[Eng: Tutorial] Kali NetHunter - Linux on Android

[DYING_S0UL]

Inspired by Learn Bitcoin's comprehensive guide on PGP, I've decided to create a tutorial on installing Kali NetHunter on Android device (Rootless).

Using this Android users will gain the ability to utilize PGP encryption on their devices with NetHunter. Hence completing the trilogy of guides on PGP across Windows, Linux and Android platform.

This tutorial is made on Android 11, but it should also work seamlessly on Android 12, 13 and 14.
 
Minimum installation requirements:

• 1. Minimum 15–20 GB of storage
• 2. Knowledge of Command Prompt and Terminal apps
• 3. A working brain

➥ Step 1: Install Termux app from github/F-droid (Use VPN, in case of slow download).

➥ Step 2: Open termux and enter the following command to update package

Code:

pkg update -y

➥ Step 3: When prompted for an action press Y and <Enter> so you install the package maintainer’s version (6 times)

➥ Step 4: Allow storage permission

Code:

termux-setup-storage

➥ Step 5: Install wget

Code:

pkg install wget

➥ Step 6: Download NetHunter installation file

Code:

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

➥ Step 7: Change permission to execute the file

Code:

chmod +x install-nethunter-termux

➥ Step 8: Execute the file

Code:

./install-nethunter-termux

➥ Step 9: Enter the image you wanna install. You can choose full, minimal, nano. I will go for no 1.

➥ Step 10: Press N when asked for delete rootfs (The installation will take a while, 15-30 minutes depending on your internet speed).

After step 10, you will have to fix dbus-x11 error. Users are most likely to get this error after the first installation. To fix this problem you just have to change the DNS server and update some package.

Fix dbus-x11 error

➥ Step 11: Run the following command

Code:

nh -r

➥ Step 12: Open the file /etc/resolve.conf

Code:

nano  /etc/resolve.conf

➥ Step 13: Edit the ip address to 8.8.8.8, Then Press ctrl + x and enter Y to save

➥ Step 14: Run apt update and apt install dbus

Code:

apt update
apt install dbus-x11 -y

Now that we have fixed the error, we can continue further....


➥ Step 15: Enter NetHunter and Set the password for Kex VNC (press N to entering a view-only password)

➥ Step 16: Note down the port number, you will need it in step 19.

➥ Step 17: Download Nethunter app and install it.

➥ Step 18: Open the NetHunter app and search for Kex, install it and open it.

➥ Step 19: Enter the port number, username as kali, and your password from step 16 and press connect.

➥ Step 20: Voila!!! Now you have Rootless Kali NetHunter GUI on your Android device.

➥ Related Tutorials:

• ▶ [Eng: Tutorial] PGP Signature - Encrypt/Decrypt message (Linux Only)
• ▶ [Eng: Tutorial] PGP Signature - Encrypt/Decrypt message - Fingerprint -mdayonliner- English
• ▶ PGP Tutorial Bangla - Windows- Learn Bitcoin - Bangla

➥ Reference used:

https://www.youtube.com/davidbombal
https://www.kali.org/docs/nethunter/nethunter-rootless/
https://store.nethunter.com/
https://github.com/termux/termux-app/issues/236

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[nc50lc]

Inspired by Learn Bitcoin's comprehensive guide on PGP,

For anyone who's only interested on only using PGP on Android without GUI, Termux is enough to install GnuPG.
So only the first few steps and a very little amount of storage is required in this use-case.

Simply install Termux, and follow Steps 1 to 4 in the instructions to update and set the necessary permissions.
Then install GnuPG via: apt install gnupg (current version 2.4.3)

After that, it's a matter of using GnuPG in the command line which has an abundant number of tutorials like: /index.php?topic=5240594.0#post_CmdInstruct
Example final result of the tutorial above in Termux:

[DYING_S0UL]

~snip~

Thank you for the link. I'll make sure to check it out.

Some users were asking for a tutorial on how to install Linux on a mobile device. That's the main reason I made it. Even if one doesn't use PGP in Kali Nethunter, at least he can enjoy Linux. It's like hitting two targets with one arrow.

[dkbit98]

If I understand correctly this basically runs two operating systems on your smartphone, Android and Kali Linux?
This can be useful in some cases but people with older smartphones could also run Ubuntu Touch or Manjaro OS on their devices, even if this are not my favorite OS.
Debian Noroot is also an option, and I think that PinePhone is open source project that supports most major Linux phone projects.

[albert0bsd]

Once months ago I did that with some other Linux Desktop environment, it was just XFCE under Termux but it was extremely slow and my phone is or was a high end phone (Samsung Galaxy Note 10+).

