How to Install Sqlmap in Termux (2026 Guide)

// 01Introduction

Most developers write login forms, search bars, and contact pages without ever thinking about what happens when someone types something unexpected into that input field. And that's exactly where SQL injection creeps in. It's one of the oldest web vulnerabilities out there — and it's still one of the most dangerous ones in 2026.

If you've been googling "sqlmap termux" for the past hour, you're in the right place. Sqlmap is the tool security researchers use to automatically detect and test SQL injection vulnerabilities in web applications. And yeah — you can run it right from Termux on your Android phone. No laptop needed.

By the end of this post, you'll know exactly how to install Sqlmap in Termux, understand what SQL injection actually is, and learn how to use Sqlmap to test your own web projects for vulnerabilities. Let's get into it.

⚠ Educational Disclaimer

Everything in this post is strictly for educational and research purposes only. Understanding how SQL injection works helps you build more secure applications and protect real systems.

Never run Sqlmap against any website, database, or server that you don't personally own or have explicit written permission to test. Unauthorized use is illegal under the IT Act (India), CFAA (USA), and similar laws worldwide.

Always practice on your own local setups, intentionally vulnerable apps like DVWA, or authorized bug bounty targets only.

// 02What Is SQL Injection — And Why Should You Care?

Here's the thing — SQL injection isn't some fancy Hollywood hacking technique. It's actually pretty simple once you understand what's happening under the hood.

Imagine a website's login form. When you type your username and password, the site runs a database query behind the scenes that looks something like this:

SQL

SELECT * FROM users WHERE username='john' AND password='mypassword';

That's totally fine when users enter normal stuff. But what if someone types this as their username:

SQL Injection Payload

' OR '1'='1

Now the query becomes:

SQL

SELECT * FROM users WHERE username='' OR '1'='1' AND password='anything';

And since '1'='1' is always true, the database returns all users. The attacker just bypassed your login without knowing a single password. That's SQL injection in a nutshell. Pretty eye-opening, right?

Sqlmap is an open-source penetration testing tool that automates finding and exploiting these vulnerabilities. Security researchers use it to test web apps before attackers do. It supports MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, Oracle, MSSQL, and more.

Interesting fact — Sqlmap has been around since 2006 and is still actively maintained. It's in the toolkit of every serious web penetration tester and is taught in CEH, OSCP, and bug bounty courses worldwide. Understanding it means understanding how to write better, safer code. That's the whole point.

// 03Requirements

Before you start, make sure you've got everything ready. Nothing's worse than getting halfway through and realizing something's missing.

✅

Android version: 7.0 (Nougat) or higher

✅

Termux: Download from F-Droid only — NOT Play Store

✅

Storage space: At least 200MB free

✅

Internet: Required for installation

✅

Root access: NOT required — works on stock Android

✅

Python: Required — we'll install it in the guide

✅

Git: Required — we'll install this too

📝

Why F-Droid?

The Termux version on Google Play hasn't been updated in years and you'll run into broken package errors constantly. F-Droid gives you the latest version that actually works. Don't skip this — trust me on this one.

// 04Step-by-Step: How to Install Sqlmap in Termux

Don't worry, this is easier than it looks. Just follow each step carefully and you'll be done in under 10 minutes. I've tried to explain every single command so there's zero confusion.

Step 1

Update Termux Packages

Always update your packages before installing anything new. This prevents a ton of random errors down the line.

bash

pkg update && pkg upgrade -y

This updates the package list and upgrades everything installed. The -y flag automatically says "yes" to all prompts so you don't have to sit there pressing enter repeatedly.

✅

Success

You'll see packages downloading and upgrading. Might take 1–2 minutes depending on your connection speed.

💡

Tip

If it asks you to replace any config files, just press Enter to keep the default. Don't overthink it.

Step 2

Install Python

Sqlmap is written in Python, so we need it installed first. This is straightforward.

bash

pkg install python -y

After installation, verify it worked:

bash

python --version

✅

Success

You should see something like Python 3.11.x. If you do, you're good to go.

