# Behind The Overlay

> One click to close any overlay popup on any website. Use keyboard shortcut Cmd+Shift+X (Mac OS X) or Ctrl+Shift+X (Windows / Linux).

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/behind\_the\_overlay](https://chrome-stats.com/d/behind_the_overlay)

## Overview

- **ID:** `behind_the_overlay`
- **Platform:** Firefox
- **Type:** Firefox add-on
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Nicolae Namolovan
- **Category:** privacy-security,appearance,other
- **Daily users:** 16,789
- **Weekly downloads:** 201
- **Rating:** 4.58 / 5 (79 ratings)
- **Version:** 0.2.1
- **Last updated:** 2022-03-16
- **First published:** 2014-06-11
- **Size:** 62 KB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-10
- **Store listing:** [Firefox Add-ons Store](https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/behind_the_overlay/)
- **Website:** [https://twitter.com/Behind\_Overlay](https://twitter.com/Behind_Overlay)

## Description

Behind The Overlay is a lightweight browser extension designed to instantly close overlay popups that obscure website content, even those without close buttons. Simply click the extension button or use the keyboard shortcut (Cmd+Shift+X for Mac OS X, Ctrl+Shift+X for Windows/Linux) to remove any distracting overlays effortlessly. Originally successful on Chrome, it is now also available for Firefox users, enhancing browsing freedom and content accessibility.

Whether you encounter transparent background overlays or persistent popup masks on any website, Behind The Overlay ensures you can get straight to the content you want with a simple, unobtrusive tool. Stay updated and share your feedback on Twitter at @Behind_Overlay.

## Rankings

- #563 — Overall
- #76 — Other extensions
- #88 — Appearance
- #134 — Privacy & Security
- #2 — overlay
- #12 — cover

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `activeTab`

## Safety

- **Risk impact:** Very low risk impact
- **Risk likelihood:** Low risk likelihood

### Analysis details

- This extension has medium user count. Unpopular extensions may not be stable or safe.

> Some risk analysis details are omitted from this free response. [Upgrade to view the full analysis](https://chrome-stats.com/pricing).

## Review summary

Users report that Behind The Overlay can remove many floating foregrounds and pop-ups, sometimes delivering results that feel 'magical' on desktop. However, effectiveness is inconsistent across sites, with several reviews noting the addon fails on many pages. A major drawback is limited Android support: it works poorly or not at all on Firefox for Android, with no accessible toolbar or shortcut on mobile. Some specific elements, like 'open in app' buttons or floating chat icons, remain stubborn. Overall, it's a promising concept that works well in desktop environments but needs broad mobile support and reliability improvements.

### Pros

- Removes floating foregrounds and pop-ups on many sites.
- When it works, the results can feel like magic and it clearly fulfills its purpose.
- Provides a clear, useful solution for reducing on-page clutter.

### Cons

- Effectiveness is inconsistent across sites; it doesn't remove overlays on many pages.
- Desktop-only functionality; limited or no support on Firefox for Android/mobile.
- Struggles with specific elements (e.g., open-in-app buttons, floating chat icons) that remain.

## Similar extensions and apps

- [Behind The Overlay Revival](https://chrome-stats.com/d/behind-the-overlay-revival) — 2,883 users, 4.39 / 5
- [Overlay Remover Auto](https://chrome-stats.com/d/overlay-remover-auto) — 765 users, 4.05 / 5
- [Fullscreen](https://chrome-stats.com/d/fullscreen-any-site) — 287 users, 4.19 / 5
- [Tab Double-Click Close](https://chrome-stats.com/d/double-click-tab-close) — 28 users, 5.00 / 5
- [Privacy Screen Overlay](https://chrome-stats.com/d/privacy-screen-overlay) — 1 users
- [ffCK Overlays](https://chrome-stats.com/d/ffck-overlays) — 2,414 users, 4.38 / 5
- [Fokus](https://chrome-stats.com/d/fokus) — 5 users, 5.00 / 5
- [Tab Freezer](https://chrome-stats.com/d/tab-freezer) — 90 users, 5.00 / 5
- [Close Overlays](https://chrome-stats.com/d/close-overlays) — 1 users
- [Tab Privacy-Overlay](https://chrome-stats.com/d/tab-privacy-overlay) — 1 users
- [Coverlay](https://chrome-stats.com/d/coverlay) — 1 users
- [Click To Private](https://chrome-stats.com/d/click-to-private) — 15 users, 3.00 / 5

---

Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/behind_the_overlay)