Install Kali NetHunter in Termux with GUI – Complete Guide

In this post, I’m going to show you how to install Kali Nethunter in Termux. We’ll use the official installation method provided by Kali Linux. This method does not require root permissions and ensures you have a fully functional Kali Nethunter with GUI support. Follow the steps carefully, and by the end, you’ll have Kali Nethunter running smoothly in Termux.

What Is Kali Nethunter?

Kali Nethunter is a fully functional version of Kali Linux designed specifically for Android devices. It provides all the tools available in Kali Linux and includes a graphical interface for ease of use. Kali Nethunter is ideal for penetration testing on mobile devices and can perform almost any Linux-based activity.

The best part? No root permissions are required to run Kali Nethunter in Termux.

Install Kali Linux on Your Android Device

To set up Kali Linux on your Android device, you will need two essential tools: Termux and NetHunter KeX. Termux is a versatile terminal emulator that allows you to execute Linux commands on Android, while NetHunter KeX integrates Kali Linux with a graphical interface, enabling the use of GUI-based tools.

Step 1: Install the Kali NetHunter App Store

To begin, download the Kali NetHunter App Store APK from the official NetHunter website.

• Transfer the downloaded APK to your Android device.
• Enable the “Unknown sources” option in your device settings to allow app installations from external sources.
• Locate the APK file and install it on your device.

Once installed, the NetHunter App Store will give you access to tools like Termux and NetHunter KeX.

Step 2: Install Termux Terminal

After setting up the NetHunter App Store, open it and search for “Termux.”

• Select “Termux Terminal (emulator with packages)” from the search results.

• Click on the Install button.

If you encounter a security warning about installation permissions:

• Tap on the Settings option in the alert box.

• Enable the “Allow app installs” option.

• Return to the installer and press Install again.

Once Termux is successfully installed, you’re ready to move to the next step.

Step 3: Install NetHunter KeX

Next, search for “NetHunter KeX” in the NetHunter App Store.

• Select the official application provided by Kali Linux.

• Click the Install button, and when prompted, confirm the installation.

This will install the NetHunter KeX application, enabling you to run a graphical user interface for Kali Linux on your Android device.

Now you’re all set to proceed with configuring Kali Linux on your phone!

How to Install Kali Nethunter in Termux?

Follow these simple steps to install Kali Nethunter in Termux:

Step 1: Update and Upgrade Termux Packages

pkg update && pkg upgrade -y

Step 2: Install Wget

pkg install wget -y

Step 3: Grant Storage Permission

termux-setup-storage

Step 4: Download Nethunter Installation Script

wget -O install-nethunter-termux https://offs.ec/2MceZWr

Step 5: Make the Script Executable

chmod +x install-nethunter-termux

Step 6: Start the Installation

./install-nethunter-termux

Step 7: Choose the Full Version

When prompted, type 1 to download and install the full version of Kali Nethunter.

Info! This step requires about 2.5 GB of mobile data and a stable internet connection. The process can take 20–30 minutes.

Step 8: Keep the Zip File

After installation, you’ll be prompted to remove the zip file. Type N to keep it as a backup.

Once this process is complete, Kali Nethunter will be installed on your device.

Access the Kali Linux Desktop on Android

Follow these steps to access the Kali Linux desktop environment on your Android device:

Step 1: Set a Password for NetHunter KeX

Start by creating a password for the NetHunter KeX session. Open Termux and run the following command:

nethunter kex passwd

Once the password is successfully set, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Start the NetHunter Desktop Session

Run the command below to start the NetHunter Desktop Experience:

nethunter kex &

This command will display the port number where the session is running. Make a note of it.

Step 3: Open the NetHunter KeX Application

• Launch the NetHunter KeX app on your device.

• In the VNC Connection Settings, type 5901 (the port number shown in the previous step).

• Enter the password you created earlier.

• Click on the Connect button to access the Kali Linux desktop.

Important Note

Ensure you replace the default port (:1) with the port number provided in the output of the nethunter kex & command if it differs.

Success! Congratulations! You now have the Kali Linux desktop environment running on your Android device.

Enjoy the power of Kali Linux right in your pocket!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter problems like applications not running correctly or errors with the VNC server, restart the VNC server with these commands:

nethunter kex stop

nethunter kex &

This should resolve most VNC-related issues.

Fix Signal 9 Error in Android 12 or Higher

When using the Kali NetHunter GUI on Android 12 or higher, the "Signal 9" error might occur due to the Phantom process killer. Follow these steps to fix it:

1. Enable Developer Options:
   • Go to Settings > About and tap Build Number seven times to activate Developer Options.
2. Enable Android Debugging:
   • In Developer Options, toggle on Android Debugging.
3. Connect to Your Computer:
   • Connect your Android device via USB and ensure ADB and Fastboot are installed on your computer.
   • Download ADB tools from the official Android Developer website.
4. Run ADB Commands:
   • Run the following commands in a command prompt:

     adb devices

     adb shell "/system/bin/device_config set_sync_disabled_for_tests persistent"

     adb shell "/system/bin/device_config put activity_manager max_phantom_processes 2147483647"

     adb shell settings put global settings_enable_monitor_phantom_procs false

5. Verify Changes:
   • Use these commands to confirm the changes:

     adb shell "/system/bin/dumpsys activity settings | grep max_phantom_processes"

     adb shell "/system/bin/device_config get activity_manager max_phantom_processes"

6. Restart Termux:
   • Run nethunter kex & to restart Kali NetHunter without issues.
   • Disable battery restrictions on Termux for improved stability.

Conclusion

Kali Nethunter brings the power of Kali Linux to your Android device without requiring root permissions. From a powerful terminal to a complete graphical interface, it enables mobile penetration testing with ease. By following this tutorial, you can install and use Kali Nethunter efficiently in Termux.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments below. Thanks for reading!