What it does
NetGuard is an open-source Android firewall that controls internet access by app without requiring root, with additional paid logging and filtering features.
NetGuard separates Wi-Fi and mobile-data access for each app. That makes it useful when a program needs connectivity occasionally or only on a particular network. Choose an app with a clear offline role and review its necessary exceptions. The official page places detailed traffic logs and selective per-address filtering among Pro features. Basic app-level blocking and detailed connection analysis are therefore different parts of the offering.
NetGuard uses Android's local VPN service to route traffic on the device, rather than sending it to a remote VPN server. Android permits only one app to use that service at a time, so it cannot run alongside another ordinary VPN-service app. The FAQ separately describes a SOCKS5 chaining option. Check that architecture before choosing it for a phone that already needs a VPN.
Strengths
- Per-app Wi-Fi and mobile-data controls without root
Watch out for
- Detailed traffic logs and selective address filtering are listed as Pro features
Best for
- Android users restricting particular apps' network access
Sources
- NetGuard - A simple way to block access to the internet per app (Oct 26, 2026)
- NetGuard LICENSE (Oct 26, 2026)
- NetGuard official FAQ (Oct 26, 2026)