If you are looking for a way to revamp your Android device without actually messing up with your ROM or getting caught up in some serious programming Xposed Installer is an awesome framework that allows you to do just that hassle-free. Xposed comes with a plethora of add-ons or Xposed Modules that you can easily download to modify your Android’s iOS to suit your own requirements.
Before we begin to discuss how to download and install Xposed Installer Framework it is necessary that you become aware of two basic requirements: 1) your device has to be rooted and 2) you must know your device version and check compatibility with Xposed. It must be noted that Xposed does not work perfectly with every device thus it is essential that you check your device and app/file compatibility before proceeding. You can adopt two ways- 1) Installing the Xposed Installer App and 2) Installing the Xposed Installer Framework. You need to go for the latter only if your Android version is ICS or below.
CAUTION: It is always advisable to back-up all your phone’s data and apps in an online cloud or on your PC so that even if you go wrong your data remains safe.
Table of Contents
What is Android Rooting?
A root is the top-most file in a device’s file system which is usually available in desktops (think C:\ drive in your computer). But Android protects its root files so that the user does not accidentally delete or modify an essential operating system file. However, to make system changes you need to get access to this root file and break through the virtual barrier that Android creates and getting this access is called ‘rooting’. It must be noted that once you gain access to the root file you are solely responsible for the security of data stored in your device and that the device now falls outside the warranty norms. So if you must proceed do so at your own risk.
There are several ways to root your device but the easiest method is to go for rooting applications such as SuperSU, SimpleReboot or Magisks Manager amongst many. The advantage of using these application-based methods especially if you are a beginner is that it protects you from your device and your data within from being completely exposed to vicious apps.
Also Check:
10 Best Apps for Rooted Android Phones
Knowing the version of your Android
You need to know the version of your Android before you proceed as you’ll have to select from a list of versions of the modules so as to download the compatible zip files. You can easily do this by going to the Settings of your deviceàAbout Phone-àSoftware Information. If you are running Android ICS or below you do not need to flash the Framework zip you can simply go with the Xposed App but rooting is necessary.
Now that you are clear with the bare necessities let’s progress towards the magic.
Downloading, Installing and Using the Xposed App
Steps to Install Xposed App
Step 1: Download the Xposed edge app from Play Store
Step 2: Open the app and click on Framework
Step 3: Hit the Install/Update button and proceed to Install
Step 4: Grant permissions required by the app.
Step 5: Wait for the installation process to finish and then Reboot your device.
Steps to Activate Modules
Now that you have the installer you can easily tweak your device and personalize it by downloading relevant modules.
Step 1: Open the Xposed Installer app after your device has rebooted.
Step 2: Go to the Menu and select Download. Here you will find various modules along with their specifications and functions. Browse and choose the module of your choice.
Step 3: Once you have selected the module go to the version tab and select the version for which you want to download.
Step 4: Go back to Menu and open Modules.
Step 5: Activate your downloaded module and reboot.
- Downloading, Installing and Using the Xposed Installer Framework
Steps to Install Xposed Framework
Step 1: You need to find the relevant Xposed Installer APK that suits your Android version. (Available on XDA Developers website)
Step 2: Download the relevant APK to your device or External Memory. Reboot the device.
Step 3: Locate your downloaded Xposed framework zip and install. Clear the cache and reboot again.
Step 4: Go to the File Manager find the downloaded APK and install it. In case you are blocked just go to Settings, select Apps and tap on Security and Enable Unknown Sources.
Your framework is now installed. A quick litmus test- open the Xposed App and navigate to Framework. It should show app_process and Xposedbridge with some numbers.
Note: In case your device does not reboot post installation just install the framework remover zip and proceed to uninstall.
Steps to Install Xposed Modules via APK
Step 1: Locate and download Xposed module.apk from any source and install it.
Step 2: Go to the Xposed Installer and open Modules.
Step 3: Enable Module.
Removing Active Modules
If you wish to remove a module all you have to do is navigate to the Modules section in Xposed Installer as illustrated above and select the unwanted module and disable them. Reboot the system to complete the process.
If your versions are compatible and you have followed the aforementioned instructions to the T then you should have unlocked the treasure trove of Android in your device. Get creative!