So maybe some users will get disappointment with those Desktop environments under Android

If I understand correctly this basically runs two operating systems on your smartphone, Android and Kali Linux?

Yes that is what they are doing, but if you ask me there is no need to that for some users that will be some complex, I use PGP and other Linux CLI tools on android - Termux every day, for example  i use it as my password manager with this tool: passwordstore an open source password manager

For me there is no need to use those tools under GUI environments. Maybe i need to do a video tutorial of how to use PGP/GPG in Termux without GUI, If you ask me it is more efficient and simple, but some people simple doesn't like command line tools...  

I feel stupid with CLI applications, it's just that.

[BitMaxz]

Just wow, I was looking for something like this before that support phone and I like the GUI but have you tried to install any Bitcoin wallet on the GUI?
Or it has limited app and software support?

I have dex on my Samsung phone connected to my smart TV with a keyboard it looks like a mini PC but it only supports the APK app.
So I just want to know if this can be cast or connected to a smart TV that works like a small PC with a mouse and keyboard and if it supports other software like Electrum appimage.

I just want it to try and I hope this won't brick my phone.

[albert0bsd]

I have dex on my Samsung phone connected to my smart TV with a keyboard it looks like a mini PC but it only supports the APK app.
So I just want to know if this can be cast or connected to a smart TV

It should support all the apps that are available for termux.

I did that on the Dex Environment of the Samsung on my Note 10+ and it works well, but the Linux Desktop environment was extremely slow maybe because it is like virtualized OS inside of another OS.

[PrivacyG]

If I understand correctly this basically runs two operating systems on your smartphone, Android and Kali Linux?
This can be useful in some cases but people with older smartphones could also run Ubuntu Touch or Manjaro OS on their devices, even if this are not my favorite OS.
Debian Noroot is also an option, and I think that PinePhone is open source project that supports most major Linux phone projects.

It is rather similar to Virtual Machine.  You can run Kali Linux but only through Kex which is an application on Android.  Except sandboxing and running maybe some Kali applications I do not get the benefits of running a Virtual Machined Kali on an Android phone to be fair.

The Ubuntu Touch you mention was likely a FLASHED OS ported to work with a number of old phones and tablets.  That one was not a Virtual Machine but you were replacing Android entirely with Ubuntu or Manjaro.

[DYING_S0UL]

If I understand correctly this basically runs two operating systems on your smartphone, Android and Kali Linux?
This can be useful in some cases but people with older smartphones could also run Ubuntu Touch or Manjaro OS on their devices, even if this are not my favorite OS.
Debian Noroot is also an option, and I think that PinePhone is open source project that supports most major Linux phone projects.

Yes, you can basically run two operating systems on your mobile device through this.

Once months ago I did that with some other Linux Desktop environment, it was just XFCE under Termux but it was extremely slow and my phone is or was a high end phone (Samsung Galaxy Note 10+). So maybe some users will get disappointment with those Desktop environments under Android.

It is not recommended to use this mid range smart phone. I did not have any problems using this, even though I installed the full version. Those who don't want everything but the basics of Linux can install the minimal or nano version. It's only 150 MB. There are other distros that might be compatible with your device.

For me there is no need to use those tools under GUI environments. Maybe i need to do a video tutorial of how to use PGP/GPG in Termux without GUI, If you ask me it is more efficient and simple, but some people simple doesn't like command line tools...  

This tutorial is not only for PGP. Those who wants to use Linux on their smartphones, they can follow it. And if you were a hacker or someone who likes to exploit different software or vulnerabilities, this tool might come in handy because of its rich inbuild tool collection.

Just wow, I was looking for something like this before that support phone and I like the GUI but have you tried to install any Bitcoin wallet on the GUI?
Or it has limited app and software support?

I have dex on my Samsung phone connected to my smart TV with a keyboard it looks like a mini PC but it only supports the APK app.
So I just want to know if this can be cast or connected to a smart TV that works like a small PC with a mouse and keyboard and if it supports other software like Electrum appimage.

I just want it to try and I hope this won't brick my phone.

Technically, it should support everything, but I don't think our phones have that kind of capability to run those massive softowers. But yes, it should work. I haven't tested it. I was out of storage, just the system took 17GB of my space.

No, your phone would not brick. It's not connected to your main OS.

The Ubuntu Touch you mention was likely a FLASHED OS ported to work with a number of old phones and tablets.  That one was not a Virtual Machine but you were replacing Android entirely with Ubuntu or Manjaro.

