Xposed framework for Android is easily one of the most popular mods in the third-party Android development scene. The framework combined with various modules is capable of bringing all the features usually found in a custom ROM to any Android device with only root access.
Installing Xposed framework on any Android device running KitKat or Jelly Bean was a pretty simple affair and only required root access. However, with Lollipop and ART, the developer has had to make some major underlying changes, which includes replacing some of the ART related files. Additionally, the SELinux mode has to be switched to Permissive that makes Lollipop less secure.
To install Xposed framework on your Android device running Lollipop, you will need root access along with a custom recovery like TWRP or CWM.
It is also recommended to create a backup of all your important data on the handset before proceeding with the steps below, in case something goes wrong.
All set? Follow the steps below then.
Note: The current version of Xposed framework is not compatible with stock Samsung ROMs.
Step 1: Download the Xposed Lollipop ZIP file and the Installer APK from here and transfer them to the internal storage of your Android device.
Step 2: Reboot your device into TWRP or CWM recovery. The steps for going into recovery varies from device to device and if you are unsure of the steps, you can use an app like Quick Boot from the Google Play Store to avoid all the hassle.
Step 3: Once your device has booted into recovery, tap the ‘Install’ button in your custom recovery and select the Xposed ZIP file that you had transferred to your device in Step 1. Once the ZIP file has been installed, reboot your device into Android OS.
Step 4: You will now have to install the Xposed framework APK on your Android device. Using a file manager like Solid File Explorer, navigate to the location where you had saved the APK and tap on it. If you get a prompt saying you don’t have installation from unauthorised sources enabled, tap the ‘Settings’ button and then toggle the ‘Unknown Sources’ switch to on from the Security menu.
Then, once again tap the APK to start the installation. If you get any prompt while installing the APK, click on ‘Accept.’
Step 5: To confirm that Xposed framework has been installed on your device, open the app and head over to ‘Framework.’ The installed app_process and XposedBridge versions on your device will be displayed under ‘active.’ If their version number are displayed in green, you have successfully managed to install Xposed framework on your Android device.
To install modules, head over to the ‘Download’ section of the app, which will display all the modules that are present in its repository. The modules are displayed even if they are not compatible with your Android device, so select and install the modules wisely. While an incompatible module won’t brick your device, you will encounter random crashes and reboots.
Xposed framework for Lollipop is compatible with all the existing modules that are already available for it. However, some of the modules might need to be updated to work properly with Lollipop due to the major underlying changes in the OS.
