A method for displaying a graphical user interface (GUI) is disclosed, which relate to the data processing field. The method specifically includes: determining whether a display of a device is shielded; when it is determined that the display is shielded, determining a shielded area and a display area of the display; determining parameter information of the display area, where the parameter information includes an area size of the display area and a position of the display area; and obtaining, according to the parameter information, a GUI that matches the display area, and displaying the GUI in the display area. Whether a display of the device is shielded is determined. When the display is shielded, the GUI is displayed in the display area, so that the GUI can be displayed only in the display area of the display and does not need to be displayed in full screen.