Step 3

Install Git

We'll clone Sqlmap directly from its official GitHub repo, so we need Git first. It's also just a generally useful tool to have in Termux.

bash

pkg install git -y

bash

git --version

✅

Success

Should output something like git version 2.43.x.

Step 4

Clone the Official Sqlmap Repository

Now here's where it gets interesting. We're downloading Sqlmap directly from the official source — not some random fork.

bash

git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/sqlmapproject/sqlmap.git sqlmap-dev

Breaking this down: git clone downloads the repo, --depth 1 only grabs the latest version to save space and time, and sqlmap-dev is the folder name it'll be saved as.

📝

Note

Always use the official sqlmapproject GitHub URL. Don't trust random third-party sources claiming to have "modified" versions.

✅

Success

You'll see: Cloning into 'sqlmap-dev'... followed by download progress. Takes 30–60 seconds.

Step 5

Navigate Into the Sqlmap Folder

bash

cd sqlmap-dev

This moves you into the directory we just downloaded. Simple as that.

Step 6

Run Sqlmap — Verify Installation

bash

python sqlmap.py --version

✅

Success

You should see 1.8.x#stable followed by the legal notice. That means Sqlmap is installed and working perfectly. 🎉

That's it. Seriously, that's all. No root, no complicated setup. Just a few commands and you're running one of the most powerful SQL injection testing tools in the world from your Android phone.

Step 7 (Optional)

Create a Global Alias

Typing cd sqlmap-dev && python sqlmap.py every single time gets old fast. Let's create a shortcut.

bash

echo "alias sqlmap='python ~/sqlmap-dev/sqlmap.py'" >> ~/.bashrc
source ~/.bashrc

Now you can just type sqlmap from anywhere in Termux and it'll work instantly.

💡

Tip

If you're using Zsh instead of Bash, replace .bashrc with .zshrc in the command above.

// 05Real Usage Examples — For Educational Testing Only

⚠️

Warning

All examples below are for use on your own local test environments, intentionally vulnerable apps like DVWA or WebGoat, or authorized bug bounty targets ONLY. Never point these at sites you don't own.

Example 01 Basic Vulnerability Check

Scenario: You've set up DVWA locally and want to check if a URL parameter is vulnerable to SQL injection.

bash

python sqlmap.py -u "http://localhost/dvwa/vulnerabilities/sqli/?id=1&Submit=Submit" \
  --cookie="PHPSESSID=abc123; security=low"

Sqlmap sends hundreds of crafted requests to that URL, testing different injection payloads to see if the database responds differently. If it does — that parameter is vulnerable.

🔐 Security Insight

This teaches you that ANY user-controlled input touching a database query is a potential injection point. As a developer, this means you should ALWAYS use prepared statements — no exceptions.

Example 02 Enumerate All Databases

Scenario: You've confirmed a vulnerable URL on your test app. Now let's see what databases the server is running.

bash

python sqlmap.py -u "http://localhost/dvwa/vulnerabilities/sqli/?id=1&Submit=Submit" \
  --cookie="PHPSESSID=abc123; security=low" --dbs

The --dbs flag tells Sqlmap to enumerate all available databases on the server.

🔐 Security Insight

Even knowing a database name is a risk — it gives attackers a roadmap. This is why error messages that reveal DB info should always be suppressed in production apps.

Example 03 List Tables in a Database

Scenario: You want to see what tables exist inside a specific database in your test environment.

bash

python sqlmap.py -u "http://localhost/dvwa/vulnerabilities/sqli/?id=1&Submit=Submit" \
  --cookie="PHPSESSID=abc123; security=low" -D dvwa --tables

-D dvwa specifies which database, --tables lists everything inside it. You'll likely see a users table — exactly what real attackers go for first.

🔐 Security Insight

Every table name is a breadcrumb. This should push you toward database-level access controls and separating sensitive data into restricted schemas.

Example 04 Testing POST Request Forms

Scenario: A login form uses POST requests. A lot of people assume POST is safer. Spoiler — it's not.

bash

python sqlmap.py -u "http://localhost/login.php" \
  --data="username=admin&password=test" --dbs

--data passes the POST parameters directly. Sqlmap will automatically test each field for injection points.

