Everything you need to know about Android’s Xposed Framework

One of the main reasons I root my Android phone is that it allows me to install the Xposed Framework. Created by my fellow XDA developer Rovo89, Xposed is a powerful tool unlike any other. It penetrates into your Android root system and allows you to install new features or applications — known as “modules” — that can seamlessly integrate into your system’s interface or other existing functions of the device. 

But what makes Xposed Framework most unique is its ability to simplify the modding process. Unlike traditional methods of customizing your Android system, this framework does not require you to make a “blanket, system-wide modification” that includes tons of systemic changes just so that you can get one or two mods. With Xposed, you can just select the one(s) you want and then enable them individually with a simple reboot.

To enable these powerful features, the first thing you need to do is install an application called Xposed Installer, which serves as the 

“supreme controller” allowing you to find and install other apps or modifications. In other words, it serves as both a “modules” marketplace and an administrating platform. “Modules” might range from little tweaks to the OS, such as hiding the carrier label from the status bar, or larger functionality changes to third-party apps like improving your audio system like my own XZ2 Sound System.

How to prepare for the installation process?

There are a few things you need to do first before attempting to install this framework:

1. Please ensure that your device is fully backed up. This is very important! It’s entirely possible to run into issues during the installation or use of Xposed that leaves your device unusable and your data compromised.
2. Carefully check which version and sub-version of the Android operating system that you’re running. This information can be found in the “About phone” or “About device” section of the Settings application, or it might be hidden away in the “More” section of the Settings. It is strictly essential to download the correct version of the Xposed Framework for your device. 
3. You will also need to root your device. If you haven’t done so, you can install the SuperSU app by @chainfire — one of my fellow XDA developers — and then tap Install. Your device will be rebooted a few times. Please note that you may have to try a second or third time if it didn’t work the first time. In case your phone doesn’t support this streamlined Install mode, you may need to install a customized bootloader to load the TWRP and manually flash the SuperUser file.

How to download the Xposed Framework?

1. From your device, use this download link if you’re running Android 5.0 or higher. Otherwise, visit this Xposed download page.
2. Download the APK file shown on the above download page.

If you’re using the Android 5.0+ link, the download is located at the bottom of that page under the “Attached Files” section.

For older Android devices, when on the second link from Step 2, please note that the first download link is dedicated to an experimental “beta” version of the Xposed framework. To identify the type of the version, please click the Show older versions link to determine if the version in question is labeled as “Stable” or “Beta” in the “Release type” section.

Note: You might be told by the Android OS that this type of file can harm your device if you install it. Don’t worry! This is just a precautionary step implemented by Google against all 3rd parties. Just go ahead and confirm that you want to download and install the file. If you get an Install blocked message, see the first tip at the bottom of this page.

How to begin the installation process of the Xposed Framework?

1. When the APK file finished downloading, open the file when you’re prompted to do so.
2. When asked if you’re sure you want to install the application, tap Install to confirm.
3. Tap Open when it’s finished installing.
4. Tap Framework from the Xposed Installer app.
5. If you’re told to Be careful! since Xposed might corrupt your device, tap OK. The backup you made before starting this process will serve as a way to get your device back into working order should it become bricked or put in a “boot loop.”
6. From the Framework screen, tap Install/Update.
7. If you’re told that the app is requesting KingoRoot or SuperSU for root permissions, allow it.
8. Tap OK when asked if you’re ready to reboot.

How to use the Xposed Modules?

Once the module is downloaded, and the proper permissions have been set, you can customize the settings and then enable it for use.

How and Where to Download Xposed Modules

There are two ways to get Xposed modules installed on your device. The first is way easier, so we’ll outline that here:

1. Open the Xposed Installer app and tap Download from the main menu.
2. Search or scroll for a module and tap the one you want to install.
3. Swipe over or tap the Versions tab.
4. Tap the Download button on the version you want to install. The most recent versions are always listed at the top of the page.
5. On the next screen that shows what the app will have permission to do on your device, confirm the installation with the Install button.
6. When it’s finished installing, you can tap Open to launch the new module, or Done to return to the Versions tab.
7. If you do not open the app right away at this step, see Tip 2 at the bottom of this page to see how to open it later.
8. When the module app is opened, you can customize it to your preference.
9. Each module presents a unique way to make changes. If you need help, follow the on-screen instructions, revisit Step 2 and open the “Support” link for the module you have questions about, or see Tip 2 below.
10. Don’t forget to enable the module. See the next section for those steps.

You can also browse for Xposed modules through a web browser via the Xposed Module Repository.

How to enable or disable Xposed Modules?

Once the module is downloaded, you have to enable it before you can actually use it:

1. Access the main screen in the Xposed Installer app and enter the Modules section.
2. Tap the box to the right of the module name to enable or disable it. A checkmark will appear or disappear to show that it’s either toggled on or off, respectively.
3. Reboot the device to submit the changes.

Other Xposed Installation & Usage Tips

If you’ve never worked with your Android device at this level, you’re bound to encounter an issue or question here and there. Here are some common things we’ve seen:

1. If you can’t install Xposed because the APK file is being blocked, go into Settings > Security and look for an Unknown sources section that you can put a checkmark in to enable.
2. The Modules section of the Xposed Installer app houses a lot of the options you’ll need for various things. Hold your finger down on any module to be given a menu with these options:
3. Launch UI: Use this if you can’t find the launcher icon for a module you’ve installed.
4. Download/Updates: Install new updates for the module.
5. Support: Visit the support page that belongs to that module.
6. App info: See what your device says about this app, such as its total storage usage and which permissions have been granted.
7. Uninstall: Delete/remove a module with this menu option.
8. If you don’t see the Install button after downloading the module, or if you’d rather install it later, repeat Steps 1-3 in the How and Where to Download Xposed Modules section above, and then click Install in the Versions tab.
9. If you no longer want Xposed Installer on your device, you can delete it like you can any app.

So above is the method for installing the Xposed Framework on your Android devices. If you have any issues relating to the installation process, do not hesitate to comment here for helping assistance!