Best Xposed Framework modules: 6 you shouldn't be without

What is Xposed Framework? 

Xposed Framework is a software platform which allows for the installation of specialist modules (similar to apps) which can alter Android system behavior beyond what is normally possible. Think of it as a sort of Google Play for power users. 

It's limited to rooted devices but this also means that the capabilities of compatible modules extend beyond what other, "normal" apps can do. 

These different modules come in many types and cover almost everything imaginable in Android. You can change the color of your entire system, gain control of any customization option and change how each aspect of your device acts. 

How do I install Xposed Framework?

To install Xposed Framework, consult the linked thread from the XDA Developers forum and note, once again, that your device will need to be rooted and with a custom recovery installed. Since November 2015, support for the Xposed Framework extends to Android Marshmallow-based ROMs.  

Individual modules are downloaded and installed from within the Xposed Framework app or from the Xposed Module Repository website.

Below is a selection of the favorite Xposed modules. 

1. LockScreen Mods

LockScreen Mods is a simple and effective lockscreen shortcut creator. There are six slots in which you can assign apps to be quickly launched without unlocking your device. 

It looks good, it's useful and it works; LockScreen Mods is a classic example of how Xposed Framework can provide worthy improvements to your handset.  

2. XMultiWindow

The XMultiWindow module is convenient for multitasking with a large screen. It allows you to make use of a multiwindow-style layout as can be found on Samsung phablets (among other devices). 

You can work with multiple applications simultaneously with apps organized in windows at the top and bottom (or left and right) of the screen. To get the best out of this module, you should probably be using a device with a 5-inch screen or larger but I'm guessing you probably own such a handset.

3. Never Sleep

This isn't a particularly new module but it remains useful. Do you get frustrated when your screen turns off when it shouldn't? Never Sleep seeks to solve this.

Once installed, you can create a list of applications which will prevent your phone from sleeping. If, for example, you want your display to remain on while using a PDF reader, simply add that app to the list. Piece of cake.

4. WhatsAppX

With this WhatsApp extension, you will be able to password protect WhatsApp conversation, hide message previews, save important messages, schedule reminders for later replies, and make calls from the app over your network, rather than Wi-Fi. 

Yeah, it's good. 

5. GravityBox

If anything on this list can be thought of as an essential, it's GravityBox. It basically provides all the functionality of a custom ROM without the fear of flashing and data loss. 

You can change the way you unlock your phone, customize the notification bar, menus, volume buttons, calls, colors, almost anything. GravityBox comes in Marshmallow GravitiBoX [MM], Lollipop GravityBox [LP] and KitKat GravityBox [KK] flavors. Don't miss it. 

6. Android N-ify

And so we come to the reason you installed Xposed Framework: N-ify. Android N-ify is experimental. Android N-ify has its problems. Android N-ify will also add to your device features from the upcoming Android N before they are available to anybody else. 

So far we have only a couple of features to play with: double tap the recent apps to jump to your last used app (an excellent feature which should already be standard), and also small descriptions for some items in the settings menu (another lovely feature). Install the module and support this project, please.  

What are your favorite modules Xposed? Let us know in the comments.