How to Set up an Android Device Using Magisk and the Xposed Framework
In the debate between Android and iOS, Android often scores major points for its openness and flexibility – the Android platform allows users to do things that iOS doesn’t allow, and even the simplest, off-the-shelf Android devices can be customized. and customized to your liking. However, enthusiasts want more than just tweak system settings, and this is where tools like the Xposed Framework and Magisk come into play.
With these tools, you can install mods that will insanely transform your device, allowing you to add features like Dolby Atmos, more emoji, or advanced controls for your device’s Wi-Fi capabilities. You can use mods to trick your smartphone with customizable interfaces and, if you dare, improve your device’s performance over the default settings.
First, you need to root
Before we proceed, one quick disclaimer: you need to root your device in order to install Xposed. Rooting your phone is not difficult , but it is still a risk as it will technically void your warranty. Although it is easier to do this now than it used to be, a malfunction can cause unpleasant interruptions or even damage the device (which is unlikely).
Other less intimidating side effects include disabling the Google SafetyNet API, which is a security measure in Android OS that stops certain apps / features like Google Play Store, Google Pay, Netflix and of course Pokemon.
We’ll be using Magisk to hide the root from your system, which should keep these features intact, but it’s possible that some of them may not work as expected even if you follow the correct steps. Good news? If something stops working, it’s easy to remove Magisk and unroot the device .
Installing Magisk and Xposed Framework
The long list of steps may seem overwhelming at first glance, but the whole process is simple if you have everything set up correctly.
Step 1. Prepare the devices
Gather the right materials. You will need:
- Android device you want to modify
- PC
- USB cable to connect one to the other
With the tools at hand, it’s time to prepare your Android device:
- First, turn on developer mode by going to Settings> About (or on your specific device ). Scroll down and tap Build Number seven times in a row.
- In developer mode, go to Settings> System> Advanced> Developer Options . Locate and activate “ Debug on the USB ».
- Then download and install the latest Magisk Manager .apk file from Github (when prompted, click to allow installation from unknown source).
Don’t worry about opening Magisk Manager just yet. In the meantime, we will move on to the computer part of the manual.
Step 2: Install Magisk with TWRP and Root Your Phone Safely
- Connect your phone to PC via USB.
- Download ADB, Fastboot and required drivers to your computer. The easiest way to do this is to use this universal installer from the XDA Developer Forum . Follow the instructions on the download page and then come back here when you’re done (it only takes a few seconds at most).
- Then go to this page and download the correct TWRP version for your Android device. Then unzip and open the TWRP folder.
- Shift + right-click anywhere in the white area of the TWRP folder to open Command Prompt.
- In the Command Prompt window, enter:
adb reboot bootloader
. - If your device asks for USB debugging permission, click Yes. Your device should reboot into bootloader mode.
- Enter
fastboot flash recovery twrp-2.8.xx-xxx.img
, remember to change the name of thefastboot flash recovery twrp-2.8.xx-xxx.img
to match the .IMG file in the TWRP folder. - After the command completes, complete the PC steps by executing the
fastboot reboot
command in the command prompt.
You can now turn off your Android device and we’ll move on to the final steps to install Magisk.
- When your Android device restarts, open the Magisk Manager app.
- Next to Magisk Not Installed, click Install.
- Click Download Zip Only. Wait for the download to complete and write down its location.
- Turn off your phone. Then boot into recovery mode. (The process for doing this varies from device to device, but it usually involves holding down the volume and power buttons until the device turns on.)
- When the TWRP recovery mode menu appears, click Install.
- Browse to the location of the Magisk .ZIP file and then swipe the panel to install.
- When the installation is complete, restart your device.
- After your device turns on again, open Magisk Manager again. You should see a green check mark next to Magisk and Magisk manager.
- Make sure your phone has been successfully rooted and passed the SafetyNet test by clicking the hamburger icon in the top left corner of Magisk Manager. Scroll down and click Start SafetyNet Test. If you see green check marks, you’re done.
Step 3: Install Xposed Framework
We are at the finish line. All that’s left to do is install Xposed as a module using Magisk Manager.
- Go to the Download section in Magisk Manager.
- Scroll down and tap Xposed.
- Select your Android version from the list, then install Xposed.
- Reboot your device to complete the installation.
Highlights: installing Android mods
Wow! If you’ve come this far, you’ve successfully rooted your phone, installed Magisk and Xposed, and you’re now ready to start modifying Android. As we said at the beginning, this is where it gets interesting. (This is easy too.)
Open Magisk Manager or Xposed apps on your phone and go to their menu to download modules. The installation process may be slightly different for each application, but both will require a reboot after installing each module.
If you’re wondering where to start, here’s a short list of some of the best Xposed and Magisk modules available, and you can consult XDA’s developer lists of the best Magisk and Xposed modules for recommendations (note: be sure to check if these modules are compatible with your version of Android, so how support may differ).
- Amplify Battery (Xposed) : Can improve battery life and device performance, and also allows users to track which apps and processes are using the most power in real time.
- Dolby Atmos (Magisk): Adds Dolby Atmos support for some Android devices that don’t normally have it.
- Gravity Box (Xposed) : This popular mod allows users to customize many aspects of the Android OS interface.
- Tether Enabler (Magisk) : Allows you to override the manufacturer’s device tethering settings if you are prohibited from doing so on your device (for whatever reason).
- Viper4Android (Magisk) : Allows users to customize and improve a number of sound-related parameters and features, including volume, speaker output, and Bluetooth settings.
- XUI System Interface (Xposed): Another UI editor that gives you new animations for the game and lets you customize the system clock, lock screen, notifications, and more.