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There is no verified, current list of the “12 best” Android hacking apps behind this 2021 title. The year matters: an APK named in an old roundup may have been discontinued, changed hands, or become unsafe or incompatible. For authorized security learning today, the best-supported starting point here is Kali NetHunter, Kali Linux’s free, open-source mobile penetration-testing platform. Its edition, device support, installation source, and limitations matter more than a generic app ranking.
What “free hacking APKs for 2021” means now
This title is a historical roundup, not evidence that any particular 12 APKs remain available or safe in 2026. The original apps are not identified in authoritative records available for this article, so naming 12 would risk inventing a list or presenting unverified downloads as recommendations. An APK is an Android app package; the file format alone says nothing about whether an app is trustworthy, maintained, compatible, or lawful to use.
For security testing, use tools only on devices, networks, and services you own or have explicit authorization to assess. Do not treat a tool list as permission to access someone else’s account, phone, Wi-Fi network, or service.
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Kali NetHunter: the supported Android starting point
Kali Linux describes Kali NetHunter as a free, open-source mobile penetration-testing platform for Android based on Kali Linux. Its common components include a Kali Linux container, the NetHunter App Store and Android client, and KeX for Kali desktop sessions with screen mirroring. It is not one interchangeable APK: the edition determines what the phone can do and what preparation it requires.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
| Edition | Device requirement | Documented capabilities and limits |
|---|---|---|
| Rootless | Unrooted, unmodified Android device; no root required. | Includes the app store, Kali command-line environment and packages, KeX, and Metasploit without database support. It does not include the NetHunter app, Metasploit database support, Wi-Fi injection, HID attacks, or the listed Bluetooth and other hardware-oriented features. |
| Lite | Rooted phone; custom kernel not required. | Adds the NetHunter app and Metasploit database support. It does not provide Wi-Fi injection or the listed hardware-oriented features. |
| Full NetHunter | Rooted, supported device with a NetHunter-specific custom kernel. | The kernel can add network and USB gadget drivers and Wi-Fi injection for selected Wi-Fi chips. Kali’s feature table lists Wi-Fi injection, HID attacks, Bluetooth arsenal, CARsenal, and EvilTwin for this edition; availability depends on supported hardware and kernel. |
These are edition-level distinctions, not a guarantee that a feature works on every Android phone. Before choosing Lite or Full, verify the exact device and kernel support in Kali’s NetHunter documentation; rooting and custom-kernel installation are not universal prerequisites for Rootless.
How to set up NetHunter Rootless
Kali’s Rootless installation guide describes installation on a stock, unmodified Android device without root or custom recovery. The documented flow uses the NetHunter Store, Termux, and the NetHunter KeX client, followed by the installer run from Termux. Use the guide’s current commands and package links rather than copying commands or downloading APKs from an unofficial mirror.
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
- Read Kali’s Rootless guide and confirm that the phone meets its stated requirements.
- Install NetHunter Store, Termux, and NetHunter KeX using the sources and instructions linked by Kali.
- Run the documented installer from Termux, following the guide’s current steps.
- Use the Kali command-line environment or KeX session, keeping in mind that unrooted Android restricts some utilities.
Kali notes that Metasploit works without database support in Rootless and that some utilities, including top, will not run on unrooted phones. The guide was updated June 16, 2025; check it again before installing because package paths and instructions can change.
Where to get APKs—and what the source does not guarantee
The NetHunter Store About page describes the store as a repository of free Android security-related software and a slightly customized version of F-Droid. It says apps are built from source where possible and source code is checked for potential security or privacy issues, but also warns: “This checking is far from exhaustive though, and there are no guarantees.” Treat the project repository as a place to begin verification, not as a promise that every package is risk-free.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
The store’s Termux listing recommends installing the F-Droid client. It warns that direct APK downloads lack update notifications and are less secure. The page displays Termux 0.118.0 as added August 7, 2022; that is a listing detail, not confirmation of the current release. Check the live listing and official project instructions before installing or updating.
Google Play’s Device and Network Abuse policy disallows unauthorized access and apps that facilitate hacking or circumvent security protections. Its malware policy also covers harmful code, abuse of permissions or sandbox protections, and links to non-compliant APKs. Store eligibility is a platform rule, not a complete statement of local law; laws vary by jurisdiction and the circumstances of use.
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
How to assess any older app before installing it
For each app in an old list, verify the current facts rather than trusting its name, old download button, or the word “free.” A search result or mirror is not proof that a download is published by the original maintainer.
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- Maintainer and official project: Find the developer’s own project page or repository and confirm that the app is still maintained.
- Release and compatibility: Check the release date, Android requirements, and whether the instructions apply to your exact version of Android and device.
- Signing and update path: Confirm how the official maintainer distributes and signs releases, and how updates are delivered. Avoid repackaged or unexplained APKs.
- Permissions: Compare requested access with the app’s stated purpose. A security tool does not automatically need broad access to accounts, files, or other apps.
- Authorized scope: Use the tool only within a test environment you control or a scope for which you have explicit permission.
Until those checks are done, an old list is a record of what someone recommended at the time—not a dependable present-day download guide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
