Not so fast! Read this first
Browser: Use a browser that blocks all ads and trackers, such as Brave or Firefox with uBlock Origin. Properly configure the browsers for security, privacy, and a clean user experience. (Don't use Chrome—seriously!)DNS: Choose a secure DNS provider like Mullvad DNS or NextDNS. This not only makes your queries more secure but also unlocks websites restricted by your ISP. Ad-blocking DNS can also block ads in many apps.VPN: If you need a VPN, go for Mullvad (paid and highly recommended), ProtonVPN (has a free plan), or Windscribe (also has a free plan). Avoid random free, sketchy VPNs.
Revanced Manager
Revanced Manager allows you to patch APKs you provide to unlock premium features for free. The list of apps you can patch includes popular ones like YouTube, Reddit, Duolingo, Photomath, Google Photos, and more. Revanced also offers 15 universal patches, such as removing screen capture restrictions and spoofing builds. For detailed instructions, visit their Website and GitHub.
F-Droid
F-Droid is an app repository/library containing only free and open-source apps. For a better-looking interface, try the Droidify app, which includes popular F-Droid repositories like IzzyOnDroid and Guardian Project pre-added to save you time and hassle. You might need to enable these repositories via the app’s settings.
UpdateMe
UpdateMe lists popular third-party mods from different sources in one place. You can download new apps or update existing modded apps (if they’re from the same developer). Most sources listed in the app are reliable and include VirusTotal results but be cautious about your downloads.
Obtainium
Obtainium simplifies app updates by fetching them directly from the source link you provide. It supports popular sources like GitHub, Uptodown, APKMirror (track only), and more. Check this website for pre-configured popular apps.
Grayjay
Grayjay is an awesome open-source application by Louis Rossman that lets you stream content from various platforms like YouTube, Spotify, Twitch, Rumble, and more, all in one seamless app. With features like ad-blocking, background playback, and a highly feature rich client. You can even log in to your accounts to import your playlists, subscriptions, and other personalized content!
For those who are afraid of sideloading for some wired reason, the app is also available on the Play Store, though keep in mind that you'll need to install plugins manually to stream content from their website, and there are some limitations with the Play Store version but most features still work fine, but for a more complete experience, it's recommended to sideload the APK from their website or their own third-party F-Droid repository.
While Grayjay is paid, it does come with a free trial that lasts an unlimited number of days plus no intrusive pop-ups asking for payments! However, if you love the app and want to support its development, I highly encourage purchasing it to help keep this awesome project alive.
YouTube Mod
With Revanced Manager, you can patch YouTube to unlock most premium features for free, like ad-blocking and background playback. It provides features like sponsor blocking, returning the dislike counter, and custom video speeds such as 2.5 x, 3 x, or 4 x. It does require GmsCore (MicroG) for non-root users. For those who prefer apps that don't rely on any Google Play services, try NewPipe or its forks like PipePipe (both of which also include YouTube downloading features). For a more private YouTube experience, LibreTube lets you stream from Piped. Most of these apps are available on F-Droid.
Spotify
For a long time, Spotify mods were broken, but Revanced developers have finally found a solution that should work reliably without issues. The patches are open-source, and you can now mod the Spotify APK using Revanced Manager. Here’s the guide on how to do it. (If the link doesn’t work, join their Discord server first, then click the link again.)
Meanwhile, the OG xManager still has its own modded Spotify APK, but unlike Revanced, its patches are not open-source. The xManager client is currently buggy, and even the xManager team recommends using Revanced Manager as it works better. If you still want to try xManager’s pre-patched APK, download it from their official Discord server.
YouTube Music
Revanced Manager can patch YouTube Music for background playback and ad-blocking. You can try a frontend for YouTube Music called RiMusic, which doesn’t require GmsCore or login and offers a beautiful interface.
Seeker
Seeker is a mobile client for Soulseek, allowing you to download high-quality lossless music for free. Available on the Play Store, it’s a great option for music lovers. Share files to support the network.
Twitter/X
Revanced Manager offers a patch for Twitter/X to hide ads and recommendations. For advanced features, try Hachidori, which provides options to disable ads, unlock premium features, and more.
Snapchat
I am personally not on Snapchat, so I can’t share any personal experience. However, there is an Xposed module available called SnapEnhance. With SnapEnhance, you can not only hide ads within the app but also unlock extra features like turning off read receipts or viewing stories anonymously. SnapEnhance is an Xposed module, so it requires root, but you can use LSPatch with the Shizuku app to use it on non-rooted devices. Another mod is available on UpdateMe named but I haven’t personally tested it.
Revanced Manager has a patch for Reddit, and third-party clients like Infinity, Boost, and RiF etc. provide a better experience. If you're unsure which client to choose, check out this amazing list of clients by [Den(https://rentry.co/danfmhy) which will help you decide which one suits your needs best. Since Reddit’s API changes, many clients have become paid. Luckily, Revanced Manager lets you patch the client with your own key, allowing you to use third-party clients for free. Check out these tutorials on YouTube for guidance.
Discord
AliuCord is a popular Discord mod that gives you Nitro-like features, such as custom emoji usage, large text messages, and client appearance customization. Extensions are available on their Discord server.
Cloudstream
Cloudstream is a media player designed for legal reasons, but you can add extensions to get access to almost every movie, TV show, and IPTV for free. Extensions and setup instructions are available on their Discord server.
Stremio
Stremio is a streaming client/streaming guide designed for legal reasons, but you can use add-ons for movies and TV shows. Prefer torrent add-ons over HTTP ones to support the network. If torrenting is restricted in your region, use RealDebrid for legal streaming. Although Stremio is available on the Play Store in certain regions, if it's not available in yours, you can sideload it from their website. I also highly recommend reading this amazing article by Viren 070, which covers Stremio, its add-ons, and Debrid in detail.
Seal
Seal is a powerful video downloader that uses yt-dlp as its backend. You can download videos from supported websites. Simply share a video link with the app to start downloading.
1DM
1DM is a download manager for Android. With this, you can download videos from almost any website. Just browse around with the app's internal browser, and it will show you an icon indicating you can download videos from the site.