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I'm trying to sideload an application, as seen in the picture below.

I have allowed the installation of applications from unknown applied actions in settings, but I can't seem to press the install button. The cancel button works correctly and installing applications via adb install works correctly. What's the problem?

EDIT: For those who have this problem, using ChainFire's C.F. Lumen will correct it because the app uses hardware compositing, and Android doesn't notice a "layer" on top of the current screen.

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Looking at your screenshot, I think you are using screen filtering apps like Twilight, f.lux, CF.lumen or bluelight filter. Try to force stop/uninstall or disable the screen filtering apps and it will work again.

If you are not using any filtering app, try looking for your installed apps that have overlay capability, apps that can show their contents over another apps, apps with overlay permission (like- Messenger, Musixmatch, Touch Assistant apps that can float on your screen).

If you are not sure, try disable them one by one in your Settings ⇒ Apps and find which one is causing the problem. You can also look for "Draw over other apps" menu in your android setting where all the apps with this permission will be listed. If you couldn't locate the menu, search for overlay permission + {android version} + {device manufacturer}.

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  • 8
    It worked. But why is this a problem?
    – user24200
    May 26, 2014 at 13:40
  • 41
    I believe Android disabled it for the security reasons. The malicious apps might trick the user to install unwanted apps by showing something over "Install" label?
    – Min Naing Oo
    May 26, 2014 at 16:11
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    Can you tell why screen filtering app causes this issue ? Because Cancel button is working and install button alone not working ..
    – logan
    Feb 13, 2015 at 8:40
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    @TeoInke Then that battery saver+fast charging enabler+antivirus+ram cleaner+all the bloatware available in universe app will show something like 'oh your phone seems pretty slow. why not press ok button below' over your message :P
    – Min Naing Oo
    Jun 10, 2016 at 3:17
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    @user3829751 no, you can't alter the behavior of either button. The install button would always install the app, the cancel button not install it. What an app can do is confuse the user (e.g., but drawing new labels on top, or a fake permission notice, fake app name, etc.)
    – derobert
    Aug 4, 2017 at 21:50
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The following is a community-curated list of some well-known/popular apps that have "Draw over other apps" permission and may cause this issue:

  • Twilight
  • Pixel Filter
  • Facebook Messenger
  • Battery Mix
  • Samsung S Finder
  • DU Recorder
  • Lux Lite
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