rysasahrialNetGuard is an open-source Android firewall that empowers users to block internet access per app without root access. With a modern material design interface, NetGuard delivers simple yet advanced features to restrict both Wi-Fi and mobile data for individual apps. This approach helps reduce data usage, extend battery life, and enhance privacy—all while remaining fully transparent and respecting user consent.
The firewall uses Android’s native VPN service to intercept and control outgoing connections. This no‑root method avoids the complexity and security risks of rooting your device. NetGuard supports IPv4/IPv6 TCP and UDP protocols, tethering, optional screen‑on allowances, roaming blocks, and system app filtering. It offers blacklist (default allow, block selected) and whitelist modes (default block, allow selected), letting you tailor connectivity rules to your needs. Icons along the right side of the app list clearly display whether Wi‑Fi and mobile internet are allowed or blocked—with visual cues like red or teal for quick recognition.
For privacy-conscious power users, NetGuard PRO unlocks advanced capabilities. You can log all outgoing traffic, search or filter access attempts, export PCAP traces for in-depth network analysis, and allow or deny specific IP addresses per app. Additional features include port forwarding, real-time network speed graphs in the status bar, theme customization (five extra themes), and direct configuration from notifications. Note: Some PRO options like port forwarding and ad‑blocking using hosts files are disabling in the Play Store build by policy.
NetGuard supports Android 5.1+ and works on most devices, although compatibility issues may arise on certain Samsung, LineageOS, or GrapheneOS builds due to quirks in the VPN service. Rooted users can still enjoy NetGuard with the added benefit of deeper firewall control. Its fully open‑source GPL‑3.0 licensing ensures that the community can inspect, modify, and extend the code freely.
As a transparent and privacy-respecting tool, NetGuard emphasizes “no calling home,” no tracking, and no analytics. Its simplicity makes it user‑friendly, while PRO-grade features meet the needs of developers, security enthusiasts, and power users. Whether you’re managing mobile data, stopping apps from phoning home, or analyzing network traffic locally, NetGuard is a standout Android firewall no root solution.