How to install Magisk modules on a rooted Android phone
Magisk is one of the best tools to tap into when customizing any rooted Android device. You install modules that do just about anything you want systemlessly, allowing you to make changes without permanently overwriting your system files. Once you uninstall them, you’ll return to stock settings. If you want to take one of thebest Android budget phonesand tweak it with Magisk, you could customize it to your liking. Specific module-related propertieshave changed in later versions of Magisk, so we go over everything you need to know in the guide below.
The official Magisk repo and how to use it
This official repo was built directly into theMagisk appto make installing and updating your modules quick and easy. However, starting withMagisk v24.0, developerJohn Wuremoved it entirely from the app. If you previously relied only on the app for your module needs, you might be trying to figure out what to do now that the feature is missing.
Rooting your phone and installing Magisk modules are technical procedures that smartphone manufacturers might consider warranty-voiding. Due to possible module compatibility conflicts, things can go wrong, causing issues ranging from simple data loss to a bricked device. At the same time, being rooted can remove some security protection features and leave you vulnerable to outside threats. Be sure you understand the risks involved when rooting an Android device before proceeding.
Now, you have to manually access the official Magisk repo, which you may find by doing the following:
Since the official Magisk repo is no longer accepting new module submissions, it could completely shut down at some point. However, thealternative Magisk repois available, which will serve as an unofficial replacement should that ever happen.New modules are constantly added to this repo, so it’s already a widely used source. It also uses GitHub, so the instructions for downloading modules are the same as the official repo above.
Check out theMagisk section on XDA Forumsoccasionally to find new modules. Look for thread titles with the [MODULE] or [Magisk Module] tags to easily spot them while you browse. At the same time, XDA is a great place for troubleshooting issues you might experience with other modules.
How to install Magisk modules
Now that you’ve downloaded a module to your device, you can install it by doing the following:
Module compatibility is quite good overall. However, not all combinations work well together. Be careful when using multiple modules that all do something different. It only takes one of them to cause a potential bootloop. The developers often let you know which modules, if any, aren’t compatible with their modules. But under normal circumstances, you should be able to stack your modules together just fine without any issues.
TheBootloopSaver moduleis something that you should check out when installing multiple modules. Knowing you won’t lose the data on your device because of a compatibility issue should put your mind at ease. It’s also handy if you don’t have a custom recovery environment to fall back on to restore your device, such as TWRP.
The left screenshot shows the default gesture navbar at the bottom on a Pixel device running Android 12. The right one shows it was removed after installing the example module.
Magisk v24 also introduced a new feature allowing module developers to point to a custom update URL for future use. This means they can decide how and where to host their module updates, allowing you to keep them up to date without requiring the official repo.
How to uninstall Magisk modules
When you decide a module doesn’t work for you, removing it is a straightforward and easy process. To uninstall a Magisk module from your device, do the following:
To undo this action for any reason before that, tap theRestorebutton, and it’ll reverse the changes instantly.
Tapping the button on the right turns it off but doesn’t uninstall it from your device. This can help you test the compatibility with multiple modules, giving you a better idea of how they interact. you may always turn on each module later whenever needed. You’re still required to reboot the device if you plan on disabling and enabling modules in this manner.
Fox’s Magisk module manager and how to use it
If you’d prefer to avoid scrolling through online repos looking for new modules, this is the method for you. DeveloperFox2Codecreated an app to manage your Magisk modules. The app pulls from two primary online repo sources:Magisk AltandAndroidacy. You can use Fox’s module manager by doing the following:
Before accessing the main screen, you may be required to grant or deny the notifications permission on newer versions of Android. If any modules are enabled, they appear on the main screen underInstalled. Below that, theOnline Reposection lets you view and download any new modules from the database. If updates to your modules are available, those appear under theUpgradablesection at the top. You also get a notification when it finds a module update, keeping the process as simple as possible.
When syncing with the app, the repo response times can be slower while using a VPN. At first, theOnline Reposection might be missing, but it loads into the menu when it’s ready. Or, it’s possible to close the app and try again. Either way works the same.
Tapping theDescriptionbutton on the left takes you to the README page for each module. Likewise, tapping theInstallbutton on the right brings up the installation options. SelectInstall module, then follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation process. When you reboot your device, that module is activated and ready to go.
Even if you install a module from the official Magisk repo, the app should automatically detect the latest version using other repo sources if available elsewhere. This keeps your modules up to date without any extra effort, so you don’t have to hunt for them online.
Like the official Magisk app, you can temporarily disable a module by switching its button on the right to theoffposition. Tap theUninstallbutton to remove it from your device. Pressing these buttons again reverses the changes. As a reminder, you must reboot your device to disable or remove the module from your system.
Tapping theSettingscogwheel in the upper-right corner and going toManage reposlets you choose where the modules come from. This is useful if you want to make changes after the initial setup process. All sources are enabled by default, but you can disable one at a time by pressing each switch to theoffposition. You can also use theAdd Repooption at the bottom to add a custom URL.
Androidacy wasadded as a repo sourcefor Fox’s module manager, so this partnership is only the beginning. Androidacy shows ads by default on the README and download sections for modules that haven’t opted out. Astheir post about the topicmentions, they show ads to help cover monthly server and development costs. Using the repo website yields the same result with ads, so it’s often easier to use the Android app instead.
You can manage your Magisk modules in a variety of ways
Although the official module repo was removed from the Magisk app, the module aspect of the experience lives on for everyone. As more developers look for alternative ways to continue their projects, the modules will be unchanged in how they work. And whether you choose to manually download modules through an online repo or use Fox’s module manager, the third-party community has you covered. There will always be a way for you to find and install as many modules as you want when using Magisk on your Android device.
If you’d rather not take the leap and enable full root access with Magisk, learnhow to use Shizuku for ADB rootless mods on any Android device. We cover all the ways to activate the Shizuku service, which allows you to find a method that works best for you.
The note-taking app I should have used all along
Broader branding hints at wider paid-tier ambitions
Your new browser chrome-panion
PlayStation Plus subscribers of all tiers are getting access to three excellent titles, including Psychonauts 2, in September
Samsung’s making a bold move
An advanced, compact, purpose-built device
