How to Install Kali Linux in Termux (No Root) 2026 – HYDRA TERMUX
How to Install Kali Linux in Termux (No Root) 2026
Run a full Kali Linux penetration testing environment on your Android phone — no root, no laptop, no complicated setup.
So you want to run Kali Linux on your Android phone without rooting it? Yeah, you can. And it's easier than most guides make it look.
This guide uses the official NetHunter Rootless installer — made by the same team that builds Kali Linux. It runs Kali inside Termux using PRoot, which means your phone's system files are never touched. Everything lives inside Termux. If you uninstall Termux, it all disappears cleanly.
I tested this on Android 12 and Android 14 in February 2026. Both worked perfectly. Let's get into it.
- Why Install Kali Linux in Termux?
- Requirements
- Step 1 — Download Termux from F-Droid
- Step 2 — Update Termux Packages
- Step 3 — Install Required Packages
- Step 4 — Download NetHunter Installer
- Step 5 — Run the Installer
- Step 6 — Launch Kali Linux
- Step 7 — Install Kali Tools
- Step 8 — Set Up GUI Desktop (Optional)
- Troubleshooting Common Errors
- FAQ
✨ Why Install Kali Linux in Termux?
Termux already gives you a Linux terminal on Android. But Kali Linux adds hundreds of professional security tools on top of that — turning your phone into a full portable penetration testing lab.
📋 Requirements
| What | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Android Version | 7.0 (Nougat) | 10 or higher |
| Processor | ARM 64-bit | Any modern Snapdragon / MediaTek |
| Free Storage | 1 GB | 4 GB+ |
| RAM | 2 GB | 4 GB+ |
| Internet | Mobile Data | WiFi (faster download) |
| Termux Source | F-Droid or GitHub only — NOT Google Play | |
Do NOT use Termux from the Google Play Store. That version is abandoned and outdated. Always get it from F-Droid or the official Termux GitHub releases page.
Go to f-droid.org on your Android browser, search for Termux, and install it. Or download the APK directly from the official Termux GitHub Releases page.
When Android asks to allow installation from unknown sources — tap Settings and enable it. Then open Termux and you'll see a black terminal with a blinking cursor. That's your workspace.
Always do this before anything else. It prevents most errors that beginners run into later.
pkg update && pkg upgrade -y
Takes a few minutes. If it asks you anything, press Enter or type Y. Let it finish completely.
If it asks "Replace configuration file?" during upgrade — just press Enter to keep the existing one.
We need four tools before we can run the Kali installer:
pkg install wget curl proot tar -y
wget & curl — download files | proot — simulates root safely | tar — extracts the Kali filesystem. All four are required.
The Kali Linux team provides an official no-root installer. Download it:
wget -O install-nethunter-termux https://offs.ec/2MceZWr
Make it executable:
chmod +x install-nethunter-termux
If the link above stops working, get the latest installer from the official Kali docs: kali.org/docs/nethunter/nethunter-rootless
Now run the installer:
./install-nethunter-termux
The script auto-detects your device architecture (arm64 for most modern phones), downloads the Kali rootfs, extracts it, and configures everything. This takes 10–30 minutes depending on your connection speed. Keep your screen on and don't close Termux.
You'll see output like this:
[*] Downloading Kali NetHunter rootfs...
[*] Extracting Kali NetHunter rootfs...
[*] Configuring Kali NetHunter...
[*] Installation complete!
Type this and press Enter:
nethunter
Your prompt will change to:
└─$ █
🎉 Kali Linux is now running on your Android phone. No root. No laptop.
You can also type nh as a short alias instead of nethunter. To exit Kali and return to Termux, type exit.
First update the package list inside your Kali session:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Then install tools:
# Install Kali's top 10 most popular tools
sudo apt install -y kali-tools-top10
# Or install specific tools
sudo apt install -y nmap
sudo apt install -y sqlmap
sudo apt install -y nikto
sudo apt install -y hydra
sudo apt install -y metasploit-framework
Only use these tools on systems and networks you own or have written permission to test. Unauthorized use is illegal.
Want a full graphical desktop? Install Kali's XFCE desktop environment:
sudo apt install -y kali-desktop-xfce
Set a VNC password:
nethunter kex passwd
Start the desktop:
nethunter kex &
Install the NetHunter KeX VNC app from F-Droid, connect to localhost:5901 with your password, and you'll get a full Kali XFCE desktop on your phone screen. Works best with 4 GB RAM or more.
🔧 Troubleshooting Common Errors
❌ "Unable to download rootfs"
Switch to WiFi. If still failing, manually download rootfs from build.nethunter.com/kalifs/kalifs-latest and place it in your Termux home folder.
❌ "proot: execvp: No such file or directory"
pkg reinstall proot -y
❌ apt fails inside Kali — DNS error
sudo rm /etc/resolv.conf
echo "nameserver 8.8.8.8" | sudo tee /etc/resolv.conf
sudo apt update
❌ Kali session closes immediately
Your storage is probably full. Check with:
df -h
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really install Kali Linux without rooting my phone?
Yes. NetHunter Rootless uses PRoot to run Kali in a sandboxed environment inside Termux. Your Android system is never modified. 100% safe.
Does this work on Android 2026?
Yes. Tested in February 2026 on Android 12 and Android 14. Works on Android 7.0 and above.
Can I run Metasploit in Termux?
Yes. Run sudo apt install metasploit-framework -y inside Kali, then launch with msfconsole. It starts slowly — be patient. On 2 GB RAM it will struggle. On 4 GB+ it runs fine.
How much storage does Kali Linux need in Termux?
Base install is around 500 MB. Installing kali-tools-top10 will use 2–3 GB. Plan accordingly before installing tool bundles.
How do I uninstall everything?
Just uninstall Termux from your phone. Everything — Kali, all tools, all files — is removed cleanly with it. No traces left on your system.
Does this work on iPhone?
No. Termux is Android only. There is no equivalent method that runs Kali Linux on iOS.
Made with ❤️ for the Termux community by HYDRA TERMUX
Comments
Post a Comment