I have heard of Ubuntu Touch before. I wanted to try that, but apparently I dont have a second device at this moment. Yes, they will replace the entire OS. Currently, I am a custom ROM user, meaning I flash these custom OS with my everyday needs. I have flashed over 50+ different custom roms and numerous custom kernels so far. It was fun, actually. At this moment, I am using CRDROID, based on Pixel OS.

Cheers  

[nc50lc]

Thank you for the link. I'll make sure to check it out.

It's very specific though, the link is just for verifying file signature of Electrum binaries.
But it's generally the basic steps so it'll work in other binaries as well with the necessary modifications of course.

For message encryption, here are the steps (since I can't find any for Termux to link):

• After installing GnuPG as described in the first reply, create a new text file somewhere in Termux directory, for example in "Termux/Storage".
  Edit that text file to write the message that you want to encrypt, save.
• Open Termux and enter the command: gpg -a -r <recipient> --encrypt ~/storage/<filename.txt>
  (the recipient can be the email, uid or fingerprint, without the "<>", you can get it from your key-list: -k)
• Then, a "<filename.txt>.asc" file will be created in the same directory containing the signed message.

[Learn Bitcoin]

Inspired by Learn Bitcoin's comprehensive guide on PGP, I've decided to create a tutorial on installing Kali NetHunter on Android device (Rootless).

Thank you very much DYING_S0UL!
I tried a couple of apps this week, and I thought those apps work like an emulator of Linux. I tried UserLAnd and Andronix, but they just installed the terminal. But I was trying to install the Desktop environment on my Android device. I did not have enough time, and I quickly gave up. I was trying this because most of our locals use Android devices, and they were looking for mobile tutorials. But as you may know, I don't understand much about Android like you. I will try this and install it to check how it works on my device. That was an excellent tutorial.

[DVlog]

Exactly what I was looking for. The law and enforcement agency in my country has been very strict about crypto user and they are investigating peoples phones if they suspect anyone of using crypto. So I was looking for an option where I can use two OSs on a single device where I can use my regular android version of the phone and on top of that Kali Linux can give me a hideout for my crypto related applications. Do you have any list of devices where such setup can be used normally without any issue or just share the details of the phone's configuration that is needed to set this up?

[Shishir99]

Do you have any list of devices where such setup can be used normally without any issue or just share the details of the phone's configuration that is needed to set this up?

I guess any Android device over Android 10 and with 6 gigs of RAM and 20 gigs of free space in storage should work. I have not tried anything yet. Since DYING_S0UL already used it, he might have better knowledge regarding this. This looks very good. Whoever hasn't used a computer yet, it will be very interesting for them. If your device supports OTG, then it will be easier to use it with a mouse and keyboard. I have seen some streamers use their mobile device to play games with mous and keyboards using OTG and USB hub.

[DVlog]

Do you have any list of devices where such setup can be used normally without any issue or just share the details of the phone's configuration that is needed to set this up?

I guess any Android device over Android 10 and with 6 gigs of RAM and 20 gigs of free space in storage should work. I have not tried anything yet. Since DYING_S0UL already used it, he might have better knowledge regarding this. This looks very good. Whoever hasn't used a computer yet, it will be very interesting for them. If your device supports OTG, then it will be easier to use it with a mouse and keyboard. I have seen some streamers use their mobile device to play games with mous and keyboards using OTG and USB hub.

My phone supports OTG but it has only 4GB of ram which can slow my device I guess. I have the android version and storage if you are giving the correct answer regarding this. May be OP can shed some light on this and clear things up for both of us. I have used Linux on my computer before and it was Kali or Ubuntu, which I can not remember. It was few years ago but the experience was amazing. 

[DYING_S0UL]

Exactly what I was looking for. The law and enforcement agency in my country has been very strict about crypto user and they are investigating peoples phones if they suspect anyone of using crypto. So I was looking for an option where I can use two OSs on a single device where I can use my regular android version of the phone and on top of that Kali Linux can give me a hideout for my crypto related applications. Do you have any list of devices where such setup can be used normally without any issue or just share the details of the phone's configuration that is needed to set this up?

I guess any Android device over Android 10 and with 6 gigs of RAM and 20 gigs of free space in storage should work. I have not tried anything yet. Since DYING_S0UL already used it, he might have better knowledge regarding this. This looks very good. Whoever hasn't used a computer yet, it will be very interesting for them. If your device supports OTG, then it will be easier to use it with a mouse and keyboard. I have seen some streamers use their mobile device to play games with mous and keyboards using OTG and USB hub.

May be OP can shed some light on this and clear things up for both of us.

