Kali NetHunter Install Guide for OnePlus 7

If you're looking to turn your OnePlus 7 into a powerful mobile penetration-testing device, Kali NetHunter is one of the best tools you can install. It's basically a “portable hacking lab” that fits in your pocket - perfect for WiFi attacks, USB attacks, networking tools, HID attacks, and more.

In this full step-by-step guide, we’ll walk through how to install NetHunter from scratch - even if your phone is fully locked or freshly reset. The process looks long, but don’t worry - I’ll break everything down in simple, American-style English so you can follow smoothly.

Important Warning:
This process includes unlocking your bootloader, flashing images, and disabling encryption. Doing this will wipe all your data. Back up everything before starting.

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Overview of What We’ll Do ​

You're basically going from a clean device → custom recovery → root → decrypted storage → full NetHunter install.

Here’s the quick roadmap:

1. Flash Android 10 stock firmware (OOS)
2. Install TWRP + Magisk
3. Disable force-encryption of data
4. Install Kali NetHunter
5. Disable OnePlus update service (to prevent breaking the installation)

Let’s dive in.

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Step 1 - Flash the Latest Android 10 Stock ROM ​

Before installing anything, you must return the OnePlus 7 to a clean Android 10 base.
This ensures compatibility with TWRP, Magisk, and NetHunter.

1.01 - Download the OOS Firmware​

Download and unzip the following file on your Windows PC:
https://build.nethunter.com/contributors/re4son/guacamole/guacamoleb_14_P.32_210127.zip

1.02 - Enable Test Signing Mode​

Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

bcdedit /set testsigning on

Reboot your PC.

1.03 - Launch MSM Download Tool​

Run:

MsmDownloadTool V4.0.exe

1.04 - Boot OnePlus 7 into EDL Mode​

1. Power off your device
2. Hold Volume + and Volume – together
3. Count to 5
4. Connect phone to your laptop

When your PC makes the “device connected” sound, you're good.

1.05 - Start Flashing​

Click Start in MSM Tool and let it complete.

1.06 - Reboot & Initial Setup​

After the flash completes, reboot your device normally.

1.07 - Enable Developer Options​

Go to:
Settings → About Phone → Tap Build Number 7 times
Settings → Developer Options → Enable OEM Unlock + USB Debugging

1.08 - Install ADB on Linux​

If you’re using Linux:

sudo apt install adb

1.09 - Restart ADB​

adb kill-server
adb start-server

1.10 - Reboot to Bootloader​

adb reboot bootloader

1.11 - Unlock the Bootloader​

This will erase all data.

sudo fastboot oem unlock

1.12 - Reboot and complete setup​

Your device is now ready for custom flashing.

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Step 2 - Flash TWRP Recovery & Magisk Root ​

Now that your bootloader is unlocked, it's time to install TWRP and gain root access with Magisk.

2.01 - Transfer Files​

Copy both Magisk.zip and TWRP installer files to your OnePlus 7.

2.02 - Download Magisk​

Download from GitHub:
https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releases/download/v19.3/Magisk-v19.3.zip
Transfer it to the phone.

2.03 - Download TWRP​

Download it

2.04 - Install Android Platform Tools​

If needed:

sudo apt install android-sdk-platform-tools

2.05 - Ensure USB Debugging Is Enabled​

Double-check in Developer Options.

2.06 - Restart ADB Again​

adb kill-server
adb start-server

2.07 - Boot into Bootloader​

adb reboot bootloader

2.08 - Boot TWRP Temporarily​

(Not flashing yet)

sudo fastboot boot twrp-3.3.1-1-guacamoleb.img

Your device will automatically boot into TWRP.

2.09 - Install TWRP Permanently + Root​

In TWRP:

1. Flash
   https://build.nethunter.com/contributors/re4son/guacamole/guacamoleb_14_P.32_210127.zip
2. Flash
   https://github.com/topjohnwu/Magisk/releases/download/v19.3/Magisk-v19.3.zip

2.10 - Reboot​

You now have:
TWRP installed
Root access active
Bootloader unlocked
You're getting close.

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Step 3 - Disable Force Encryption of Data ​

Android normally encrypts the /data partition.
NetHunter needs decrypted storage for modules and low-level access.

3.01 - Boot Into Recovery​

Turn off the phone → Hold Power + Volume Down

3.02 - Format /data​

In TWRP:
Format Data → Type "yes"
This erases everything again.

3.03 - Reboot Back Into Recovery​

This ensures the partition mounts correctly.

3.04 - Install Magisk Again​

Flash Magisk so root is restored after formatting.

3.05 - Install Force Encryption Disabler​

Flash:

3.06 - Reboot​

Your phone now has decrypted storage.

3.07 - Initial Setup​

Complete Android setup normally, but skip fingerprint and security settings for now.

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Step 4 - Install Kali NetHunter ​

This is the part everyone’s waiting for.

4.01 - Download NetHunter Image​

From the official Kali download page:
https://www.kali.org/get-kali/#kali-mobile
Choose the OnePlus 7 build.

4.02 - Known Bug​

There’s a current bug where the kernel must be flashed separately.

4.03 - Reboot Into Recovery​

Boot TWRP again.

4.04 - Flash NetHunter ZIP​

Install: nethunter-oneplus7

4.05 - Flash Magisk Again​

Keeps root alive.

4.06 - Flash Disable Encryption Again​

Yes, again: Disable_Dm-Verity

4.07 - Reboot​

4.08 - Run NetHunter App​

Open the Kali NetHunter app and let it set up the environment.
This may take several minutes.

4.09 - Reboot After Setup​

Restart device after initial configuration.

4.10 - Update the NetHunter App​

From the Play Store → “Update”.
You're officially running a portable hacking machine now.

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Step 5 - Disable OnePlus System Update Service ​

OTA updates can break root, TWRP, or NetHunter.

Disable the update service:

5.01 - Open Terminal on Android​

Use Termux or the built-in terminal.

5.02 - Run:​

su -c pm disable com.oneplus.opbackup

This permanently disables the update system.
You're now safe from accidental firmware updates.

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Final Thoughts ​

After completing all steps, your OnePlus 7 becomes a fully functional Kali NetHunter mobile hacking lab, capable of:
✔ Wireless attacks
✔ HID keyboard attacks
✔ USB MITM
✔ Custom kernels
✔ Full Linux chroot
✔ Packet injection
✔ Portable penetration testing

Enjoy your new power machine!