Skip to main content
All CollectionsFAQs and Troubleshooting
Fix the “Screen Overlay Detected” issue
Fix the “Screen Overlay Detected” issue

How to fix “Screen Overlay Detected” issue which interferes with the Pobuca Connect dialogue while requesting permission on Android

Carolina Brunatti avatar
Written by Carolina Brunatti
Updated over 6 years ago

This issue occurs in some mobile devices that have Android Marshmallow (6.0, 6.0.1) platform installed. Screen Overlay is a special permission granted to Android apps, with the help of which, apps can appear on top of other app screen. Nowadays, almost every app is using this permission to enhance its user experience. Also Pobuca Connect app uses this permission for the call recognition feature, in order to display the caller ID pop up.

The issue is reproduced when the device is running a floating app and the user starts a newly installed one that requests permissions.   

Technical background: As a security measure, applications ask for permission to use certain parts of your phone (internal storage, camera, etc.). In theory, a display overlay can interfere with the dialogue requesting permission, so the user needs to disable the feature to interact with the dialogue.

Pobuca Connect Permissions

More specifically in Pobuca Connect, this pop up can appear on any screen/action requesting permissions. These are the following: 

  • Scan business card (action requesting Camera permission)

  • Import Contacts (screen requesting access to Contacts)

  • Make a Phone call (this action requests Phone permission and exists in Organization Details, Contact Details and Coworker Details screens, given that there is at least one phone number)

  • Open Camera in Business Cards screen (action requesting access to Camera and Storage permissions)

  • Call recognition in Settings screen (action requesting Draw on top and Phone permissions)

Solution

The key is to turn off screen overlay for the application that causes the problem or for all applications if the user does not know which app causes this interference. After that, grant the requested permissions for the newly installed application* and then turn on again the screen overlay for the above apps. 

*In case Screen Overlay Detected popup appears again, then try clearing data of that newly installed app and restart your android device. ("Settings" > "Apps" > Select newly installed app > "Storage" > "Clear Data")

Follow the steps below:

Step one

Find which apps have permission to draw over the screen.
For non-Samsung users:

-Open "Settings"
-Tap the magnifying glass at the top right
-Enter the search term "draw"
-Tap "Draw over other apps"
-Alternative route: Apps > Press the “gear icon” > "Draw over other apps" 

For Samsung users:  

-Open "Settings"
-Then "Applications" > "Application manager"
-Press on "More" > "Apps that can appear on top" 

 Step two

 You will find yourself in front of a list of apps that have permission to use floating buttons or other screen overlays. Now, you need to identify the app causing the problem and temporarily deny permission to it to draw over the screen. Here are some pointers on how to identify the app causing trouble:

-Do you see an app bubble on your screen? If so, this app is almost certainly the cause. Either hide the app bubble or disable the app in the list.
-Do you have an app installed that changes the colors on the display or adjusts brightness?
-Probably, "Clean Master" can be a trouble maker. If you see "Clean Master" in the list, disable it.
-If there’s no obvious cause, disable everything. 

For Samsung users: The one-handed keyboard setting could be the root cause. Deactivate it by navigating to "Settings" > "Advanced features" > "One-handed operation".

Step three

 Now you should navigate to "Settings" > "Apps" > "Pobuca" > "Permissions" and "Grant access to all permissions".  

Step four

 In order for the app(s) you have disabled in step two to work again, you need to re-enable its/their overlay permissions. If you turned off all the apps, it might be worth considering reactivating only those apps you actually use.

Step five

You are ready to use Pobuca Connect!

Did this answer your question?