How to Block Internet Access in Specific Apps on Android
In today’s world, you can’t imagine a person without a smartphone, especially the young generation. The smartphone makes a person look smart. But, ever wonder what make your smartphone actually smart? Of course, a branch of apps collection. However, without working internet connection apps can’t do anything smarter rather than few offline activities. So, that also means that these apps rely on our internet bandwidth. And, if you do not include an unlimited data plan, your bandwidth should get over pretty soon. Also, if you don’t worry enough a limited plan can cost you more than it’s price.
The actual problem is, some apps use the internet even when they are running in the background. Usually, instant messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger run in the background and use your internet all the time to notify you based on real-time. Also, there have some real-times games too, that run in the background and eat your data. So, if you have a limit on data usage, you should limit the internet usage of apps too.
The good thing is, there are several ways to block internet access in specific apps on Android. You can make it through either with Android’s built-in app settings or you can use a third party app.
First, let’s have a look at how you can restrict the internet connection for specific apps with Android built-in option:
Restrict data usage through inbuilt feature Of Android
In this particular method, you have to restrict the internet access manually from the app settings for specific apps on Android. Follow the below procedure to proceed:
- First, go to Settings » Apps and select the specific app you want to block.
- In the App Info page, tap “Data usage” and there, and enable “Restrict app background data”. That’s all.
If you want to restrict background data for all the apps, go through this process:
In your android phone head over to Settings » Data Usage and click on three dotted buttons there and then select the option ‘Restrict Background Data’ from the options slide.
This will block all kind of apps to access your data from the background.
PS- In the latest version of android N, there is also an option “Data Saver”. This option basically restricts the background data on all apps. However, you can select the apps to un-restrict from data access.
Block data usage through Third Party Apps
Now it’s time to use some of the amazing third party apps that let you block the internet for specific apps. We suggest you try first try Mobiwol not only because of it’s free but also for its essential features. You can also try NetGuard (Free with in-app purchase) and NoRoot Firewall (Free).
A. Mobiwol:
First, download and install the app on your android.
Now open the Mobiwol when you are finished and then you will see the option ‘Firewall Rules’, just tap on it.
Now there you will find all the apps on your device including the system appears. In the front of every app, there will be two signs, one for cellular network and another for WiFi, just tap on the icon to disable the respective connections for the specific app.
Once done, go back to the main page of the app and turn on ‘Firewall Status’. A popup msg will appear on which you just need to hit the OK button. This will create a VPN connection.
That’s all you have to do. Now the internet access for those specific will get disabled and you can check them by opening the apps. Mobiwol also lets you check the connection logs created in the app respectively.
Features List
- Identifies and Notifies when newly installed apps access the Web
- Set Allow/Block, on a per-application basis
- Disable background activity for selected apps
- Get full data usage visibility
- Android firewall protection with **NO** ROOT REQUIRED!!
- Automatic launch on device start up
- Automatically identifies applications currently installed on your mobile device
PS- Be careful and never block a system apps. It may lead your phone to an unexpected behavior and inconsistent performance of your device.
B. NetGuard
NetGuard is another best and popular android app that not only blocks internet access for specific apps but also lets you use conditions like allowing WiFi/cellular data when the screen is on and block the internet while roaming. It also supports multiple users, tethering and more. NetGuard is even better than Mobiwol but the problem is, NetGuard’s unique and advanced features are available only in the paid version of the app.
Features:
• Android 4.0 and later supported
• IPv4/IPv6 TCP/UDP supported
• Tethering supported
• Multiple device users supported
• Optionally allow when screen on
• Simple to use
• No root required
• 100% open source
• No calling home
• No tracking or analytics
• Actively developed and supported
• 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
C. NoRoot Firewall
NoRoot Firewall is a highly popular firewall app that requires NO ROOT. The app lets you block mobile data/WiFi access for apps. It also allows you create filter rules and conditions based on IP address, domain name, and the host address
Features List
- Identifies and Notifies when newly installed apps access the Web
- Set Allow/Block, on a per-application basis
- Disable background activity for selected apps
- Get full data usage visibility
- Android firewall protection with **NO** ROOT REQUIRED!!
- Automatic launch on device start up
- Automatically identifies applications currently installed on your mobile device
- This way to block internet data works on almost all the smartphones. It’s better if you operating system is greater that android kitkat if not still checks.
Hope this article helps you in solving your query “How to Block Internet Access in Specific Apps on Android?“.
