When it comes to using smartphones, we’re all familiar with the concept of multitasking. We often find ourselves switching between different apps, responding to messages, checking social media, and browsing the internet all at the same time. But have you ever wondered how your phone manages to do all these things simultaneously? The answer lies in a feature called “drawing over other apps.”
What is Drawing Over Other Apps?
“Drawing over other apps” is a permission that some Android apps require to function properly. It’s a feature that allows an app to display content on top of other apps, without interrupting their functionality. This permission is also known as “SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW” or “Draw over other apps.”
In simpler terms, when an app is granted this permission, it can create a window that floats on top of other apps, allowing you to interact with it without having to switch between apps. This feature is commonly used by apps that require you to perform a specific task while still being able to use other apps in the background.
Examples of Apps that Use Drawing Over Other Apps
Some popular examples of apps that use “drawing over other apps” include:
- Facebook Messenger: This app uses the “drawing over other apps” feature to display chat heads, allowing you to receive and respond to messages while using other apps.
- Snapchat: Snapchat uses this feature to display filters and lenses on top of other apps, allowing you to take snaps and apply filters without having to switch between apps.
- Google Maps: Google Maps uses this feature to display navigation guidance on top of other apps, allowing you to navigate while still being able to use other apps.
How Does Drawing Over Other Apps Work?
When an app requests the “drawing over other apps” permission, it’s essentially asking the Android operating system to allow it to create a window that can be displayed on top of other apps. This window is called a “toast” or an “overlay.”
Once the app is granted this permission, it can create a toast or overlay that floats on top of other apps, allowing you to interact with it without having to switch between apps. The app can then use this window to display content, such as images, text, or buttons, that you can interact with.
It’s important to note that the “drawing over other apps” permission is a sensitive permission, and apps should only request it if it’s essential for their functionality.
Benefits of Drawing Over Other Apps
The “drawing over other apps” feature provides several benefits to users, including:
- Increased productivity: With this feature, you can perform multiple tasks simultaneously, without having to switch between apps. This can save you time and increase your productivity.
- Enhanced multitasking: Drawing over other apps allows you to use multiple apps simultaneously, making it easier to multitask and get more done in less time.
- Improved user experience: This feature provides a seamless user experience, allowing you to interact with multiple apps without having to switch between them.
Security Concerns with Drawing Over Other Apps
While the “drawing over other apps” feature provides several benefits, it also raises some security concerns. Since this feature allows apps to display content on top of other apps, it can be used maliciously to:
- Display phishing scams: Malicious apps could use this feature to display phishing scams or fake login screens, attempting to steal your sensitive information.
- Show unwanted ads: Apps could use this feature to display unwanted ads or pop-ups, disrupting your user experience.
To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to only grant the “drawing over other apps” permission to trusted apps that require it for their core functionality.
How to Manage Drawing Over Other Apps on Your Android Device
If you’re concerned about the “drawing over other apps” permission, you can manage it on your Android device by following these steps:
Android 6.0 and Later
- Go to Settings > Apps > Advanced > Special Access > Draw over other apps
- Look for the apps that have been granted this permission
- Revoke the permission for any app that you don’t trust or that doesn’t require it
Android 5.0 and Earlier
- Go to Settings > Apps > Downloaded Apps
- Look for the apps that have been granted this permission
- Uninstall or disable any app that you don’t trust or that doesn’t require it
Remember, it’s essential to be cautious when granting the “drawing over other apps” permission to apps, and to only grant it to trusted apps that require it for their core functionality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the “drawing over other apps” feature is a powerful tool that allows apps to provide a more seamless and integrated user experience. While it raises some security concerns, these can be mitigated by being cautious when granting this permission to apps.
By understanding how this feature works and how to manage it on your Android device, you can ensure a safer and more productive mobile experience. So, the next time you encounter an app that requires the “drawing over other apps” permission, you’ll know what it means and how to make an informed decision about granting it.
What is “Drawing Over Other Apps”?
Drawing Over Other Apps is a feature in Android devices that allows certain apps to appear on top of other apps, providing a convenient way to multitask and access information without having to switch between apps. This feature is also known as “screen overlay” or “window overlay”. It is commonly used by apps that provide quick access to information, such as calculators, unit converters, or chat heads.
