Configure an Android device for network payload capture

Learn how to configure an Android device for network payload capture (NPC).

You’ll need to configure each Android device you want to use for network payload capture.

Before you start

You’ll need to:

You can also save the certificate to the Mac mini host machine, then use Android File Transfer to transfer files from MacOS to Android devices. Devices need to be plugged directly into the Mac mini for Android File Transfer to recognize them. Ensure the USB settings are not set to no file transfer.

Install certificate

Network traffic from the device is captured through a proxy server installed on the Mac mini host machine. For HTTPS connection, the device must be set up to trust a CA certificate issued by the proxy server.

Android 9 and 10

On the Android device, open a file explorer app, then navigate to the certificate file and open it.

For organizations with device passcode enabled, input the device passcode, then enter a name for the certificate and select OK. The certificate is then installed.

For organizations without device passcode, enter a name for the certificate and select OK.

Choose Certificate name and select OK

You’ll be asked to create a passcode for the device.

Set a passcode to install the certificate

Follow the on-screen instructions to set up a PIN or password. The certificate is installed when the passcode setup completed.

If your organization does not use any passcode mode, remove the passcode on the device.

Android 11 or later

On the Android device, open Settings, Biometrics and security, Other security settings. Select Install from the device storage, then CA certificate.

Navigate to CA Certificate

Choose Install anyway, then select the certificate. Select Done to install.

Install the CA Certificate

The device is now ready for Network Payload Capture.

Next steps

Create a configuration for network payload capture, launch a manual or automation session with NPC enabled, then review the network payload data.