e-Why, What & How · 2018-06-02

10 must-have Magisk Modules for your Android device – e-Why, What & How

This article has been re-published here with prior permission of MakeUseOf.

By: Andy Betts

Of the different ways to root an Android phoneMagisk is arguably the best. It’s a systemless method, meaning it doesn’t actually change Android’s system partition.

This lets the phone hide its rooted status from security-conscious apps, like banking apps. It also makes it much simpler to unroot when you need to.

And there’s another benefit: support for Magisk modules.

These tiny apps tweak, enhance, and add functionality to your device. You can use them for everything from improving battery life to installing iOS emojis on your Android phone.

In this guide we’ll look at how to install Magisk modules, and then get you started with 10 of the best.

How to Install Magisk Modules on Android

If you aren’t already set up, follow our in-depth guide on how to root with Magisk. If your phone is already rooted with the older SuperSU method, you can unroot and then reroot with Magisk.

There are two ways to install Magisk modules, depending on where you source them. Both use the Magisk Manager app, and are straightforward.

Installing Magisk Modules: Method One

  1. Open Magisk Manager. Slide open the sidebar from the left edge of the screen and select Downloads.
  2. You’ll now see a list of available Magisk modules. Tap one to read more information, including any additional instructions on how to install or use it.
  3. To install a module, tap the download icon. From the available choices you’re given, Download saves the module to your phone’s storage, and Install downloads and installs it in one step.
  4. Select Install. The process doesn’t take too long, although it depends on the size of the module.
  5. Tap Reboot when prompted, and your phone will restart with the module in place.

Sometimes the Downloads list will fail to display anything. If this happens, go to Settings > Clear Repo Cache and try again.

Magisk Clear Repo Cache

Installing Magisk Modules: Method Two

You need to use the second method if you’re downloading modules manually. You can find a lot of these in the Magisk GitHub repo, or on the XDA Developers forums.

  1. Download the module to your phone’s storage.
  2. In Magisk Manager, open the sidebar and select Modules.
  3. Hit the Plus icon, then locate your downloaded module.
  4. Long press on the module and select Open. It will begin installing right away.
  5. Reboot your phone when prompted.

How to Uninstall Magisk Modules on Android

To deal with problematic modules, install the Magisk Manager for Recovery Modemodule. This enables you to remove any modules while in Recovery mode.

To uninstall or disable modules, go to Modules in the Magisk Manager app:

  • Uncheck the box alongside a module to disable it. Then reboot.
  • Tap the trashcan icon to remove a module completely. Reboot to complete the process.

Remove Magisk module

Now you know how to use them, here are 10 essential Magisk modules to get you started. Simply search for them in the Downloads menu to install them.

1. App Systemizer

App Systemizer lets you install certain apps as system apps. Why would you do this? There are a few reasons.

System apps cannot be easily uninstalled, so you get an extra layer of protection for security apps. Some utilities, like battery optimizers, work better with the extra privileges afforded to system apps. And it also works well for apps that run all the time, like a third-party launcher.

App Systemizer doesn’t modify the system partition, so you cannot use it to save space in your phone’s internal storage. Apps will update automatically through the Play Store, as usual.

2. Viper4Android FX

Viper4Android is the best sound equalizer app for your phone. It lets you boost the bass, tone down the treble, or increase your phone’s maximum volume while minimizing distortion. And that’s only for starters. It’s an incredibly powerful tool if you invest some time in it.

The best part about Viper4Android is that it enables you to create sound profiles for different output devices. What works best for your phone’s internal speakers is unlikely to sound right for your expensive wired headphones or in-car audio system. That no longer matters with this app—just create a profile for each one and tune the settings separately.

3. Greenify4Magisk

Greenify is one of the most popular root apps. It maximizes your battery life by hibernating apps when you aren’t using them. It’s like a supercharged version of Android’s Doze feature, and is especially effective on devices that haven’t seen updates in years.

Greenify4Magisk lets you take advantage of a special Boost mode. This offers even tighter system integration and is more effective at closing resource-hungry processes.

4. Pixel Experience

The Pixel 2 is the king of Android phones. It’s also expensive. If you’re thirsting for some of the great features of Google’s flagship but aren’t able to upgrade right now, check out the Pixel Experience module as the next best option.

It brings you the look, feel, and functionality of a Pixel 2. You get the Pixel 2 launcher, audio files (such as ringtones and alarms), themes, and the Google Sans font. In addition, it adds extras like Camera2API support, video stabilization, and Google Assistant.

5. Volume Steps Increase

Android Media Slider

By default, the Android volume control has 15 steps between silent and maximum loudness. Sometimes, the jump between any two is too large, especially when you’re listening through headphones.

The Volume Steps Increase module doubles the number of steps to 30 for both media and in-call volume. As a result, you get much more precise control over how loud your phone is.

6. iOS11.x Emoji

Want to get the latest iOS emojis on Android? The iOS11.1 Emoji module for Magisk is both the quickest and easiest way to do it.

Just install it through the Magisk Manager app, and upon a reboot you’ll be free of Google’s emojis. And if you ever want to revert back to your original emojis, just uninstall it. Keep an eye on the available modules for updates—the latest characters from newer versions of iOS are added regularly.

7. YouTube Vanced

This modded version of the YouTube app offers lots of commonly requested features including support for background play. You can also override video resolution limits, use the pinch-to-zoom gesture, and automatically play videos on repeat. The app is available in standard and dark themed versions.

8. CloudflareDNS4Magisk

CloudflareDNS4Magisk

There are many good reasons to use a third party DNS service, and many excellent privacy benefits to using Cloudflare DNS specifically.

But editing the DNS settings on Android isn’t that convenient. The method often changes from one version of the OS to the next. It’s far easier to install the CloudflareDNS4Magisk module. It directs all your mobile data and Wi-Fi traffic through the free Cloudflare service.

9. Nova and GoogleNow Companion

Nova is the best Android launcher you can get. It’s blazing fast, full of features, lacks bloat, and gives any device the look and feel of stock Android. The Nova module lets you install it as a systemless app, replacing your phone’s default launcher.

The additional Google Now functionality lets you swipe right to access your latest feed and information from Google, right from your home screen.

10. Xposed Framework

Before Magisk, the common way to run modules on your phone was through the Xposed Framework. It was among the big reasons to root your phone, and enabled you to run the peerless GravityBox mod, which housed hundreds of system tweaks in a single app.

Fortunately, there’s an Xposed module for Magisk, and in some ways it’s better than the original. It’s systemless, so it’s not as intrusive of an app. It’s less likely to cause problems, and shouldn’t block Android operating system updates, either.

Unlock Even More Android Modules With Magisk

Magisk is a fantastic way to root your phone. It’s quick and safe, and it doesn’t interfere with security-reliant apps. And the existence of modules gives you immediate benefits to rooting.

If you decide to use the Xposed module for Magisk, you’ll have even more fun tweaks available to experiment with. To help you along the way, check out our guide to the best Xposed modules for Android.


 

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