For example, when you are using a drawing app that has been granted the “Draw Over Other Apps” permission, you can access it even when you are using other apps. This allows you to take notes or sketch while still being able to see the other app in the background. This feature can be very useful for tasks that require you to reference information in another app while still being able to work on something else.
How do I enable “Drawing Over Other Apps” on my Android device?
To enable “Drawing Over Other Apps” on your Android device, you need to grant the relevant permission to the app that you want to use this feature with. To do this, go to your device’s Settings app, then select “Apps & notifications” or “Application Manager” (the exact label may vary depending on your device and Android version). From there, find the app that you want to grant the permission to, then select “Permissions” or “App permissions”.
In the App permissions screen, scroll down to the “Advanced” or “Special access” section, then select “Display over other apps” or “Draw over other apps”. Toggle the switch next to the app’s name to grant it the permission. Once you have done this, the app will be able to appear on top of other apps. Note that not all apps require or use this permission, so you may not see it as an option for every app.
Is “Drawing Over Other Apps” the same as “Picture in Picture” mode?
No, “Drawing Over Other Apps” and “Picture in Picture” (PiP) mode are not the same thing, although they share some similarities. Both features allow you to view multiple apps at the same time, but they serve different purposes and work in different ways. PiP mode is a feature that allows you to watch videos or view maps in a small window while using another app. This feature is typically used for tasks that require you to keep an eye on a video or a map while doing something else.
In contrast, “Drawing Over Other Apps” is a more general-purpose feature that allows apps to appear on top of other apps, providing quick access to information or tools. This feature can be used for a wide range of tasks, from taking notes to converting units of measurement. While both features allow you to multitask and view multiple apps at the same time, they are designed to serve different purposes and provide different benefits.
Which apps can use “Drawing Over Other Apps”?
Many types of apps can use “Drawing Over Other Apps”, including productivity apps, utility apps, and social media apps. Some examples of apps that commonly use this feature include Facebook Messenger, which uses chat heads to allow you to quickly respond to messages, and calculator apps, which provide quick access to calculations while you are using other apps. Other examples include unit converters, timer apps, and apps that provide quick access to information or tools.
Any app can use “Drawing Over Other Apps” as long as it has been granted the relevant permission by the user. This permission is typically requested when the app is installed or when it is first launched. Once the permission has been granted, the app can appear on top of other apps, providing quick access to its features and tools.
Is “Drawing Over Other Apps” a security risk?
In general, “Drawing Over Other Apps” is not a security risk in and of itself. However, as with any feature that allows apps to access sensitive information or perform certain actions, there is a risk that the feature could be misused by malicious apps. For example, an app that has been granted the “Draw Over Other Apps” permission could potentially be used to display fake login windows or other types of phishing scams.
To minimize the risk of a security breach, it is essential to only grant the “Draw Over Other Apps” permission to trusted apps and to keep your device and apps up to date with the latest security patches. You should also be cautious when installing apps from unknown sources and avoid granting unnecessary permissions to apps.
Can I disable “Drawing Over Other Apps”?
Yes, you can disable “Drawing Over Other Apps” for any app on your device. To do this, go to your device’s Settings app, then select “Apps & notifications” or “Application Manager” (the exact label may vary depending on your device and Android version). From there, find the app that you want to disable the feature for, then select “Permissions” or “App permissions”.
In the App permissions screen, scroll down to the “Advanced” or “Special access” section, then select “Display over other apps” or “Draw over other apps”. Toggle the switch next to the app’s name to disable the permission. Once you have done this, the app will no longer be able to appear on top of other apps.
Will “Drawing Over Other Apps” work on all Android devices?
“Drawing Over Other Apps” is a standard feature of the Android operating system, but it may not work on all Android devices or in all situations. This feature requires a device with Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later, and it must be supported by the device’s manufacturer. Some devices, such as those with custom skins or modified versions of Android, may not support this feature or may have limitations on how it can be used.
Additionally, some apps may not be compatible with “Drawing Over Other Apps” or may not work correctly when this feature is enabled. In some cases, you may need to check the app’s settings or permissions to ensure that it is configured correctly to use this feature.