How to Fix Screen Overlay on Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and Other Devices

Have you ever encountered a situation where your Samsung Galaxy Note 4 shows a screen overlay, blocking parts of other apps? This issue, often caused by certain apps, can be frustrating. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the steps to identify and resolve the screen overlay problem on your Samsung Galaxy Note 4. These steps are also applicable to other Android devices facing similar issues.

Step 1: Identify the App Causing the Screen Overlay

Screen overlay is often caused by apps that draw over other apps. This feature is commonly seen with apps like chat heads from Messenger or screen dimming apps. Here’s how you can identify which app is causing the issue:

Go to Settings on your device.

Scroll down and tap on Apps or Application Manager—the exact name may vary depending on your device.

Tap the Menu button (usually three dots in the upper right corner) and select Special Access or Advanced.

Choose Draw over other apps or Apps that can appear on top.

Review the list of apps to find the one that is drawing over others. Look for apps like Facebook Messenger, ES File Explorer, and DU Cleaner.

Tap on the app you suspect and toggle Allow display over other apps to Off.

By following these steps, you should be able to disable the overlay without affecting the functionality of the app.

Step 2: Restart Your Device

After making the necessary changes, it's important to restart your device. Doing so ensures that the new settings take effect, and any potential caching or temporary issues are resolved. To restart your Samsung Galaxy Note 4:

Go to the Home screen.

Swipe down from the top-right corner to open the Quick Settings.

Click on the Power button and select Restart.

Step 3: Check App Permissions

Even after disabling the overlay, if you still experience issues, it's important to check the permissions for the app you suspect might be causing the overlay. To do so:

Go back to Settings and scroll down to Apps.

Tap on the app you want to investigate.

Review the permissions and ensure they are appropriate. You can deny or remove permissions here as needed.

By checking and adjusting permissions, you can help prevent unauthorized access and potential misbehaving apps.

Step 4: Uninstall Problematic Apps

If the screen overlay issue persists even after following the above steps, consider uninstalling the app that is causing the overlay. This will eliminate the problem temporarily until you can find a more permanent solution or update the app. Here’s how to uninstall an app:

Go to the Home screen and open the Settings.

Scroll down to Apps.

Find the app causing issues and tap on it to open its details.

Tap on the Uninstall button.

If, after uninstalling the app, the issue still persists, consider looking for updates to the app or checking if your device is up to date with the latest software updates.

Final Solution: Factory Reset

If these steps do not resolve the screen overlay issue, a factory reset is the last resort. Be advised that a factory reset will erase all data and settings, so make sure to back up your data before proceeding. Here’s how to perform a factory reset:

Go to the Home screen and open Settings.

Scroll down and tap on Backup Reset.

Tap on Factory data reset.

Tap on Reset phone.

By following these comprehensive steps, you should be able to fix the screen overlay issue on your Samsung Galaxy Note 4. If the problem continues, consider seeking professional assistance or reaching out to Samsung support for further guidance.