Mobile devices have become essential to our daily home lives and have transformed communication and work. Phones, tablets, and more traditional computing devices powered by the Android operating system, which is used on more devices than any other mobile operating system, have led the way in this revolution (Counterpoint, 2023),
However, the world’s heavy reliance on Android devices has created opportunities for hackers and other threat actors. One of the best defenses against these threats is Android ethical hacking. This emerging field in cybersecurity is discovering and exploiting vulnerabilities in the Android operating system and addressing them before they can be exploited.
Android hacking is done by probing the internals of the operating system, its applications, and the hardware it runs on to uncover weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Threat actors exploit these gaps in mobile security to steal data or commit other cyber crimes. Ethical Android hacker uses their skills to find and fix issues rather than for personal gain. This blog discusses how Android hacking works and how to get started.
How Does Android Mobile Hacking Work?
Android uses a layered foundation, with the Linux kernel at its core, with a runtime environment, application frameworks, and a user interface built on top. (GeeksForGeeks, 2023).
The kernel provides core functionality like memory management, device drivers, and basic security functions. Exploiting kernel vulnerabilities gives a hacker full control over an Android system, with the ability to read all files and access any data.
The Android runtime environment provides a sandbox for executing application code, while the application framework coordinates interactions between apps, system services, and the device’s user. If a hacker finds weaknesses in the framework or application code that uses them, they gain access to data used by the app and the other apps it communicates with. Depending on the nature of the app, this can be very sensitive data. For instance, consider the data a banking app might present to hackers if the runtime environment were compromised.
Moreover, the graphical user interface (GUI) provides a friendly, familiar Android device environment. While there is typically less sensitive data passed at this layer of the Android architecture, hackers can learn about user behavior and how they interact with their Android devices. This knowledge could then inform a larger, more sophisticated hack.
There are several common ways to hack at the layers of the Android architecture. Rooting is a common Android hacking technique that provides users full access to the kernel, allowing them to install software or modify settings that would otherwise be unavailable. Custom ROMs are another popular Android hacking methodology that allows developers to load custom operating system versions. Custom ROMs can be used for both malicious and ethical hacking, as they will enable a level of control that’s not available in a standard Android installation.
What NOT to Do vs. What TO Do in Android Hacking
People often search for terms like “kisi ka phone hack kaise kare” (how to hack someone’s phone), but it’s important to understand that ethical hacking is about learning security legally. Unauthorized phone hacking, spying on someone’s device, or stealing data is illegal and punishable under cybersecurity and privacy laws. Such activities can lead to criminal charges, heavy fines, and long-term damage to your reputation.
What NOT to Do (Illegal Hacking)
- Never attempt to hack into someone’s phone without their consent.
- Avoid using tools like RATs, sniffers, or malware for personal gain.
- Don’t exploit vulnerabilities to steal sensitive data such as passwords, banking details, or private messages.
- Stay away from websites, apps, or YouTube tutorials that promote “free phone hacking tricks” — these are both unethical and dangerous.
What TO Do (Ethical Hacking & Career Building)
Instead of pursuing illegal shortcuts, channel your curiosity into ethical hacking and Android penetration testing. Ethical Android hackers use the same tools and techniques as cybercriminals but with one crucial difference — they use them to secure systems, not exploit them.
If you’re interested in Android hacking, here’s the safe and legal path to take:
- Learn about Android security architecture and common vulnerabilities.
- Use ethical tools like Kali NetHunter, zANTI, or Network Mapper in controlled environments and labs.
- Take structured courses such as EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Android-specific penetration testing programs.
- Explore mobile app security testing and bug bounty programs, where companies reward you for finding vulnerabilities responsibly.
By following this path, you not only gain technical skills but also open doors to high-demand careers in cybersecurity, mobile app security, and digital forensics.
10 Common Tools Used in Android Phone Hacking
Android hackers use a wide range of ethical hacking tools, including:
- Sploit: Android implementation of the Metasploit framework. Useful for mapping the local network and detecting open ports.
- DroidSheep: Web session hijacker that intercepts all Wi-Fi data transmitted between Android devices on a network.
- FaceNiff: WiFi web traffic sniffer allows you to monitor sessions on Android web browsers.