🔐 Security Insight

Sqlmap doesn't care whether it's GET or POST — it tests both. Input validation and prepared statements are required on ALL forms, not just URL parameters.

Example 05 Inspect Column Structure (Advanced)

Scenario: You want to understand what columns exist inside a specific table — specifically to see if sensitive data is stored insecurely.

bash

python sqlmap.py -u "http://localhost/dvwa/vulnerabilities/sqli/?id=1&Submit=Submit" \
  --cookie="PHPSESSID=abc123; security=low" \
  -D dvwa -T users --columns

DVWA stores passwords in plain MD5 by default. Running this in your test environment reveals exactly that — and makes a powerful case for proper password hashing like bcrypt or Argon2.

🔐 Security Insight

If you're storing passwords in plain text or weak MD5, an attacker who exploits a SQLi vulnerability gets everything instantly. Proper hashing is non-negotiable in any real app.

// 06Common Errors and How to Fix Them

🔴 Error 1 — Python Not Found

Error Message

terminal

bash: python: command not found

Why This Happens

Termux sometimes installs Python as python3 instead of python, so the alias isn't found.

Fix

bash

ln -s $(which python3) $PREFIX/bin/python

Prevention

Always verify with python3 --version right after installation. Or just use python3 sqlmap.py instead of python sqlmap.py.

🔴 Error 2 — Git Clone Fails

Error Message

terminal

fatal: unable to connect to github.com

Why This Happens

Your internet connection dropped or GitHub is temporarily unreachable from your network.

Fix

bash

ping google.com  # Check internet first
git clone --depth 1 https://github.com/sqlmapproject/sqlmap.git sqlmap-dev

Prevention

Make sure you have a stable connection before cloning. If on mobile data, try switching networks.

🔴 Error 3 — Permission Denied

Error Message

terminal

PermissionError: [Errno 13] Permission denied: 'sqlmap.py'

Why This Happens

The file doesn't have execute permissions in your Termux environment.

Fix

bash

chmod +x sqlmap.py
python sqlmap.py --version

Prevention

Always use python sqlmap.py rather than ./sqlmap.py in Termux to avoid this entirely.

🔴 Error 4 — Connection Timeout

Error Message

terminal

[WARNING] connection timed out to the target URL

Why This Happens

The target URL is unreachable — usually because your local test server isn't running or you have the wrong URL.

Fix

bash

curl http://localhost  # Verify your server is running first

Prevention

Always manually open the URL in your browser before running Sqlmap. If it doesn't load in a browser, Sqlmap can't reach it either.

🔴 Error 5 — No Injectable Parameters Found

Error Message

terminal

[WARNING] GET parameter 'id' does not seem to be injectable

Why This Happens

Either the URL genuinely isn't vulnerable, or DVWA's security level is too high for basic detection.

Fix

bash

python sqlmap.py -u "http://localhost/dvwa/..." \
  --level=5 --risk=3 --batch

Also make sure DVWA security is set to "Low" in the app settings.

Prevention

Start with low security settings in your test environment. Only increase --level and --risk on systems you fully control.

// 07Pro Tips and Tricks

Here's the stuff most beginners don't figure out until weeks in. Consider this your insider cheat sheet.

// Tip 01

Use --batch to Skip Prompts

Sqlmap asks you to confirm things constantly. --batch uses default answers automatically — way less annoying in long sessions.

// Tip 02

Save Results to a File

Testing generates tons of output. Use --output-dir=/sdcard/sqlmap_results so you never lose your findings.

// Tip 03

Rotate User Agents

Add --random-agent to test how your app's WAF responds to different browser signatures. Super useful for security research.

// Tip 04

Use Threads Carefully

--threads=3 speeds things up on a phone. Don't go higher — your device will slow to a crawl and connections will drop.

// Tip 05

Practice on DVWA or bWAPP

Set up DVWA locally or use TryHackMe and HackTheBox for legal practice environments built exactly for this purpose.

// Tip 06

Update Sqlmap Regularly

Run cd ~/sqlmap-dev && git pull every few weeks. Sqlmap is actively maintained and gets new detection features regularly.

