How to Install Kali Nethunter on Your Poco F1: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction:

The Poco F1, with its powerful hardware, is an excellent device for tech enthusiasts looking to experiment with custom software. One such software is Kali Nethunter, a penetration testing platform that transforms your device into a hacking tool. If you’re curious about how to get Kali Nethunter up and running on your Poco F1, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in!

Before You Begin:

  • Ensure your Poco F1’s bootloader is unlocked. -> link
  • Have TWRP recovery installed on your device. -> link
  • Always backup your data before proceeding.

Step 1: Gather Your Resources

  • Download the latest version of Kali Nethunter tailored for the Poco F1 from the official Nethunter website or a trusted community source.
  • If you haven’t rooted your device, grab the latest Magisk ZIP file.

Step 2: Transfer the Essentials

  • Connect your Poco F1 to your PC.
  • Move the Kali Nethunter ZIP and, if needed, the Magisk ZIP to your device’s storage.

Step 3: Dive into TWRP Recovery

  • Switch off your Poco F1.
  • Simultaneously press and hold the Volume Up + Power buttons until you’re greeted by the TWRP logo.

Step 4: The Installation Process

  • Within TWRP, tap ‘Install’.
  • Browse and select the Kali Nethunter ZIP you transferred earlier.
  • Swipe to initiate the installation.
  • If you’re also rooting your device, repeat the process with the Magisk ZIP.

Step 5: Welcome Back, Poco!

  • Once the installations wrap up, head to the TWRP main menu.
  • Choose ‘Reboot’ followed by ‘System’.

Step 6: Setting Up Your New Tool

  • After your device powers up, launch the Nethunter app.
  • Grant any requested root permissions.
  • Follow the in-app prompts to finalize your Nethunter setup.

Step 7: Keeping Things Fresh

  • To ensure your new tool runs smoothly, regularly update its repositories. Open the Nethunter app, navigate to the Kali Chroot Manager, and run the apt-get update && apt-get upgrade command.

A Word of Caution:

Venturing into the world of custom ROMs and software can be thrilling, but it’s not without risks. You might void your warranty or encounter unexpected hiccups. Always tread carefully, and ensure you’re working with a charged battery (preferably above 60%).

Conclusion:

There you have it! Your Poco F1 is now equipped with Kali Nethunter, ready to explore the world of ethical hacking. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Use your new tool wisely and ethically. Happy hacking!

Installing TWRP on Poco F1: A Detailed Guide

Prerequisites:

  1. Poco F1 with an unlocked bootloader.
  2. A PC with ADB and Fastboot installed. (You can download the platform-tools package from the Android developer site.)
  3. A USB cable to connect your phone to the PC.
  4. TWRP image file for Poco F1. (Download the latest version from the official TWRP website.)

Step 1: Backup Your Data

  • Installing TWRP might erase your data. Ensure you back up important files, photos, contacts, and apps.

Step 2: Transfer the TWRP Image

  • Connect your Poco F1 to your PC.
  • Transfer the downloaded TWRP image file to the folder where ADB and Fastboot are installed on your PC.

Step 3: Boot into Fastboot Mode

  • Disconnect the phone from the PC.
  • Turn off your Poco F1.
  • Press and hold the Volume Down + Power buttons simultaneously until you see the Fastboot logo.

Step 4: Connect Poco F1 to PC

  • Using a USB cable, connect your Poco F1 to your PC.

Step 5: Open Command Prompt or Terminal

  • Navigate to the folder where ADB, Fastboot, and the TWRP image are located.
  • Open a command prompt or terminal window in this folder. (You can do this by holding Shift + Right-clicking and selecting “Open command window here” or “Open PowerShell window here”).

Step 6: Install TWRP

  • In the command prompt or terminal, type the following command:css

fastboot flash recovery [TWRP_filename].img

Replace [TWRP_filename].img with the actual name of the TWRP image file you downloaded.

Once the flashing process is complete, type:

  • fastboot reboot

Step 7: Boot into TWRP Recovery

  • As soon as your device starts rebooting, press and hold the Volume Up + Power buttons simultaneously until the TWRP logo appears.
  • The first time you boot into TWRP, it might ask if you want to allow modifications. Swipe to allow.

Conclusion:

You’ve successfully installed TWRP on your Poco F1! You can now use TWRP to flash custom ROMs, kernels, and mods. Always ensure you have a backup of your data before making any modifications, and only flash files that are compatible with your device.

Unlocking the Bootloader of Poco F1

Prerequisites:

  1. A Poco F1 with at least 50% battery.
  2. A PC with an internet connection.
  3. A USB cable to connect your phone to the PC.

Step 1: Backup Your Data

  • Unlocking the bootloader will erase all data on your device. Ensure you back up important files, photos, contacts, and apps.

Step 2: Enable Developer Options

  • Go to Settings > About Phone.
  • Tap on the MIUI Version multiple times until you see a message saying “You are now a developer!”

