Android Toast Example – Show Messages in Android Apps

Toast messages in Android provide brief feedback about an operation in a small popup that disappears automatically. They are lightweight, non-blocking, and ideal for informing users about actions such as form submission, status updates, or simple confirmations.

This updated guide on javatechig.com covers how to show Toast messages using modern Android APIs in both Kotlin and Java — including custom layouts, duration control, positioning, and best practices.

What Is a Toast in Android?

A Toast is a transient message that pops up on the screen for a short duration without blocking user interaction. It’s part of the Android UI framework and requires no extra permission.

Typical use cases:

• Showing success message
• Confirming user actions
• Indicating brief status feedback

Toasts are not suitable for critical alerts — use Snackbars or Dialogs for that.

Basic Toast Implementation

Kotlin Example

Toast.makeText(
    this,
    "This is a simple Toast message",
    Toast.LENGTH_SHORT
).show()

Java Example

Toast.makeText(
    MainActivity.this,
    "This is a simple Toast message",
    Toast.LENGTH_SHORT
).show();

Duration Options

Custom Toast Layout

For richer UI, you can create a custom toast layout.

Step 1: Create Custom Layout (toast_layout.xml)

<LinearLayout
    xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    android:orientation="horizontal"
    android:padding="8dp"
    android:background="@drawable/toast_bg"
    android:layout_width="wrap_content"
    android:layout_height="wrap_content">

    <ImageView
        android:id="@+id/imgIcon"
        android:src="@drawable/ic_check"
        android:layout_width="24dp"
        android:layout_height="24dp"/>

    <TextView
        android:id="@+id/txtMessage"
        android:text="Custom Toast"
        android:textColor="@android:color/white"
        android:layout_marginStart="8dp"
        android:layout_width="wrap_content"
        android:layout_height="wrap_content"/>
</LinearLayout>

Displaying Custom Toast

Kotlin

val inflater = layoutInflater
val layout = inflater.inflate(R.layout.toast_layout, null)

val toast = Toast(applicationContext)
toast.duration = Toast.LENGTH_LONG
toast.view = layout
toast.show()

Java

LayoutInflater inflater = getLayoutInflater();
View layout = inflater.inflate(R.layout.toast_layout, null);

Toast toast = new Toast(getApplicationContext());
toast.setDuration(Toast.LENGTH_LONG);
toast.setView(layout);
toast.show();

Positioning Toast on Screen

By default, Toast appears near the bottom center. You can adjust the position:

Kotlin

toast.setGravity(Gravity.TOP or Gravity.CENTER_HORIZONTAL, 0, 200)
toast.show()

Java

toast.setGravity(Gravity.TOP | Gravity.CENTER_HORIZONTAL, 0, 200);
toast.show();

Use offsets (xOffset, yOffset) to fine-tune placement.

Best Practices

Prefer Snackbars for Actionable Feedback

Toasts are ephemeral and non-interactive. Use Snackbars when you need user action (e.g., undo).

Avoid Overuse

Too many toasts can annoy users. Display them only for meaningful events.

Respect Localization

Use string resources (strings.xml) instead of hard-coded text.

<string name="toast_msg">Item saved successfully</string>

Common Errors & Solutions

Toast Not Appearing

Cause: Wrong Context
Fix: Use Activity context (this / MainActivity.this)

Long Toast Duration Too Short

Cause: Android handles durations internally
Fix: Use LENGTH_LONG or custom timer logic

When Not to Use Toast

• Critical alerts
• Mandatory acknowledgements
• UI interruptions requiring action

Use Dialogs or Snackbars for those cases.