- Hackode: Multi-function Android hacker toolbox. Includes port scanning, traceroute, and other common network tools.
- Kali NetHunter: Penetration testing software for Android. It can simulate several forms of attack.
- Network Mapper: Android implementation of the Nmap scanner.
- SSHDroid: Android implementation of the standard SSH server for secure remote access to other devices.
- WiFiKILL Pro: Tool to knock devices off a WiFi network. Can be used to create a malicious WiFi hotspot.
- zANTI: Pen testing app used for simulating network attacks.
- AndroRAT: This RAT (“Remote Access Tool”) allows for remote login to Android devices, with more capabilities than standard SSH logins that include capturing pictures using Android device cameras, dumping SMS messages, and more.
8 Courses to Learn Android Mobile Hacking
Course 1: Certified Ethical Hacker (World’s No.1 Ethical Hacking Certification Powered by AI)
EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) course worlds first ethical hacking certification program with AI driven skills, is the best way to learn and gain experience with Android hacking. As the premier ethical hacking training program for information security pros today, the C|EH course covers important mobile hacking skills like hacking the Android operating system and devices, rooting Android, IoT hacking, Cloud hacking and hacking the Android camera.
You’ll learn to build security countermeasures for Android hacking and the best practices that help prevent unauthorized access on mobile devices. The C|EH covers Android hacking tools professionals use to prevent attacks and enhance mobile device security.
Below are some of the topics covered on Android hacking
- Android OS
- Android Rooting Tools and Techniques
- How to Hack Android Devices
- OTP Hijacking Tools
- Camera/Microphone Hijacking Tools
- Android Hacking Tools
- Securing Android Devices
- Android Security Tools
Learn 550 Attack Techniques, 4000 Hacking Tools, and More in the C|EH
In this ethical hacking course provides a comprehensive education in ethical hacking, including Android and other mobile hacking concepts. The all-new C|EHv13 covers 550 attack techniques while providing access to over 4000 hacking tools, practicing them in 221 labs, including labs to practice AI-driven skills.
While CEH covers the core domains of cybersecurity. Below are some of the few topics related to hacking:
- System Hacking
- Hacking Web servers
- Hacking Web applications
- Hacking Wireless Networks
- Bluetooth hacking
- Android Hacking
- OS Hacking
- IoT and IoT Hacking
- Hacking Mobile Platforms
- Web Application Hacking Tools
- Hacking Android Devices
- Detecting Web Server Hacking Attempts
And more hacking, countermeasures, strategies, policies etc.
Master the 5 Phases of Ethical Hacking with a Certified Ethical Hacker
- Reconnaissance
- Scanning
- Gaining Access
- Maintaining Access
- Covering Tracks
EC-Council Certified Android Phone Security: Beginner-level
Course 2: Android Bug Bounty Hunting: Hunt Like a Rat
- Course Overview – From Setting Up a Lab to Setting You Up for Attacking a Real Target.
- Course Link – Android Bug Bounty Hunting: Hunt Like a Rat | EC-Council Learning (eccouncil.org)
- Course Level – Beginner (FREE)
- Duration – 1 hour
- No. of Videos – 6
- No. of Assessments – 10
- What You Will Learn –
- Learn about Mobile Bug Bounty Hunting
- Familiarize yourself with a solid Bug Bounty Methodology
- Understand the intricacies of Bug Bounty
Course 3: The Complete Mobile Ethical Hacking Course
- Course Overview – Learn how hackers attack phones, mobile applications, and mobile devices with the latest technology, and protect yourself.
- Course Link – The Complete Mobile Ethical Hacking Course | EC-Council Learning (eccouncil.org)
- Course Level – Beginner
- Duration – 22 hours
- No. of Videos – 19
- No. of Assessments – 55
- What You Will Learn –
- Learn about mobile cybersecurity for mobile applications and devices.
- Learn about Android & iOS Fundamentals.
- Learn about Java & Swift Fundamentals
EC-Council Certified Android Phone Security: Intermediate-level
Course 4: Android Security for Absolute Beginners
- Course Overview – All-in-one course on Android malware analysis.
