To remain in touch with friends and family, get work done, and have fun in today’s digital era, Android users rely significantly on a wide variety of apps.
The problem is that not all apps consider our privacy needs when they access the internet. Some apps are simply too distracting to use, whether because they use too much data, too much battery life, or too much personal information.
An Android app called NetGuard can help you manage your device’s web browsing habits and put your mind at ease.
Introduction to NetGuard:
You can restrict access to the internet for selected apps on your Android device with this sophisticated app.
Marcel Bokhorst’s NetGuard is like a superhero for your device, giving you ultimate control over program connections without needing to root your phone.
With this amazing app, you can regain power over your data usage, extend your battery life, and safeguard your privacy by effortlessly blocking any unauthorized app from accessing the internet. It’s your personal guardian that ensures your digital world remains secure and in your hands.
Using this firewall application, you can restrict network access to specific applications. You have the option of denying all apps access to the internet or allowing only specific apps access. You can customize the Android app’s settings to your preferences by making individual rules for each app.
How NetGuard Works:
To filter and prevent internet traffic for specified apps, the application makes use of the Android VPN service. The app does not redirect your internet connection through a third-party server. It works locally on your device instead, keeping your information safe and private.
How to use NetGuard
The app has a straightforward UI that allows users to control what apps have access to the internet. Here’s how you can use it to block internet access for apps on your Android device:
Allowing or Denying Internet Access
- Open the NetGuard app.
- Tap on the “Apps” tab to view the list of installed apps.
- Find the app you want to block internet access for and tap on it.
- In the app settings, toggle the “Wi-Fi” and “Mobile data” switches to block internet access for the app.
Wi-Fi and Mobile Data Blocking
With NetGuard, you can selectively block internet access for apps based on the connection type:
- To block an app from accessing the internet via Wi-Fi, toggle the “Wi-Fi” switch for that app.
- To block an app from accessing the internet via mobile data, toggle the “Mobile data” switch for that app.
Creating Custom Rules
The app offers advanced customization options, allowing you to create custom rules for specific apps or IP addresses. This can be useful for fine-tuning your internet access control:
- Open the app.
- Tap on the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner and select “Settings.”
- Go to the “Advanced options” section.
- Tap on “Manage system apps” to create a custom rule for a specific app.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to define the rule parameters, such as allowing or denying internet access for the app.
Additional information
- App-specific VPN: Allows you to create a VPN for individual apps. This can be useful for apps that require a VPN to function properly.
- Whitelist mode: In whitelist mode, only the apps that are listed in the whitelist will be allowed to access the internet.
- Log: Keeps a log of all network traffic. This log can be useful for troubleshooting problems or for tracking down malicious apps.
Benefits of Using NetGuard
- Increased privacy: Protect your mobile privacy by letting you choose which applications can access the internet. If you don’t want social networking apps tracking your online behaviour, you can block them from accessing the internet when you aren’t using them.
- Improved battery life: By stopping apps from utilizing data while they aren’t actively being used, battery life is extended.
- Increased security: helps keep your device safe from viruses and other malware by blocking access to the internet for unwanted apps.
Overall, this Android app is free to download and use, but a paid version is available that unlocks premium features like no ads, support for custom DNS servers and automatic app updates.
Download the app from the Google Play Store.