With so much data being stored on smartphones recently, there's a growing concern about user privacy. Some apps seek permissions that may not seem necessary to function, while others may request network access. If you're using an app to store important or sensitive data, it's best to prevent the app from accessing the internet. This ensures that the app data remains offline on your device at all times and is not uploaded to a remote server. Sometimes, it also makes sense to block certain apps and games from accessing the internet. To prevent it from displaying adsFortunately, it's very easy to do this on your Android phone.
Why should apps be blocked from accessing the Internet?
You can use an app to store important documents, such as your ID cards. The data in this app is sensitive, and you won't want to leave it on your device. Blocking the app's internet access will ensure that it can't upload your data to any other website.
Another use case might be for uninterrupted gaming. Some games don't require internet access to play but show you online ads between gaming sessions. This can become annoying over time. Blocking internet access may mean the game can no longer display ads.
How to block internet access for apps on Android
There are two ways to restrict apps' access to the internet on your Android phone. Depending on your phone, you can try either method.
1. Use built-in settings to block Internet access.
Some custom skins on Android have a built-in option to disable internet access for apps. Here's how to access it.
Step 1: Open Settings app On your phone, scroll down to find Apps option. Click on it.
Step 2: Locate Application Management.
Step 3: Look for The application The one you want to block from accessing the Internet. Click on it.
Step 4: Now, select Data usage option.
Step 5: You'll find two toggle switches here. Toggle them depending on whether you want to block internet access completely or only via Wi-Fi or mobile data. You can also Option to disable background data only.
The app will no longer be able to access an internet connection on your phone.
While this is the best way to block internet access from apps, this option isn't available on all phones and Android versions. Therefore, the next best solution is to use a third-party app that works universally on all phones.
2. Use the NETGUARD app
NetGuard is a free app you can download from the Play Store. It helps you block internet access for apps on your phone. Here's how.
Step 1: Go to Play Store On your phone and install NetGuard App.
Step 2: Open The application Once installed and selected I agree.
Step 3: will be List all applications Installed on your phone in the app.
Step 4: You'll see two green icons listed next to each app. The first icon indicates Wi-Fi, while the second indicates mobile data.
Step 5: Click on Concerned symbols Next to the app you want to disable internet access for. If you want to disable internet access completely, tap Both symbols.
Step 6: The icons will now turn into Red color.
Step 7: Click on the key In the upper left corner to enable NetGuard Block internet access for the selected application.
Step 8: Locate OK In the wave. Works. NetGuard Essentially, it's like a VPN to block internet access for certain apps. So, you'll need Add NetGuard To List of VPNs on your phone.
Step 9: you will see now Request a call It tells you that NetGuard is trying to set up a VPN connection. Tap OK.
Step 10: Another prompt will appear asking you to: Disable battery optimizationThis step is optional but will ensure that NetGuard remains active at all times. Select OK.
Step 11: In the screen that opens, click Change. Mohsen and change it to All apps.
Step 12: Scroll until you find NetGuard In the applications list. Click on it.
Step 13: Locate No improvement Then click It was completed.
Step 14: use Back button In the upper left corner to return to NetGuard.
You'll now see that NetGuard is active and the selected app is offline. You can verify that NetGuard is active by looking for the key icon in the notification center, which indicates that the VPN is active.
Block internet access and keep your data safe
Use either method and prevent apps from accessing the internet on your Android phone. These methods ensure that your data remains on your device until you consciously want to transfer it.