- Course Link – Android Security for Absolute Beginners | EC-Council Learning (eccouncil.org)
- Course Level – Intermediate
- Duration – 2 hours
- No. of Videos – 28
- No. of Assessments – 35
- What You Will Learn –
- Perform dynamic malware analysis.
- Detect malicious and data exfiltration code.
- Understand Android security architecture.
Course 5: Foundations of Hacking and Pentesting Android Apps
- Course Overview – Learn how to hack Android apps and find vulnerabilities.
- Course Link – Foundations of Hacking and Pentesting Android Apps | EC-Council Learning (eccouncil.org)
- Course Level – Intermediate
- Duration – 2 hours
- No. of Videos – 13
- No. of Assessments – 25
- What You Will Learn –
- You Determine how to set up Android Studio and Emulators.
- Learn to decompile APKs.
- Understand Insecure Logging.
- Explore the Hardcoding Issues.
Course 6: Hands-on Android Security
- Course Overview – Detect and backtrack cyber criminals and hackers with digital forensics.
- Course Link – Hands-on Android Security | EC-Council Learning (eccouncil.org)
- Course Level – Intermediate
- Duration – 3 hours
- No. of Videos – 17
- No. of Assessments – 25
- What You Will Learn –
- Working with Android Architecture and data structure
- Understand mobile security Threats and Risks
- Perform attacks on Android
Course 7: Practical Bug Bounty Hunting for Hackers and Pentesters
- Course Overview – Learn to hunt for high-impact vulnerabilities and become a bug-hunting pro, mastering bug bounties from recon to report!
- Course Link – Practical Bug Bounty Hunting for Hackers and Pentesters | EC-Council Learning (eccouncil.org)
- Course Level – Intermediate
- Duration – 5 hours
- No. of Videos – 31
- No. of Assessments – 40
- What You Will Learn –
- Learn how to find bugs in high-target Bug Bounty programs.
- Develop a methodology to effectively find bugs.
- Discover various vulnerability types ranging from web to mobile and IoT systems.
- EC-Council Certified Android Security: Advanced Level
Course 8: The Complete Guide to Android Bug Bounty Penetration Tests
- Course Overview – Understand the concepts around managing information security risk. Conduct a risk-based evaluation of the threats around your information to gain a clear view and prioritize areas for protection.
- Course Link – The Complete Guide to Android Bug Bounty Penetration Tests | EC-Council Learning (eccouncil.org)
- Course Level – Advanced
- Duration – 2 hours
- No. of Videos – 19
- No. of Assessments – 35
- What You Will Learn –
- Learn how to secure Android applications.
- Get to expand knowledge of Computer Security.
- How to use various tools such as Drozer, Dex2Jar, Jadx, ApkTool, and Adb for Pentesting.
FAQs
Illegally hacking someone’s phone is a crime. But if you want to learn how attackers try to hack phones so you can defend against it, ethical hacking courses teach you step by step.
The right way is not hacking someone’s mobile, but learning penetration testing on Android devices for security purposes.
To learn Android hacking, you should have basic understanding of:
- Android OS architecture (kernel, runtime, permissions)
- Programming fundamentals (especially Java/Kotlin, maybe also Python)
- Familiarity with tools for penetration testing, reverse engineering, malware analysis
- Understanding of networking, security concepts, vulnerabilities and risk assessment.
Android hacking refers to the methods used to find and exploit vulnerabilities within Android operating systems, apps, and devices. In an ethical hacking context, it means testing these weaknesses to help improve security, rather than for illegal purposes. This includes aspects such as rooting, reverse engineering APKs, analyzing malware, and patching security holes.
Some of the tools used include (but are not limited to):
- Metasploit (via Sploit) for scanning & exploiting vulnerabilities
- Nmap and network scanners for mapping and penetration testing
- APK reverse engineering tools (e.g., ApkTool, Dex2Jar, Jadx)
- Emulators, malware analysis environments, debugging tools, etc.
The guide highlights eight courses, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. A few of them are:
Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) — covers Android hacking, rooting, device security, etc.
No — hacking someone’s phone without permission is illegal and unethical. Only with explicit permission (e.g. in a bug bounty program, security testing contract, or for educational/lab purposes) is it legal. The courses discussed in this guide teach ethical hacking and mobile security so you can protect devices rather than exploit them maliciously.
