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Why doesn't NiLS work on Android 8.0 Oreo

  1. NiLS - Notifications in Lock Screen
  2. Known Issues

NiLS uses a technique called "overlay window" to be able to display notifications on top of all other apps, including the stock lock screen.

Android 8.0 (Oreo), as a security measure, had prevented all apps from drawing on top of the stock lock screen, to prevent an abuse of this feature to block a user from accessing its phone.

Unfortunately this means, that NiLS can no longer display its notifications on top of the Android 8.0 stock lock screen.

However, there is a possible workaround:

  1. Install a 3rd party lock screen such as WidgetLocker, C-Locker, ZUI Lock Screen or any other lock screen that works on Android Nougat.
  2. Enable it (without notifications) to replace your stock lock screen.
  3. Go to NiLS > Lock Screen and enable "Auto detect lock screen" option.
  4. Make sure that NiLS has "app usage access" permission.
  5. Turn off the screen, wait few seconds so the lock screen will become active, than turn it on again.
  6. You'll see a popup "Lock screen has been detected", click "Yes" to get NiLS notifications on top of it.
  7. You might need to enable "auto hide service" from the main NiLS service, if it doesn't work smoothly.

Please note that on some lock screen apps you'll need to disable stock security such as pin code or pattern unlock.

Important Notice - NiLS v2.0 (Android Oreo support) Early Preview is available

I'm working on a new version of NiLS that will have its own lock screen so you won't need a 3rd party lock screen app and it will work with the stock security (pin code, pattern or fingerprint unlock), it takes some time to develop since I need to almost recreate anything from scratch, but there is an early preview available for users that want to try it now, to get the new version you should follow the following steps:

  1. Join NiLS Alpha Testers group here: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/nils-alpha-testers
  2. Enable Tester Mode for NiLS by clicking "Become a tester" here: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.roymam.android.notificationswidget
  3. After few minutes, download NiLS app from this Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.roymam.android.notificationswidget&ah=66a63zPrJTSTeNZ9OFUwn_5_C-8

 

4 Comments

Date Votes
  • Avatar
    Deon van Schalkwyk

    This is the most important app for me - when will the Oreo compatible version be available - estimation will do.

    Regards

    Deon

  • Avatar
    Deon van Schalkwyk

    This is the most important app for me - when will the Oreo compatible version be available - estimation will do.

    Regards

    Deon

  • Avatar
    vipvipvipvip

    Nils is most important app for me to and hopefully the programmer finish the comparable version with S9+ soon, please inform us when ever it's become ready.

  • Avatar
    Roymam Support

    Hi, Unfortunately I don't have an ETA. The new version requires me to completely rewrite to whole notifications list to work as a standard activity instead of a floating window and it takes time.

    There is a development version available, but it is far from being completed.

    I assume it will take few more months since it is not the only project I'm working on right now. I'm very sorry I can't make it earlier.

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