NetGuard Blocks 16 Android Apps From Internet Access, Cutting Data Use and Privacy Risks
Updated
Updated · How-To Geek · Aug 6
NetGuard Blocks 16 Android Apps From Internet Access, Cutting Data Use and Privacy Risks
2 articles · Updated · How-To Geek · Aug 6
Summary
At least 16 Android apps were blocked from going online with the free, open-source NetGuard firewall, including VLC, Zedge, Niagara Launcher and several games and utilities.
NetGuard routes app traffic through a local VPN, letting users deny Wi-Fi, mobile data or both on an app-by-app basis without root access; setup takes about a minute.
The apps targeted were mostly ones that work offline—file managers, readers, video players, wallpaper apps and ad-heavy single-player games—while internet-dependent apps like WhatsApp or weather services were left alone.
Blocking background connections can curb data collection, ads and battery drain, though NetGuard cannot run alongside another VPN and blocked apps should be retested to ensure they still function properly.
The report argues Android no longer gives users native per-app internet permission controls, making firewall tools like NetGuard a practical privacy workaround.