Kali Linux is the most popular security and penetration testing operating system in the world. Thanks to the NetHunter project, you can now install Kali Linux on your Android phone.
NetHunter is the mobile version of Kali Linux and is designed for Android devices. This is a powerful tool for penetration testing. This guide shows how to install NetHunter on any non-rooted Android phone.
If you are interested in penetration testing, you should also check out the best pentesting tools available today.
What is Kali Linux NetHunter?
Kali Linux NetHunter is the mobile version of the popular Kali Linux security operating system. You can install it on any non-rooted Android phone to run many penetration testing tools from your phone.
Kali NetHunter is available in 3 versions:
- NetHunter Rootless for non-rooted Android phones
- NetHunter for rooted phones with custom recovery and NetHunter-specific kernel
- NetHunter Lite for phones with custom recovery
The NetHunter Toolkit, for all three editions, is made up of the following:
- NetHunter App Store with hundreds of security applications
- Kali Linux container includes all applications available in Kali Linux
- Android application to access NetHunter App Store
- NetHunter KeX (Desktop Experience) to run Kali desktop sessions. NetHunter KeX includes support for screen recording and projection.
Steps to install Kali Linux NetHunter on Android
The only requirement to install Kali Linux Nethunter is that the phone is running Android 7 or newer. The article recommends using an Android version before 12, because the later version monitors and kills application processes when they consume too much processing power.
Step 1: Install Termux on your phone
1. Although you can get the Termux app from the Google Play Store, this variant is deprecated: It does not receive updates and contains bugs and outdated repositories. You should install the latest version from the Termux GitHub page.
Download the app by clicking on the option highlighted above. The download will take a few seconds, based on your Internet speed. Click on the downloaded file to install.
2. By default, your phone does not allow you to install apps from unknown sources. In that case, you must set the permissions by clicking “Settings”.

3. Your phone will redirect you to the settings page where you can choose to allow installation of apps from your browser, as shown:

4. You will come to options Install allows you to install applications.

Step 2: Upgrade the repository
Once the Termux application is installed, you should update the repository. Debian Linux and most of its derivatives use APT (Advanced Package Tool) to install software.
By running the update command, package source information is obtained from the configured resources. The upgrade command will use the information to upgrade all packages to the latest version.
You can also learn basic Linux commands to use Termux better.
First, run the update command:
apt update
Enter the following command:
apt upgrade
When asked “Do you want to continue?” (Do you want to continue?) press Y and Enter.
Next, set up storage permissions for the Termux application using the following command:
termux-setup-storage

It will trigger a pop-up window asking if you want to allow Termux to access files on your device. Click “Allow”.

Step 3: Install NetHunter
1. Install Wget by running this command:
apt install wget

When asked, “Do you want to continue?”please reply Y.
Download the NetHunter installation file by running the command below. Make sure you enter the correct address.
wget -O install-nethunter-termux https://offs.ec/2MceZWr

3. Adjust the permissions of the downloaded file, making the file executable:
chmod +x install-nethunter-termux

4. Execute NetHunter:
./install-nethunter-termux

The installation process may take some time, depending on the speed of your Internet connection.
5. When asked if you want to delete the downloaded rootfs file, answer Nbecause you may need it later.

Step 4: Start Kali NetHunter
To start the Kali Linux NetHunter command line interface, enter the following command:
nethunter
You can also use the command as a shortcut for NetHunter.

The next step is to set a NetHunter KeX password. Note that you must exit NetHunter CLI to run this command:
nethunter kex passwd

Start NetHunter KeX by running the following command:
nethunter kex
Please note down the RFB port number, as you will use it later.

At this point, NetHunter is up and running, but you must configure your monitor to use the software.
Step 5: Install NetHunter KeX
NetHunter KeX is the App Store for NetHunter. This app store contains many different tools that you might not get on your regular app store. Don't confuse it with Samsung Dex.
1. Visit the NetHunter App Store website.
2. Download and install the NetHunter store app.

3. Launch the app store, search NetHunter KeX and install it.

4. After the NetHunter Store app downloads the NetHunter KeX app, you will be asked if you want to install it. Click “Install”.

5. Launch NetHunter KeX. The application requires you to enter your KeX username and password. Username is optional; In the case of the example, we won't need it. Enter the password you set earlier and make sure the port number is the same as the one you had when configuring NetHunter KeX, then click “Connect”.
6. If you have followed all the steps correctly, you should have Kali NetHunter GUI running on your Android phone.
For comfort, you can choose any of the input modes: Direct Swipe Pan, Direct Hold Pan, Single Hand and Simulated Touchpad. Direct Swipe Pan mode allows you to control the mouse directly by touching it. When you press, the mouse will click where you pressed.
To use Direct Hold Pan mode, press and hold to start. Touch makes the mouse click where you touch. Simulated Touchpad mode converts your screen into a simulated touchpad. Finally, Single Hand mode works similarly to Direct and Swap Pan modes, except that pressing and holding opens a menu with a list of options.