Android Status Bar Spacing in Edge-to-Edge Apps (Android 15+)

Problem

Android 15's enableEdgeToEdge() API removes the default reserved space for the status bar, allowing app content to extend behind the system UI. While this enables immersive full-screen designs, it causes important content to overlap with status bar elements like the clock and notification icons if not handled properly.

Recommended Solutions

1. Use Window Insets API (Best Practice)

Directly handle padding adjustments using the WindowInsetsCompat API. This is the recommended approach by Android guidelines:

// In Activity.onCreate()
enableEdgeToEdge()
ViewCompat.setOnApplyWindowInsetsListener(findViewById(android.R.id.content)) { view, insets ->

    // Get dimensions of system bars
    val systemBars = insets.getInsets(
        WindowInsetsCompat.Type.systemBars() or 
        WindowInsetsCompat.Type.displayCutout()
    )

    // Apply padding to avoid overlapping content
    view.updatePadding(
        top = systemBars.top,
        bottom = systemBars.bottom
    )
    
    WindowInsetsCompat.CONSUMED
}

2. XML Attribute for Simple Layouts

Use fitsSystemWindows for straightforward padding needs (works best for root layouts):

<LinearLayout
    xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="match_parent"
    android:fitsSystemWindows="true">
    
    <!-- Your content here -->
    
</LinearLayout>

Alternative Approaches

1. Status Bar Placeholder View

Create a dedicated view that matches the status bar height:

Layout XML:

<View
    android:id="@+id/statusBarPlaceholder"
    android:layout_width="match_parent"
    android:layout_height="0dp"
    android:background="@color/surface" />

Activity Code:

enableEdgeToEdge()
ViewCompat.setOnApplyWindowInsetsListener(binding.root) { _, insets ->
    val bars = insets.getInsets(WindowInsetsCompat.Type.systemBars())
    binding.statusBarPlaceholder.updateLayoutParams {
        height = bars.top
    }
    WindowInsetsCompat.CONSUMED
}

2. Temporary Opt-Out (Testing Only)

WARNING

This is a temporary workaround and not recommended for production

<!-- styles.xml -->
<style name="AppTheme" parent="Theme.Material3.DayNight">
    <item name="windowOptOutEdgeToEdgeEnforcement">true</item>
</style>

Explanation

Why Padding Adjustment is Necessary

When using enableEdgeToEdge(), the system:

1. Makes the status/navigation bars translucent
2. Removes automatic content padding
3. Expects developers to explicitly handle content positioning

Best Practice Details

• WindowInsetsCompat: Future-proof API that works across Android versions
• CONSUMED termination: Prevents multiple layout passes and redundant inset handling
• Display cutout inclusion: Accounts for notch/punch-hole designs via displayCutout
• Dynamic adjustment: Handles rotation and configuration changes automatically

Avoid Deprecated Solutions

❌ android:windowTranslucentStatus
❌ Manually calculating stable insets
❌ Permanent edge-to-edge opt-out

Version Handling

Always use compatibility version checks:

if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.UPSIDE_DOWN_CAKE) {
    enableEdgeToEdge()
}

Conclusion

For modern Android edge-to-edge layouts targeting Android 15+, the ViewCompat.setOnApplyWindowInsetsListener approach provides the most reliable solution. By adjusting top padding using the WindowInsets API, you ensure your content properly avoids the status bar area while maintaining transparent system UI theming. The placeholder view method offers a viable alternative for complex layouts requiring precise background control.