Technically, it should work, yes. I have installed Kali NetHunter on a 4/64 variant smartphone, and it works just fine. I haven't seen any issues or lags. 4-6GB of RAM and 20GB of storage are enough. Yes, Shishir99, you can use OTG to navigate with a mouse and keyboard. To be honest, without a mouse and keyboard, you'll be crying, as navigation on Kali GUI was quite hard for me, as smartphones have smaller display. I had to zoom in and zoom out to go from place to place. Accidental touch would occur from time to time.

DVlog, I haven't personally used any crypto related software on my Kali NetHunter. So I don't know if it'll work or if it has a compatibility issue or not. To be honest, I don't know if our smartphones have that kind of capacity to run massive level software. The OS itself took up 20GB of my space. Imagine what would happen. But, again, yes, technically, it should work. Give it a try.

Cheers  

[PrivacyG]

Currently, I am a custom ROM user, meaning I flash these custom OS with my everyday needs. I have flashed over 50+ different custom roms and numerous custom kernels so far. It was fun, actually. At this moment, I am using CRDROID, based on Pixel OS.

Do you mind if I ask if you are using Custom ROMs with purposes such as better security or Privacy?

Custom ROMs are sometimes more dangerous than the Stock ROM.  Careful with what you are flashing on your phone.  You get to flash an Operating System that has been manipulated and handled by a group of people.  Sometimes just by one person even.  It is almost impossible to do this without creating vulnerabilities in the process too.  It would not be a surprise to find out these Custom ROMs have key loggers or other kind of Spyware built in.  I would not trust them.

Ubuntu Touch is fun.  But I rather have a more stripped down Operating System with more security and Privacy options.  Personal choice however.

[Shishir99]

Technically, it should work, yes. I have installed Kali NetHunter on a 4/64 variant smartphone, and it works just fine. I haven't seen any issues or lags. 4-6GB of RAM and 20GB of storage are enough.

One thing I hate is lag. I used a Samsung android device a couple of years ago and I remember how it feels when your device lags. Devices with lower Ram and weak processors may lag running. But I am not sure yet because my device has 8 gigs of RAM, and I haven't installed it yet.

I haven't personally used any crypto related software on my Kali NetHunter. So I don't know if it'll work or if it has a compatibility issue or not. To be honest, I don't know if our smartphones have that kind of capacity to run massive level software

Don't dare to run heavy-weight software like Bitcoin core. But I don't think trying electrum will be a bad idea as it's not heavy software. What other crypto software do you guys want to use?  

[PrivacyG]

Don't dare to run heavy-weight software like Bitcoin core. But I don't think trying electrum will be a bad idea as it's not heavy software. What other crypto software do you guys want to use?  

Bitcoin Core can run on very weak devices.  It has to be a possibility to run it on the latest mid range Smart phones at least.

[DYING_S0UL]

Do you mind if I ask if you are using Custom ROMs with purposes such as better security or Privacy?

No dear, I wouldn't mind. I use custom ROMs for better performance and a good battery health. Built-in ROMS are filled with blotwares and stock ROM is just pure simple, lacking many features. That's the reason. But yes, nothing can beat Stock, no question in that. I have been testing these custom ROMs for years. Different base, different developer, different Android versions 10, 11, 13, 14. Just name it.

Custom ROMs are sometimes more dangerous than the Stock ROM. Careful with what you are flashing on your phone. You get to flash an Operating System that has been manipulated and handled by a group of people.  Sometimes just by one person even. It is almost impossible to do this without creating vulnerabilities in the process too. It would not be a surprise to find out these Custom ROMs have key loggers or other kind of Spyware built in. I would not trust them.

That's common for you to think and you are right. They pose security threat. But the thing is most to the ROMs are open source. So you get to view their code directly. If you had the knowledge, you would know if there were any vulnerabilities.

Ubuntu Touch is fun.  But I rather have a more stripped down Operating System with more security and Privacy options.  Personal choice however.

If I wanted privacy and security I would have used Ubuntu Touch. But I don't. I am a tester. I won't be using same Rom forever. I keep on changing, flashing and testing.  

[DVlog]

DVlog, I haven't personally used any crypto related software on my Kali NetHunter. So I don't know if it'll work or if it has a compatibility issue or not. To be honest, I don't know if our smartphones have that kind of capacity to run massive level software. The OS itself took up 20GB of my space. Imagine what would happen. But, again, yes, technically, it should work. Give it a try.

Cheers  

Then what is the point of using Linux on our smart phones if we can not use mobile applications? Though I think you are right a smart phone won't be able to install such a large file. I am not sure about this either but using a heavy application can make things slow and the capacity to run an application like this can be limited. I do understand that even if we can manage to install one it won't be as convenient as using an android application.