For other chipsets, check:
After running Fern, you can restart networking with:
iwconfig Or:
sudo fern-wifi-cracker Or if using the GUI launcher, make sure it runs as root. If you still get the error, your internal card likely won’t work. Recommended adapters (chipset must be supported):
sudo airmon-ng start wlan0 sudo airodump-ng wlan0mon | Problem | Solution | |----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | No interface shown in iwconfig | Plug in a compatible USB Wi-Fi adapter | | Interface exists but Fern fails | Run sudo airmon-ng check kill + manual monitor mode | | Still not working | Use Wifite or aircrack-ng instead of Fern | | Internal card only | Buy a supported external adapter (~$20–40) | Final Note Fern WiFi Cracker is old and less maintained. Many modern Kali users skip it in favor of Wifite (simpler) or aircrack-ng (more control). If you’re learning Wi-Fi penetration testing, focus on those instead. Kali Linux Fern Wifi Cracker No Wireless Interface Was Found
Now open Fern and try selecting wlan0mon . Fern must be run with root privileges:
sudo airmon-ng start wlan0 # Replace wlan0 with your interface name This creates a monitor interface like wlan0mon . For other chipsets, check: After running Fern, you
If you see nothing, your adapter is either not connected or not recognized. NetworkManager and other services can block the interface.
ip a Look for wlan0 , wlan1 , or similar. Many modern Kali users skip it in favor
| Chipset | Example Adapter | Monitor Mode | Packet Injection | |---------------|--------------------------------|--------------|------------------| | | Alfa AWUS036ACH | Yes | Yes | | RTL8187 | Alfa AWUS036H (legacy) | Yes | Yes | | AR9271 | TP-Link TL-WN722N (v1 only) | Yes | Yes | | MT7612U | Panda Wireless PAU09 | Yes | Yes |