Remember — only use these skills on systems you own or have explicit permission to test.
That's what separates an ethical hacker from a criminal. 🔐

// 08Sqlmap vs Alternative Tools

How does Sqlmap stack up against other SQL injection testing tools? Here's the breakdown.

Feature	Sqlmap	Havij	jSQL Injection	BBQSQL
Termux Support	✅ Yes	❌ No	❌ No	⚠️ Limited
Open Source	✅ Yes	❌ No	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Beginner Friendly	⚠️ Medium	✅ Easy	✅ Easy	❌ Hard
Actively Maintained	✅ Yes	❌ Abandoned	⚠️ Slow	❌ No
DB Support	✅ Excellent	⚠️ Limited	✅ Good	⚠️ Limited
Documentation	✅ Excellent	❌ Poor	✅ Good	⚠️ Sparse

Bottom line: Sqlmap wins for Termux users. It's the only one with full Termux support, it's actively maintained, and it's what real penetration testers actually use professionally. Havij is outdated and Windows-only. Sqlmap is your clear best bet — no contest.

// 09Wrapping Up

Look at what you just did — you installed one of the most widely used penetration testing tools in the world on your Android phone, learned what SQL injection actually is, and ran real test commands against a safe local environment. That's genuinely impressive for someone just getting started.

The real takeaway here isn't "how to attack websites." It's understanding why SQL injection has been on the OWASP Top 10 vulnerability list for over a decade. Because developers keep making the same mistakes. And now you understand those mistakes well enough to avoid them — or test for them professionally.

If you want to keep building on this, check out my post on How to Set Up DVWA in Termux — it's the perfect companion to this guide and gives you a full local practice environment. And if you're curious about other Termux security tools, my post on Installing Nmap in Termux is a great next step.

Got Sqlmap running on your phone? Drop a comment below — what was your experience like? Did you hit any errors I didn't cover? Let me know.

Keep learning, keep building, and keep it ethical. 🔐

// 10Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is it legal to use Sqlmap in India?

Sqlmap itself is completely legal — it's open-source software used by security professionals worldwide. What matters is what you do with it. Using it on your own apps or authorized targets is fine. Using it on any website you don't own is a criminal offense under Section 66 of the IT Act, with penalties up to 3 years imprisonment. Always get written permission before testing anything that isn't yours.

Q. Can I use Sqlmap in Termux without root?

Yes, 100%. Root is not required at all. Sqlmap runs entirely through Python, which Termux handles perfectly in user space. This is one of the reasons Sqlmap is ideal for Termux on stock Android — no modifications needed.

Q. How do I install Sqlmap in Termux on Android 14?

The exact same steps in this guide work on Android 14. Just make sure you're using the F-Droid version of Termux, not the Play Store version. Android 14 has no special compatibility issues with Sqlmap.

Q. Why is Sqlmap slow on my phone?

Mobile processors handle multi-threaded network testing differently than laptops. You can try --threads=3 to speed things up slightly, but don't expect desktop-level performance. For heavy testing sessions, a PC or cloud VPS is the better option.

Q. What's the difference between --level and --risk?

--level controls how many places Sqlmap tests (1–5, default 1). Higher levels test more parameters including cookies and headers. --risk controls how aggressive the payloads are (1–3, default 1). Higher risk can cause data modification on vulnerable databases — only use on controlled test environments you own.

Q. Can Sqlmap detect all SQL injection types?

It covers boolean-based blind, time-based blind, error-based, UNION query, and stacked queries — pretty much every major variant. It's remarkably thorough, which is why it's still the industry standard after nearly 20 years.

Q. How do I practice Sqlmap safely?

The best way is to set up DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web Application) locally. You can also use online platforms like TryHackMe, HackTheBox, or PentesterLab — these are legal, intentionally vulnerable environments built exactly for this purpose. Never practice on live sites.

Q. Can I get in trouble just for having Sqlmap installed?

No. Having a tool installed isn't illegal anywhere. Intent and action are what the law cares about. Sqlmap is openly distributed and taught in ethical hacking certifications globally. But the moment you point it at a system you don't own, you're breaking the law — regardless of what tool you used.

Search This Blog

HYDRA TERMUX