How To: 10 Essential Xposed Modules Every Rooted Android User Needs

There are many reasons to root Android, but for me, the most important one is to have the Xposed Framework. Xposed gives you access to hundreds of modules, which take away the need to manually modify core system files to add new features and functionality to your Android device.

But as great as Xposed is, it can be a pain scrolling through its repository of modules separating the great ones from the useless and defunct. To help you on your journey, I've put together a list of the modules I install after every fresh ROM flash or factory reset.

Requirements

These modules will require you to be rooted and already have Xposed Installer on your device, so be sure to get those out of the way before installing any of them.

Most of these modules can be found in the Download section of the Xposed installer app, but some need to be installed via an APK which will require you have app installation from " Unknown sources" enabled.

#1: GravityBox

GravityBox is probably one of the most versatile modules out there. It gives you complete control over nearly every part of your device, from adding shortcuts to your lock screen to changing the way your phone's buttons work. This means that you can get all the perks of a custom ROM without needing to leave the security of a pure Android ROM.

• More info on installing and using GravityBox

Unfortunately, there are some OEM ROMs that aren't compatible with Gravity Box, so you may want to check out Wanam Xposed if you are on Samsung's TouchWiz, and Sense Toolbox if you're using HTC's Sense.

#2: YouTube AdAway

Ads are the bane of my existence, so when I'm on mobile and need to watch a YouTube video, I'm always worried I'll be stuck waiting for that Skip button to appear after 5 seconds. That's why I always make sure to have YouTube AdAway enabled on my Android. This module completely removes ads from YouTube right away, so all you have to do is install it and let the videos play.

• More info on installing and using YouTube AdAway

#3: Statusbar Scroll to Top

iOS may not be for everyone, but its instant scroll is probably the one feature that makes me the most envious. So when I came across Statusbar Scroll to Top, I knew I had to install it. When enabled, the module will instantly scroll to the top of an app when you tap the status bar, but there are a few apps that are not compatible, like the Chrome browser.

• More info on installing and using Statusbar Scroll to Top

#4: XInsta

XInsta, based off of the now unsupported Instagram Downloader, allows you download any picture or video from your Instagram feed. Just like its predecessor, all you need to do is hit the three-dot button on the bottom of a picture, tap Download, and XInsta will save a copy of the picture or video to your Android's internal storage.

• More info on using Instagram Downloader (or XInsta)

#5: Lolistat

Android Lollipop gave developers a way to blend the status bar to the currently running app, but some have yet to implement that feature into their app. To force the status bar to match the color scheme of all of your apps, you can install Lolistat. There is nothing to configure after the module is installed, so just sit back and let the mod handle the theming on your device.

• More info on installing and using Lolistat

#6: Awesome Pop-Up Video

If you're constantly watching or streaming videos on your Android, you know it can be a hassle having to tap pause every time you need to send off a text or reply to an email. That's where the Awesome Pop-Up Video comes in. When activated, Awesome Pop-Up Video will allow you to create a floating pop-up window for videos hosted on many popular video sites like Vimeo and Facebook. The popup can be placed anywhere on your screen and will hover over any open app, so you will still be able to fully navigate through your Android while watching the latest cat videos.

• More info on installing and using Awesome Pop-Up Video

#7: Snapprefs

It's no secret that many Snapchat users are always looking for ways to get past the limits put in place by its developers. Saving snaps, sharing from your gallery, and removing caption limits have always been high on the list of requested features, but it doesn't look like the Snapchat devs are going to be caving in to those demands any time soon. Luckily those limitations can be easily removed with the module Snapprefs. Once installed, you'll be able to add all features mentioned above along with a "select all" button when you are selecting recipients to share with.

• Download Snapprefs (.apk)

#8: XGPM

Google Play Music is a great streaming service, but there are some minor layout annoyances that have plagued it from its initial release. Since Xposed can go behind the scenes and alter just about any part of an app, it's no wonder that there is now a way to change up the look of Google Play Music. Once you install XGPM, you can use its configuration tool to customize the look and feel of Google Play Music along with changing the way the album art is cropped (so that you can see more of it).

• More info on installing and using XGPM

#9: SpotifySkip

Continuing on with the music app modules, we have SpotifySkip. After installation, the module will allow you to blow past the skip limit that the Spotify team has put on free accounts. In addition to getting unlimited skips, you also gain the ability to play any song whenever you want instead of being forced into shuffle-only mode.

• Download SpotifySkip (.apk)

#10: Pandora Patcher

Lastly we have Pandora Patcher, which not only lets you have unlimited skips when listening to Pandora, but also allows you download any song you have given a Thumbs Up. The module does also come with a full app, so you can configure the settings to your liking at any time.

• More info on installing and using Pandora Patcher

What are your favorite Xposed modules? Let us know your top picks in the comments below!

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