Android is known for flexibility and endless possibilities. If you were to make a case for Android, you could easily argue that Android allows users to tweak and customize their devices, even on the most basic devices. 

Your Android could be old and running slow, and maybe it’s time for cell phone repair. If you’re a power user, you can optimize your Android with the Xposed Framework and eliminate the need for extensive repair. 

What’s more, using Android power tools allows you to re-imagine your phone in a variety of ways. You can obtain advanced control over your Android’s wi-fi settings, add more security, and block ads. You can use “mods” to install customized interfaces and boost your phone’s performance beyond its out-of-the-box capabilities. 

You’re Going to Need Root 

Before you install Xposed, you will need to root your phone. Rooting your phone is pretty easy, but you should realize it will void your warranty. Gaining root access is easier than it was in the past, but if you slip up, you might cause bugs, or even brick your Android (although these days that’s unlikely).

If you root your phone, you might trip Google’s SafetyNet API, an Android security measure that will stop some apps and features from working, like the Google Play Store. 

That’s why “hiding” the fact that you have root access from your system is a good idea. Using a tool called Magisk will do this and keep the features you need intact. Is it still possible that your phone might not function properly even if you follow the correct steps perfectly? Yes. 

But the good news is that it is easy to uninstall Magisk and unroot your device if your phone malfunctions. 

This process is pretty easy. The hardest step actually, is getting everything set up properly. 

Here’s what you’ll need. 

• The Android you want to customize 
• A USB cable to connect your mobile to your system 
• Your PC 

Get Your Android Ready 

Enable Developer Mode. You’ll do this by heading to Settings, then About. Find “build number” and tap it 7 times in a row. Voila! Developer Mode is enabled. 

In developer mode go to Settings, then System, then Advanced, then Developer Options. 

Toggle on “USB debugging.” 

Head to Github to find and download the latest Magisk Manager .apk file. Install it – if asked, choose to allow installation from an unknown source. 

Head to Your PC 

Connect your phone to your PC using the USB cable. 

Download ADB, Fastboot, and any necessary drivers. You can find an all-in-one installation package from the XDA Developers website. 

Now, locate the correct version of TWRP for your Android. 

Unzip and open the TWRP folder. 

Hold down shift and right-click anywhere inside the area of the TWRP folder to open a command prompt. 

Type this into the command prompt window: ADB reboot bootloader. 

If your Android is asking you to allow USB debugging, select “yes.” 

Your device should now reboot into bootloader mode. 

Type: “fastboot flash recovery twrp-2.8.x.x-xxx.img” replacing the .IMG filename to match the .IMG file in your TWRP folder. 

When the command finishes, run the command: fastboot reboot 

Disconnect your Android device. 

Open Up Magisk

When your phone reboots, open up the Magisk manager app. 

Choose Install. 

Choose “download zip only.” 

As your download finishes note the download location, then turn off your phone. 

Boot into recovery mode. This process is different per device, but it will typically entail holding the volume down and the power button until the device powers on. 

When the TWRP menu appears, select “Install.” 

Head to the Magisk.ZIP location, and swipe to install. 

When Magisk is finished installing, restart your phone. 

With your Android on, open Magisk manager once more. You’ll see a green check located next to Magisk and Magisk Manager. 

Go ahead and make sure that you have properly rooted your phone and passed the SafetyNet’s check by selecting the icon located in the upper-left corner of Magisk Manager. 

Scroll down and select “Start Safety/Net check.” If you see checkmarks that are green, you’re ready to roll. 

Install Xposed 

All you need to do now is installed Xposed using Magisk Manager. 

In the app, head to the “Download” section. 

Find and tap on “Xposed.” 

Find your Android version, then install Xposed. 

Reboot your device to wrap up installation. 

Get Ready to Modify

Congratulations, you’ve rooted your phone, installed Xposed, and you’re ready to start optimizing Android. 

You can open wither Xposed or Magisk Manager on your phone, go to their menus and see which modules you can download. 

The installation process might be different in each app, but either way, you’ll need to reboot after each mod is installed. 

If you want to know where to start you can head to XDA’s list of the best Xposed and Magisk modules to find recommendations. Just make sure these mods are compatible with your Android version. 

Here are some good ones to consider: 

Xposed Mods to Download 

• Amplify Battery – this can boost your battery life and Android’s performance in general, and you can track what processes and apps are draining the most juice in real-time.
• Gravity Box – Use this mod to customize various aspects of the Android interface 
• XUI System UI – This is another editor that will let you customize the system clock, lock screen, notifications and will give you new animations to experiment with. 

Magisk Mods to Download 

• Dolby Atmos – This adds Dolby Atmos support to Android devices, some that normally don’t have it 
• Tether Enabler – This lets you override your manufacturer’s device tethering settings so you can share your data connection. 
• Viper4Android – This mod helps you enhance and customize audio-related features and settings, like volume, speaker output, and Bluetooth.