NetGuard – no-root firewall

NetGuard is an internet security app, which offers simple and advanced ways to restrict apps’ access to the internet.

Applications and addresses can individually be allowed or denied access to your Wi-Fi and/or mobile connection. Root permissions are not required.

Blocking access to the internet can help:

• reduce your data usage
• save your battery
• increase your privacy

Features:

• Simple to use
• No root required
• 100% open source
• No calling home
• No tracking or analytics
• No advertisements
• Actively developed and supported
• Android 5.1 and later supported
• IPv4/IPv6 TCP/UDP supported
• Tethering supported
• Optionally allow when screen on
• Optionally block when roaming
• Optionally block system applications
• Optionally notify when an application accesses the internet
• Optionally record network usage per application per address
• Material design theme with light and dark theme

PRO features:

• Log all outgoing traffic; search and filter access attempts; export PCAP files to analyze traffic
• Allow/block individual addresses per application
• New application notifications; configure NetGuard directly from the notification
• Display network speed graph in a status bar notification
• Select from five additional themes in both light and dark version

There is no other no-root firewall offering all these features.

If you like to test new features, you can participate in the test program: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/eu.faircode.netguard

All required permissions are described here: https://github.com/M66B/NetGuard/blob/master/FAQ.md#user-content-faq42

NetGuard uses the Android VPNService to route traffic to itself, so it can be filtered on-device instead of on a server. Only one app can use this service at the same time, which is a limitation of Android.

Frequently Aasked Questions

1. Can I set a data usage limit on my Android device?

Yes, Android allows you to set a data usage limit. Navigate to “Settings,” choose “Network & Internet,” tap “Data usage,” and enable the “Set data limit” option.

2. Can free data apps reduce data usage while browsing?

Yes, apps like Opera Mini and Data Compress are designed to shrink the size of web pages, images, and videos, reducing data consumption during browsing.

3.Can reducing data consumption prevent overage charges?

Yes, actively reducing data consumption can help prevent overage charges by staying within the limits of your data plan. This involves adopting data-saving habits and utilizing apps designed to minimize data usage.

4. Are there data-saving options available for iOS users?

Yes, apps like Data Compress offer data compression specifically designed for iOS devices. These apps reduce the size of picture and video files without compromising quality, helping users save up to 50% of their usual data consumption when streaming videos or viewing images online.

5. How can I find free Wi-Fi hotspots to minimize data usage?

Apps like WiFi Finder Free help users locate free Wi-Fi connections in their locality, enabling them to switch from mobile data to Wi-Fi whenever possible. This approach significantly reduces data consumption and can be particularly beneficial for tasks that require internet access but can be done over Wi-Fi