Drawing on top of other apps on Xiaomi: how to enable and configure

The drawing feature on top of other apps (or overlay mode) allows programs to display interface elements on top of any open windows — whether games, instant messengers or system utilities. On Xiaomi smartphones running MIUI, this option is often blocked by default due to security policies, but it can be activated manually. Without it, many useful tools, from screenshot editors to gaming overlays, will not work.

The problem is that MIUI (especially in versions 12-14) actively restricts application background activity by citing battery optimization, and as a result, even after allowing permission in the settings, some programs may automatically lose access to the overlay after restarting or updating the system. In this article, we will discuss not only the standard activation method, but also workarounds for stubborn applications, and explain why the function can suddenly stop working.

What is “drawing on top of other apps” and why you need it

Overlay mode allows an application to display its elements (windows, buttons, notifications) over the interface of other programs.

• 🎮 Gaming overlays: display FPS, temperature CPU Control panels in games (e.g. Game Tools or Octopus).
• ✏️ Screenshot editors: Quickly crop or blur part of the screen without closing the current app (as in Markup Hero or Screen Master).
• 🔔 Notifications and chat bubbles: floating windows of messengers (Facebook Messenger, Telegram X) or system alerts.
• 📊 System monitoring: widgets with data on battery charge, usage RAM Internet speed (for example, CPU Monitor).

Without that permission, apps will either not be able to show their elements over other windows, or they will be forced to fold, for example, if you try to run Game Tools to record gameplay, but the record button doesn't appear, most likely the problem is that you don't have the right to overlay.

⚠️ Note: Some banking applications (e.g., SberBank Online or Tinkoff) block work when an active overlay is detected. This is a security measure against keyloggers. If you need to use such programs, temporarily disable unnecessary overlays.

Standard way to enable through MIUI settings

On most Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi Note 12, POCO X5, Mi 11 and newer models) the path to setup is the same, but may vary slightly depending on the version of MIUI.

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. In the upper right corner, press three dots (⋮) and select Special Accesses (or Application Permissions in older versions).
3. Scroll down and find Draw on top of other apps (or Display over other apps in English firmware).
4. In the list, select the desired application and switch the slider to the Allow position.

If the app is not listed, it has not requested permission.

• 🔄 Restart the program – sometimes the request appears only at the first start.
• 📥 Update the app to the latest version via Google Play.
• 🛠️ Clear the app's cache in Settings → Annexes → [Title of the programme] → Warehouse.

On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 13 for the global version), the item may be called Appearance on top or hidden in the Additional section. If you don't find it, try searching by settings (the magnifier icon in the upper right corner).

Why the function may not work even after it is turned on

Even if you've given permission, the overlay may not show up. Here are the most common reasons and solutions.

Especially often problems arise with games that actively fight cheat overlays, PUBG Mobile or Free Fire can block display FPS-And even if you've given permission, you can use the counters or the control panels. ADB-Team (we will discuss it in the next section).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14 and later, the overlay function may conflict with Privacy Protection. If nothing happens after enabling permission, check if the system blocks access to Sensitive permissions in Settings. → Confidentiality.

ADB-command

If the standard method didn't work (e.g., the resolution is reset or the game blocks the overlay), you can use USB debugging (ADB), which is suitable for advanced users and requires a computer.

1. Turn on Developer Mode: Go to Settings → About Phone. Click 7 times on MIUI until you become a developer!
2. Activate USB Debugging: Return to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB Debugging Slider.

adb shell pm grant PAKET APPLATIONS android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW

Replace the Applications with a real identifier (e.g. com.miui.screenrecorder for Game Tools) and you can find it through the App Inspector or the APKMirror website.

After you execute the command, restart the device. If the overlay still doesn't work, try the additional command to disable battery optimization:

adb shell dumpsys deviceidle whitelist +Applications package

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If you don’t have a PC, you can use it. ADB-Install the application from F-Droid, enter pkg install android-tools, then execute the same commands but without the adb shell (start immediately with pm grant...).

This method is guaranteed to work on all versions of MIUI, but has risks: incorrect use of ADB can disrupt the stability of the system. If you are not sure about your actions, it is better to contact the XDA Developers or 4PDA forums for help.

MIUI Limitations: Why Overlays Can Be Blocked

Xiaomi is actively implementing privacy protection features that sometimes conflict with overlays, and here are the key limitations to be aware of:

• 🔒 Protection against keyloggers: MIUI Blocks overlays in banking applications and payment systems (e.g. when entering) PIN-code in Google Pay).
• 🎮 Call of Duty Mobile, Honor of Kings can force overlays to close even if they are not related to cheating.
• 🔋 Optimizing the battery: MIUI automatically suspends background activity of applications unless added to the No Limits.
• 🛡️ Safe Mode: When Safe Mode is activated (via the power button), all overlays are turned off.

For example, if you try to use Game Tools to record a screen in Genshin Impact, the game may display an “unacceptable overlay” warning and block access, leaving you to either play without an overlay or use external recording devices (e.g., capture video from a PC).

Another nuance: on devices with MIUI for China (China Stable firmware), the restrictions may be tougher than on global versions. If you use custom firmware (e.g. xiaomi.eu), check the settings in Security → Permissions → Special access – there may be additional options.

Alternatives: If nothing helps

If the standard methods didn’t work, try these workarounds:

1. Using Mode Multi-Window: Some apps (like Telegram X) support Floating Window. Open Recent apps, click on the program icon, and select Open in a floating window. This is not a full-fledged overlay, but can be a temporary solution.
2. Launcher replacement: Install an alternative launcher (like Nova Launcher or Hyperion) some of which have built-in tools for managing overlays.
3. Magisk-modules: For rooted devices, the App Systemizer module is suitable, which allows you to assign system rights to applications, including: SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW.
4. Firmware rollback: If the problem has occurred after the MIUI update, try rolling back to the previous version via Fastboot or MI Flash Tool.

For example, users of POCO F3 reported that after upgrading to MIUI 13.0.6 overlays in Game Tools stopped working. rollback to MIUI 13.0.4 solved the problem. However, remember that rolling back the firmware can lead to data loss, so pre-back up through Settings → Additional → Backup.

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If you use custom firmware (like LineageOS or Pixel Experience), the problem may be the lack of proprietary Xiaomi libraries, in which case only installing an official MIUI or finding an alternative solution (like Shizuku for permission management) will help.

Frequent mistakes and their solutions

Let’s take a look at the typical situations that Xiaomi users face when setting up overlays:

⚠️ Note: If after the overlay is turned on, the screen begins to flicker or artifacts appear, this may indicate a conflict with the GPU-Try to turn off hardware acceleration in the developer settings (Disable hardware overlays).

If you see a message saying “This overlay may collect personal data,” this is a standard warning. MIUI portable SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW. You can ignore it if you trust the software, but if you have a notification for an unknown app, you can check your phone for viruses through Malwarebytes or Dr.Web.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions