Xposed is the name of a platform that allows you to install small programs called modules on your Android device that can customize its look and feel.
The benefit of the Xposed framework over some methods of customizing your device is that you don’t have to do a general system-wide modification (mod) that includes tons of changes just so you can get one or two mods. Just choose the one(s) you want and install them individually.
The basic idea is that after you install an app called Xposed Installer, you can use it to find and install other apps/mods that can do a wide variety of things. Some may provide minor tweaks to the operating system, such as hiding the bearer tag from the status bar, or larger changes to third-party app functionality, such as auto-saving of incoming Snapchat messages.
The following instructions should apply no matter who made your Android phone: Samsung, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, etc.
Before installing the Xposed framework
There are a few things you need to do first:
- Make sure your device is fully protected. There may be issues installing or using Xposed that can render your device unusable.
- Check which version of Android you are running to find out which download link to choose next. This is typically found in the “About phone” or “About device” section of Settings, and may be hidden in a “More” area of Settings.
- If you are running Android 4.03 to 4.4, you also need to root your device.
To do this, install the KingoRoot app and then tap . You’ll have to reboot afterwards, and even try a second or third time if it didn’t work the first time.
If you’re told that you can’t install that app because it’s been blocked by your device, see Tip 1 at the bottom of this page. If even after that change you’re told that the installation was blocked because the app is bypassing Android’s security protections, tap More details and then Install anyway (insecure) .
- You have now completed the preparatory steps for the Xposed Framework.
How to install the Xposed framework
- From your device, use this download link if you are running Android 5.0 or higher. Otherwise, visit this Xposed download page.
- Download the APK file displayed on the download page.
If you use the Android 5.0+ link, the download is at the bottom of the page, in the “Attachments” section.
For older Android devices, when on the second link in Step 2, note that the first download link is an experimental version of the Xposed framework. Tap the Show Previous Versions link to find a recent version labeled “Stable” in the “Release Type” section.
They may tell you that this type of file can harm your device if you install it. 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.
- When the download is complete, open the file when prompted to do so.
- When asked if you’re sure you want to install the app, tap Install to confirm.
- Click Open when you finish installing.
- 1. Tap Framework from the Xposed Installer app. It may be buried in the menu at the top left of the screen.
If you are told to be careful! since Xposed may corrupt your device, tap OK . The backup you made before starting this process will serve as a way to get your device back up and running in case it crashes or is placed in a “boot loop.”
- From the Framework screen , tap Install/Update .
If you are told that the app is asking KingoRoot for root permissions, allow it.
- Click OK when asked if you are ready to reboot.
How to install and use Xposed modules
Once the module is downloaded and the appropriate permissions are configured, you can customize the settings and then enable it for use.
How and where to download Xposed modules
There are two ways to install Xposed modules on your device. The first one is much easier, so we’ll explain it here:
- Open the Xposed Installer app and tap Download from the main menu.
- Search for or scroll to a module and tap the one you want to install.
- Hover over or tap the Versions tab .
- Click on the Download button on the version you want to install. The most recent versions are always listed at the top of the page.
- On the next screen showing what the app will be allowed to do on your device, confirm the installation with the Install button .
If the page is too long to display all the information at once, you will see one or more Next Buttons instead . Tap on them to see the Install button . If you don’t see this Install option , see Tip 3 below.
- When you’re done installing, you can tap Open to launch the new module, or Done to return to the Versions tab .
If you don’t open the app immediately in this step, see Tip 2 at the bottom of this page to see how to open it later.
- When the module application opens, it is there that you can customize it according to your preferences.
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.
- Don’t forget to activate the module. See the next section for those steps.
Check out our Top 20 Xposed Framework Modules for our favorites. You can also search 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 must enable it before you can use it:
- Access the main screen of the Xposed Installer app and go to the Modules section .
- Tap the box to the right of the module name to enable or disable it. A check mark will appear or disappear to show that it is on or off, respectively.
- Reboot the device to submit the changes.
Xposed installation and usage tips
If you have never worked with your Android device at this level, you may find a problem or question here and there. Here are some common things we have seen:
- If you can’t install Xposed because the APK file is being blocked, go to Settings > Security and look for an Unknown Sources section where you can put a check mark to enable it.
- The Modules section of the Xposed Installer app contains many of the options you’ll need for various things. Hold your finger on any module that will be given a menu with these options:
- Launch UI: Use this option if you can’t find the launcher icon for a module you’ve installed.
- Download/Update: Install new updates for the module.
- Support: Visit the support page that belongs to that module.
- App info: See what your device is saying about this app, such as its total storage usage and the permissions it has been granted.
- Uninstall: Remove/remove a module with this menu option.
- If you don’t see the Install button after downloading the module, or if you prefer to install it later, repeat steps 1-3 in the How and where to download Xposed Modules section above, and then choose Install on the Versions tab .
- If you no longer want the Xposed installer on your device, you can remove it like you would any app.
