Kali Linux is a popular operating system that cybersecurity experts, penetration testers, and ethical hackers commonly utilize for security testing and analysis. This Debian-based distribution comes with many tools and applications essential for performing various cybersecurity activities such as vulnerability assessment, digital forensics, and network monitoring.
According to Statista, shipments of Android smartphones were estimated at more than 960 million units in 2023, compared to only 225 million smartphones running Apple’s iOS. Here in this article, we have discussed how to install Kali Linux on Android Root. So, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What Tools Do You Need To Download To Install Kali Linux On Android Root
You have to download a few prerequisite files to install Kali Linux on an Android root. Before installing anything, users need to make sure their device is rooted, which gives them the administrative permissions required.
1. Kali Linux NetHunter
Go to the downloads part of Kali’s official website first. Make sure you choose the right version to ensure hardware compatibility. Use checksum verification tools after the ISO file has been downloaded to avoid it from becoming corrupted during the download.
Pic Credit – techncyber.com
The next step is to make a bootable USB drive with tools like Rufus or Etcher so that you may install Kali Linux NetHunter on your device. Pay close attention to all prompts and instructions during the installation process to prevent faults or issues.
With the help of Kali NetHunter’s vast collection of hacking tools, which includes Metasploit, Nmap, Wireshark, and Aircrack-ng, users may examine the entire security posture of mobile devices, exploit software application vulnerabilities, and conduct sophisticated security assessments on wireless networks.
2. TWRP
Make sure your smartphone is compatible with TWRP before you attempt to download Custom Recovery, such as TWRP, professionally. Next, get the version appropriate for your device model by visiting the official TWRP website.
Pic Credit – twrp.me
You may download the TWRP image file to your PC. Next, connect your Android smartphone to your computer via a USB cord and turn on USB debugging. By using ADB commands to start your device into fastboot mode, you may flash the TWRP image file onto the recovery partition.
3. File Explorer
File Explorer is a necessary tool for organizing files, documents, and media on an Android phone. Users may copy, paste, delete, and move data across other folders with ease because of its user-friendly UI. Advanced features like search capabilities and sorting choices let users find certain files quickly among a large amount of data on their device.
4. BusyBox
An easy-to-use Android software application called BusyBox combines several Unix commands and utilities into a single, small package. Android smartphones are more useful and efficient since users can do a wide range of tasks from their mobile devices, such as file manipulation, networking, and system management.
5. VNC Viewer
With the robust and flexible VNC viewer for Android, users may access and operate desktop PCs from a distance. This program uses the Virtual Network Computing (VNC) protocol to create a secure connection between the user’s device and PC.
Pic Credit – play.google.com
As a result, the user may view and utilize their computer’s desktop as if they were seated in front of it. Many features are available in the VNC viewer for Android, including compatibility with various operating systems, performance-tuning options, and encryption to ensure the security of data during remote connections.
6. Linux Deploy
With the help of Linux Deploy, users of Android devices may install and operate several Linux distributions. Developers, system administrators, and other tech-savvy people may design a customized mobile computing environment using Linux Deploy because it offers the flexibility and customization required.
Support for well-known desktop environments like GNOME, KDE, XFCE, and LXDE makes it simple for users to customize a working Linux environment to meet their unique needs.
Read Also: 5 Quick Ways To Find Out If Your Phone Is Hacked Or Tapped?
How To Prepare Your Device To Install Kali Linux To Make It Work
Before trying to install Kali Linux NetHunter on an Android smartphone, it is important to make sure that the device is compatible.
1. Check Device Compatibility
The main factors that determine compatibility are the hardware specs of the device, including the CPU architecture and kernel version. It is advised that you confirm the device’s compatibility with the ARM architecture, as NetHunter only supports ARM devices running kernels created especially for that architecture.
The installation’s success also depends on ensuring the device is rooted and has an unlocked bootloader. It’s also crucial to look into particular device models and the kind of community support they offer for using modified ROMs like NetHunter.
Doing a comprehensive assessment of these factors before starting the installation will help to prevent any potential technical problems and ensure that an Android device will successfully install Kali Linux NetHunter.
2. Backup Your Data
You must back up your Android smartphone before installing Kali Linux NetHunter since there are potentially dangerous actions involved that might cause malfunctions or data loss.
Pic Credit – play.google.com
By making a complete backup of your data, you may quickly return your device to its initial configuration if something goes wrong during the installation process. You have many options for backing up your Android smartphone with Kali Linux NetHunter. You may use cloud storage services, third-party programs like Titanium Backup, or the built-in backup features that come with the device.
To guarantee optimal data protection, it is highly advised that you make numerous backups of your device and store them in different locations before making any modifications.
3. Enable Developer Options And USB Debugging
For sophisticated users and developers who wish to get the most out of their Android smartphones, turning on Developer Options and USB Debugging is essential.
By selecting the Developer Options menu, users may gain access to sophisticated options and tools that are normally concealed in the regular user interface. This includes USB debugging, which permits more thorough communication between a computer and a device to do operations like installing customized ROMs, rooting devices, and resolving software problems.
You must go to the settings menu, select Developer Mode, and then press the build number many times to unlock these features. Once enabled, users may adjust device performance, personalize system animations, and test apps more effectively.
But, you must proceed cautiously while modifying Developer Options since the wrong settings can break warranties or harm your gadget.
4. Unlock Bootloader
Unlocking the bootloader on an Android smartphone allows users total control over the hardware and software of their device, but it’s a challenging procedure.
By unlocking the bootloader, users may install custom firmware, root their devices, and carry out other modifications that are impossible with a locked bootloader. But it’s important to remember that doing so incorrectly might lead to security holes and ruin the device’s warranty.
