows (for example, chatbots in messengers or mini-player in YouTube Music).
• 🔔 Show notifications over full-screen games or videos.
• 🎮 Display virtual buttons or control panels (relevant for gamer overlays).
• 🔍 Create translucent windows for screenshots or screen recordings.

Without this permission, many apps simply won't be able to work properly, like Facebook Messenger won't show floating chats, and Blue Light Filter won't be able to put dark film on the screen. MIUI This default resolution is disabled for all applications for security reasons – this is how Xiaomi tries to protect users from malware that can abuse overlays to display ads or phishing.

It’s important to understand that this is not the same as “notification permission” or “autostart”; displaying on top of other apps is a separate feature that is managed through Android settings rather than through the menu of a particular app, which is why many users can’t find it in standard settings and ask for help.

What apps really need this permission

Not all programs require permission to display on top of other applications, and here is a list of application categories that need this permission to work correctly:

On the other hand, there are applications that ask for this permission without explicit need.

• 🚫 Suspicious memory cleaners or boosters (e.g. Clean Master).
• 🚫 Aggressive Advertising Apps (can display banners on top of games).
• 🚫 Unofficial launchers or themes that want to take over interface control.

If you see a request for this permission from an unknown application, it is better to refuse. MIUI You can always return permission later through settings if the program is really needed.

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Before you give permission, check the reviews on Google Play. If users complain about annoying overlays or ads, it is better to look for an alternative.

How to enable or disable permission on Xiaomi (step-by-step instructions)

Depending on the version MIUI The path to settings may be slightly different, and below we will provide a universal guide that will work for most Xiaomi, Redmi and other devices. POCO (including MIUI 12/13/14).

📌 Method 1: Through application settings

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Select the desired application from the list.
3. Tap on Other permissions (or App Permissions).
4. Find the option to Show on top of other apps and switch the slider.

📌 Method 2: Using a special menu (for older versions) MIUI)

1. Go to Settings → Further → Privacy.
2. Select Special Permits → Showing on top of other applications.
3. In the list, find your application and activate the permission.

📌 Method 3: Through ADB (power-user)

If standard methods do not work (for example, on custom firmware), you can use the command ADB:

adb shell pm grant com.example.app android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW

Where com.example.app is the batch name of the application (you can find it through the App Inspector or Package Name Viewer).

Make sure the app is from an official source (Google Play)

Check for reviews of advertising complaints

Check if the app really needs this feature.

Make a backup copy of the data (in case of failure)-->

⚠️ Note: On some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 12T or Redmi K50) post-update MIUI 14 permissions can go deeper. If you can't find an item, try searching the settings for the phrase "show over.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after permission is enabled, some applications may not work properly, so let's look at typical situations and how to fix them.

🔹 Problem 1: Resolution is on, but overlays don't appear.

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone – sometimes MIUI not apply changes immediately.
• 🛠️ Clear the app's cache in Settings → Annexes → Warehouse.
• 📱 Check if overlays block Do Not Disturb mode** or notification blocker.

🔹 Problem 2: There are always banner ads on top of screens.

It's a sign that some app is abusing permission to find the culprit.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Sort the list by installation date (new apps are more likely to be guilty).
3. Check the permissions of suspicious programs and disable Show on top of others.

🔹 Problem 3: After the update MIUI discharge.

This is a well-known feature of Xiaomi firmware, to avoid problems:

• 📋 Make a list of apps that need permission and check it after each major update.
• 🔧 Use MacroDroid or Tasker to enable permissions automatically (required) ADB).

⚠️ Note: If after disabling permission for a suspicious application it continues to show overlays - this is a sign of malware. In this case, it is recommended to uninstall the program and check the smartphone with antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes or built-in Security Scanner in the Internet). MIUI).

How to protect your Xiaomi from abuse

The "show over other applications" permission is one of the most dangerous security-related permissions, and attackers can use it to:

• 🕵️‍♂️ Phishing: Overlaying fake password windows over real apps (e.g., over SberBank Online).
• 📢 Intrusive Advertising: Banners that cannot be closed without disabling permission.
• 🔍 Hidden Surveillance: Recording screen or taps without your knowledge.

To minimize the risks, follow these rules:

1. Use it. MIUI Security Scanner to search for suspicious programs.
2. Turn off permission for unnecessary applications (for example, for games or disposable utilities).

🔐 Additional protection: B MIUI 14, we have Overlay Protection, which blocks suspicious windows, to turn it on:

1. Go to Settings. → PapaSSWORD & SECURITY → Application privileges.
2. Activate the option of Overlay Protection.

⚠️ Warning: If you notice that after installing a new app, strange windows began to appear asking you to enter your username / password, do not enter data. Most likely, this is a phishing attack. Immediately delete the suspicious program and check your smartphone for viruses.

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Never give permission to “show on top of other apps” to programs that ask for it for no obvious reason, and even legitimate applications (like launchers) can use it to collect data about your actions.

Features on different Xiaomi models and versions MIUI

The display function on top of other applications works differently depending on the model of the smartphone and the firmware version.

📌 For owners. POCO: In the firmware POCO The launcher path to settings may be different. If you don't find a point, try switching to a standard launcher. MIUI temporarily.

📌 For custom firmware users (e.g. Pixel Experience): Resolution is managed via the standard Android menu: Settings → Annexes → Cog badge → Special access → Showing on top of other applications.

Alternative solutions: what to do if permission does not help

If even after enabling permission, the application does not work correctly, there are several alternative ways to solve the problem:

🔧 1. Use the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode)

Some apps (like YouTube Premium or Google Maps) support built-in PiP mode, which doesn't require special permissions.

1. Open the video or the map.
2. Click Home – the content will shrink into a small window.

🔧 2. Set up gestures or buttons in Game Tools

If you need virtual buttons to play, you can use built-in tools instead of third-party overlays. MIUI:

1. Open the Settings. → Special facilities → Game Tools.
2. Activate Floating Windows or Quick buttons.

🔧 3.Switch to an alternative application

If a program is constantly demanding dangerous permissions, you might want to look for a similar one.

• 🎵 Instead of Poweramp with overlay – Musicolet (works without additional permissions).
• 📱 Instead of Clean Master, built-in optimization MIUI (Settings → Battery).

🔧 4. Use Secure Folder to isolate applications

If you’re worried about security, but the app really needs permission, install it in Secure Folder (available on Xiaomi). 13/14):

1. Open the Settings. → PapaSSWORD & SECURITY → Secure Folder.
2. Add the app to an isolated environment.

This way it will not be able to interact with other programs outside of the folder.

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If an app asks for permission to "show on top of others" for no apparent reason, there's always an alternative. Don't risk security for convenience.

FAQ: Frequent questions about the feature “show over other applications»