Question for the group on a problem I’m trying to solve: How can I block internet access for some apps on standard, OOTB Android?

My current set-up is to use Proton VPN with the Android settings “Always-on VPN” and “Block connections without VPN” and then use Proton VPN’s Split-tunneling to exclude certain apps from using the VPN. This has the desired effect of blocking certain apps from having access to the internet.

However, I now find that I need to use certain Apps without the VPN but with internet access. In the past, I’d used something like NetGuard to control which apps have internet access, but, as Android only allows one VPN slot, this would require me to swap out Proton VPN.

So my problem statement: I’d like to be able to continue to use Proton VPN, exclude some apps from using that VPN but still have access to the internet, and block still other apps from the internet entirely. I’m struggling to find a way to do this.

Any suggestions are welcome!

  • @lemmydripzdotz123
    2•11 months ago

    It can’t be used with ProtonVPN (I assume) but I use NoRoot Firewall for exactly this purpose. It works by setting up a VPN and letting you enable / disable network access for each app, including system apps. It can also block on just WiFi or just cell data or both or neither. It blocks all apps by default until you configure their access. You can also setup more advanced rules for all apps or just some apps. For instance, you can set it where an app can contact AppCompany.com but not Google.com