Before starting this process, users should make sure they have done their homework and followed the step-by-step instructions provided by reliable sources to ensure a successful unlock without running the risk of damaging their device.
Step-by-Step Guide To Easily Install Kali Linux on Your Rooted Android Phone
Given the increasing popularity of ethical hacking and penetration testing, many people are searching for ways to install Kali Linux on their Android smartphones. Rooting your Android phone and utilizing tools like Linux Deploy may quickly transform it into a portable hacking workstation.
Step 1
Install every app listed above on your rooted Android phone.
Step 2
Using your preferred downloaded File Explorer, extract the downloaded ISO Kali Linux files, then copy the whole path of the file.
Pic Credit – medium.com
Step 3
Open the Linux Deploy properties panel > In the installation path input area, paste the copied whole path> Choose your username and password when logging in> Enable Graphical and set the below values> Now that the installation is complete, go back and select Configure.
Pic Credit – medium.com
Step 4
When a dialog similar to this one appears, click OK to begin configuring the container. It will now take a few minutes. Hold on tight and watch the terminal for deployment.
Pic Credit – medium.com
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Step 5
Now that Kali Linux is prepared for installation, select Start and then OK to initiate the mounting services.
Step 6
Now launch VNC Viewer, choose “+” or the floating action button to create a new connection, then enter “localhost” in the Address field and give it the name “kalilinux.”
Step 7
The setup is now complete. Click “Connect,” enter your selected password, and check the “Remember password” box. After selecting “Continue,” the Kali Linux desktop will show up.
By following these instructions, you may quickly install Kali Linux on your rooted Android phone using Linux Deploy. This will turn your Android handset into a potent ethical hacking tool that will let you do security assessments and penetration tests while you’re on the road.
Best Tools For Installing Kali Linux on Android Without Any Hassle
For Kali Linux to be configured correctly on an Android smartphone, root access is required. With root access, users may run specialized applications and tools on a device and have complete control over the operating system, including the ability to make complicated configuration changes.
Once rooted, users can optimize its potential for cyber operations such as security analysis, penetration testing, and other related activities. It’s crucial to remember, though, that incorrectly rooted a device can violate warranties and present security issues. It is crucial to carefully follow safe rooting processes and utilize reliable tools to secure root access.
Pic Credit- kskroyal.com
- The next step is to install a root management application, such as Magisk or SuperSU, to allow elevated modification rights. Once root access is gained, necessary programs such as BusyBox and Terminal Emulator need to be installed for scripts and commands to execute successfully in the Linux environment.
- ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and Substrate are two more tools that offer sophisticated features for modifying and enhancing settings. Users can also decide to install modified ROMs or kernels for better performance and compatibility with Kali Linux.
- Configuring Kali Linux’s network settings on an Android device with root access is an essential step in guaranteeing the efficient and error-free functioning of this potent penetration testing tool.
By carefully configuring the network settings, users may enhance system efficiency, accelerate data transfer, and establish a dependable internet connection. To enable smooth communication between the Kali Linux environment and external networks, this involves configuring a gateway, DNS servers, IP address, and subnet mask. To ensure secure data transfer, proxy settings may need to be configured in addition to other security checks.
How to Fix Common Problems When Installing Kali Linux on Android
It’s critical to first ascertain if the problem is with the device’s Wi-Fi connection or the network itself.
- Verify that the device is linked to the correct network by first checking the strength of the Wi-Fi signal.
- Next, confirm that the router is operational and that no other network-connected devices are experiencing connection issues. If problems continue, try rebooting Kali Linux’s network settings, the router, and the mobile device.
- It’s also a good idea to search for software updates or patches that might address known connectivity problems. This may include using programs like htop, top, and iftop to monitor CPU, memory, and network activities.
- It’s also critical to look for any background programs or malicious processes that could be using system resources. To find any hardware-related problems, doing diagnostic tests might also be helpful.
Deactivating unused services and adjusting system settings are more ways to increase performance. Sysdig‘s real-time system activity monitoring and log file analysis for problems and warnings are two effective ways.
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Wrap-Up On How To Install Kali Linux On Android Root
In conclusion, running Kali Linux on a rooted Android smartphone requires a good grasp of both operating systems and involves a lot of intricate processes. In general, patience, technical skill, and attention to detail are needed for this technique to be completed correctly and effectively.
To guarantee a seamless installation and peak performance of Kali Linux on a rooted Android smartphone, it is imperative to meticulously adhere to all instructions and carry out a comprehensive study in advance.
We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you learn how to install Kali Linux on Android root. If you still have any questions or doubts regarding this process, please let us know in the comments below.
FAQ: How To Install Kali Linux On Android Root
Hackers and security experts commonly use the popular open-source operating system Kali Linux for a range of tasks linked to security testing and ethical hacking. Installing Kali Linux on a rooted Android smartphone can provide you with a robust toolbox for security-related activities such as penetration testing. Here we will answer some of the most common questions about installing Kali Linux on rooted Android smartphones.
Q1. Is It Legal To Install Kali Linux On An Android Device?
Ans: Installing Kali Linux on an Android device for ethical hacking and educational purposes is permissible. However, it’s important to remember that using Kali Linux for illicit activities is completely prohibited and may have legal ramifications.
Q2. Can I Dual-Boot Kali Linux With My Existing Android OS?
Ans: It is possible to run Kali Linux and your existing Android OS together. This will allow you to switch between Kali Linux and Android on the same device. Conversely, dual-booting can be a challenging process requiring considerable technical knowledge.
Q3. Do I Need To Root My Android Device To Install Kali Linux?
Ans: Indeed, root access is required to install Kali Linux on an Android smartphone. You may install Kali Linux and edit system files on your Android device by rooting it and gaining the necessary rights.