They may not be as popular as they were in their day, but mods for Android are one of the best options to customize the experience with our phones without installing a full ROM.
Thanks to them, it is possible to modify aspects of the interface or the operation that otherwise would not be possible, taking further advantage of the customization capabilities provided by the Google operating system.
Even in the middle of 2021, Android mods still have their audience. In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about them, as well as show you some of the best that you can download and install.
What are mods for Android?
Mods are short for mods. Therefore, a mod is any software or element that modifies the operating system of our device.
There are customization mods used to modify aspects of the user interface that could not be changed before. These security mods add an extra layer to the privacy functions of the mobile or mods that incorporate functions of mobile phones from other brands.
Some of the mods that exist today require rooting our Android mobile to work. It is also likely that you will need to install a modified recovery to carry out its installation.
Others, on the other hand, work as applications or are so simple that they do not require root or recovery to carry out the modifications.
Be that as it may, in any of the cases, it is highly recommended to make a complete backup of the device. You will likely modify essential aspects of the system, and some errors may occur during the process.
How to install mods on Android: by recovery
Most “advanced” mods must be installed through recovery. In case the mod you have downloaded is of this type, you must first make sure you meet the requirements:
- Be root user
- Have a modified recovery installed that allows us to modify the system files.
When you meet the requirements, the steps to follow to install a mod for Android through recovery are the following:
- Download the mod and save it on the microSD card or in the internal memory of the phone.
- Enter recovery mode.
- Now, scroll with the volume up and down buttons to install zip> install zip from / sdcard and look for the zip where the mod is located.
- Please select it and wait for the installation to finish.
You can now restart your mobile and enjoy the changes that the mod you just installed has introduced.
How to install mods on Android without recovery
One of the most popular ways to install mods on Android without recovery is using the Xposed Framework. Xposed is a mod framework that allows you to install “modules” – that’s what the folks at Xposed call their mods – with which to unlock features or add new options.
Remember that, although to use Xposed, it is not mandatory to have a modified recovery; you do need to have rooted the mobile.
That said, the steps to follow to install Xposed are as follows:
- Download and install the Xposed Installer APK.
- Open the Xposed Installer app, go to the “Framework” section, and tap on “Install / Update.”
- Restart the mobile
That is all. Now, it is time to install the Xposed modules. This is the procedure to follow:
- Download the APK file of the mod you want to install and run it.
- Open Xposed Installer and go to the “Modules” section.
- Please tap on the mod that you have installed in the first step, and activate it.
Finally, you will have to restart your mobile to apply the changes. We insist on the need to create a backup copy before carrying out any such modification.
Five mods you can install right now.
Now that you know how mods are installed on Android, it’s time to see the best mods for Android that you can currently download.
HappyMod
HappyMod is much more than a mod. It is a platform to test hundreds of 100% functional mods for different Android games. You can find mods for Clash of Clans, Minecraft, Roblox, or Brawl Stars, among many other titles.
Amplify Battery
This mod, which came out of XDA, allows us to maximize the autonomy of our mobiles through modifications in the system parameters.
Among its functions, there is the option to analyze which apps consume more energy and offer recommendations on the settings that we can deactivate to extend the battery life.
It is a mod for Android by Xposed, which can be used for free, although there is a paid version.
XInsta
A very useful mod for Instagram users. With XInsta, you can, among other things, download photos and videos from Instagram, view detailed statistics of followers and followed users, or download stories and direct.
CustoMIUIzer
If you have a Xiaomi mobile, this is the mod you need to get the most out of MIUI.
CustoMIUIzer integrates camera modifications, improvements for apps or the always-on display mode, and other functions, optimized to work perfectly on mobile phones with MIUI. It is free to download and requires Xposed to work.
GravityBox
Probably the complete mod for Android. GravityBox contains a whole suite of tools to take advantage of your mobile, ranging from customizing elements such as the lock screen or the navigation bar to more advanced changes that you can carry out on the system to do your mobile works exactly how you want.
Sharlene Meriel is an avid gamer with a knack for technology. He has been writing about the latest technologies for the past 5 years. His contribution in technology journalism has been noteworthy. He is also a day trader with interest in the Forex market.