Step 3: Enable OEM Unlocking & USB Debugging

  • Navigate to Settings > Additional Settings > Developer Options.
  • Toggle on OEM Unlocking and USB Debugging.

Step 4: Associate Mi Account with Your Device

  • In the Developer Options, tap on Mi Unlock Status.
  • Log in with your Mi Account. If you don’t have one, create it.
  • Tap on Add account and device. This will bind your Mi Account to your Poco F1.

Step 5: Download the Mi Unlock Tool

  • On your PC, visit the official Xiaomi unlocking page: Mi Unlock.
  • Download the Mi Unlock Tool and extract the ZIP file on your PC.

Step 6: Boot Your Poco F1 into Fastboot Mode

  • Turn off your device.
  • Press and hold the Volume Down + Power buttons simultaneously until you see the Fastboot logo.

Step 7: Unlock the Bootloader

  • Connect your Poco F1 to your PC using a USB cable.
  • On your PC, open the extracted Mi Unlock Tool and log in with your Mi Account.
  • Click on the Unlock button. The tool will verify if your device is eligible for unlocking.
  • If eligible, you’ll see a progress bar. Once it reaches 100%, your bootloader will be unlocked.

Note: Xiaomi has an official waiting period that can range from 3 days to a month or more. If you receive a message stating you need to wait, you’ll have to be patient and try again after the specified waiting period.

Step 8: Reboot Your Device

  • Your Poco F1 will automatically reboot after the unlocking process. Set up your device as new.

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You’ve successfully unlocked the bootloader of your Poco F1. This opens the door to a world of customization, from installing custom ROMs to rooting your device. Remember to always proceed with caution when making modifications to your device.

Remember, unlocking the bootloader might void the warranty of your device, depending on the manufacturer’s policy and the region you’re in. Always ensure you’re aware of the implications before proceeding.

Xiaomi Pocophone F3

The POCO F3, also known in some markets as the Xiaomi Poco F3, is a significant release in the mid-range segment, continuing the brand’s tradition of offering high-end specifications at an aggressive price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the POCO F3:

Overview:

Launched in 2021, the POCO F3 is a part of POCO’s efforts to establish itself as an independent brand, separate from Xiaomi, though still sharing some resources. The F3 is often referred to as the “flagship killer” due to its impressive specs that challenge many premium devices but at a fraction of the cost.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 11 with MIUI 12 for POCO on top.
  2. Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G.
  4. Memory: Options of 6/8 GB RAM with 128/256 GB UFS 3.1 internal storage.
  5. Camera: Triple rear camera setup – 48 MP primary sensor, 8 MP ultrawide lens, and a 5 MP macro sensor. The front camera is a 20 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 4520 mAh non-removable battery with 33W fast charging.
  7. Other Features: Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos, 5G connectivity, and LiquidCool Technology 1.0 Plus for better thermal management.

Pros:

  1. Performance: The Snapdragon 870, being a top-tier chipset, ensures blazing-fast performance, handling everything from daily tasks to intensive gaming.
  2. Display: The 120Hz AMOLED display provides a smooth and vibrant viewing experience, making it stand out in its price segment.
  3. Value for Money: Given its features and performance, the device offers exceptional value for its price.
  4. Audio Experience: Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support offer a rich audio experience, which is rare in this price bracket.
  5. Fast Charging: The 33W fast charging can quickly juice up the battery, providing a decent screen-on time.

Cons:

  1. No Expandable Storage: The device lacks a microSD card slot, which means users are stuck with the onboard storage.
  2. Camera Performance: While the camera setup is versatile, it might not be the best in its class, especially under challenging lighting conditions.
  3. MIUI for POCO: While feature-rich, some users might find bloatware and ads in the UI, which can be a bit intrusive.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the POCO F3 faced competition from:

  • OnePlus Nord: Offering a 90Hz AMOLED display, OxygenOS experience, and a more versatile camera setup.
  • Samsung Galaxy A52: Known for its Super AMOLED display, IP67 dust/water resistance, and One UI software experience.
  • Realme X7 Pro: With its 120Hz AMOLED display, MediaTek Dimensity 1000+ chipset, and 65W fast charging.

Launch Date:

The POCO F3 was announced in March 2021.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Experience: Some users reported occasional stutters or lags in the MIUI, especially with ads and bloatware.
  2. Build Quality: While the device has a premium feel, the use of certain materials, like the plastic frame, might not be as durable as metal.
  3. Camera Inconsistencies: Some users found the camera software processing to be inconsistent, especially in low-light scenarios.

Conclusion:

The POCO F3 is a testament to POCO’s commitment to delivering high-end specifications at a budget-friendly price. It offers features that are often reserved for more expensive devices, such as a 120Hz AMOLED display and a top-tier chipset. While there are areas of improvement, especially in the camera and software departments, the overall package is compelling for those seeking flagship-like performance without the flagship price tag.