How to block internet connections for specific apps?

[Niccolò Paganini]

Hi, I have a Samsung Galaxy S8+ which I purchased 3 or 4 months ago but I have never used it.

The device has been stored in a drawer because the first time I logged in I could not find a way to block Internet access for specific applications.

Now I would like to start using the device, but only if I can block Internet access (mobile data AND Wi-Fi) for specific applications.

I do not want to allow Internet access to applications like Contacts, Messages, Goople Play Store, Google Play Services, Gallery, etc., etc., etc.

So the question is:

How can I block Internet access (both mobile data and Wi-Fi) to all the applications I choose to? I am not talking about third party apps like firewalls... I want to block Internet access using the built-in (stock) apps/features/whatever... I mean by making use of the options that the device has by default.

Thanks in advance!

 

[mjones73]

No there's no way to limit one app from getting to the Internet built into the phone. You could turn off the sync settings for some of them like Contacts, Gallery, etc.

I have to ask, why does it matter if those apps can get to the Internet? I mean how do you expect to install apps if you were able to block the Play Store?

 

[peachpuff]

Un-sync is the only thing you can do, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.faircode.netguard&hl=en is the other option.

 

[dalanik]

What do you mean you can't? What about adhell2? As far as I know, it has internet permission for individual apps, and it doesn't need root...?

 

[Niccolò Paganini]

No there's no way to limit one app from getting to the Internet built into the phone. You could turn off the sync settings for some of them like Contacts, Gallery, etc.

I have to ask, why does it matter if those apps can get to the Internet? I mean how do you expect to install apps if you were able to block the Play Store?

Many of those apps have permissions like "storage", "phone ID", "contacts", "calendar", "camera", "microphone", etc...
Therefore, when those applications are given Internet access they will be able to send all our data via the Internet ...
That's why it's so important to block them having Internet access.

For example, if an application has access to your data, to your storage or your contacts, it stands to reason that it should not have Internet access...

Google or any other companies are not my tutor or my parents (I'm old enough to have grand children). They should not have, simultaneously, access to my storage data, contacts, calendar, and Internet access to send out all those data and info...

My son has a Huawei P10 and that device allows the user to block Internet access to specific apps.

So if this Samsung device does not have a way to limit specific apps from getting to the Internet, then the phone is a spyware device...
With the due respect, only a completly fool would use such a compromised device.

Note: my biggest problem is not Google Play Store because it's an app which I could use without allowing permissions like "storage", "contacts", and such. But I don't use Google Play Store. I use F-Droid and (if needed) Yalp Store.

 

[eddyo1993]

Many of those apps have permissions like "storage", "phone ID", "contacts", "calendar", "camera", "microphone", etc...
Therefore, when those applications are given Internet access they will be able to send all our data via the Internet ...
That's why it's so important to block them having Internet access.

For example, if an application has access to your data, to your storage or your contacts, it stands to reason that it should not have Internet access...

Google or any other companies are not my tutor or my parents (I'm old enough to have grand children). They should not have, simultaneously, access to my storage data, contacts, calendar, and Internet access to send out all those data and info...

My son has a Huawei P10 and that device allows the user to block Internet access to specific apps.

So if this Samsung device does not have a way to limit specific apps from getting to the Internet, then the phone is a spyware device...
With the due respect, only a completly fool would use such a compromised device.

Note: my biggest problem is not Google Play Store because it's an app which I could use without allowing permissions like "storage", "contacts", and such. But I don't use Google Play Store. I use F-Droid and (if needed) Yalp Store.

I was gonna say maybe use tinfoil around your phone . If you decide you want to use internet on a specific app remove the foil. But IDK if it'll work though.

 

[peachpuff]

What do you mean you can't? What about adhell2? As far as I know, it has internet permission for individual apps, and it doesn't need root...?

Hmm i'll have to look into that.

 

[Mr. Orange 645]

I was gonna say maybe use tinfoil around your phone . If you decide you want to use internet on a specific app remove the foil. But IDK if it'll work though.

Couldn't he just keep the phone in his tinfoil hat?

 

[eddyo1993]

Couldn't he just keep the phone in his tinfoil hat?

Yes he can. He can call it a phone accessory.

 

[gesbon]

Take a look at "Datally: mobile data-saving & WiFi app by Google"
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.freighter

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

 

[JeffDC]

Take a look at "Datally: mobile data-saving & WiFi app by Google"
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.freighter

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

If Datally allows control that'd be great. You can control an apps permissions, but none are directly internet.

 

[mjones73]

Many of those apps have permissions like "storage", "phone ID", "contacts", "calendar", "camera", "microphone", etc...
Therefore, when those applications are given Internet access they will be able to send all our data via the Internet ...
That's why it's so important to block them having Internet access.

For example, if an application has access to your data, to your storage or your contacts, it stands to reason that it should not have Internet access...

Google or any other companies are not my tutor or my parents (I'm old enough to have grand children). They should not have, simultaneously, access to my storage data, contacts, calendar, and Internet access to send out all those data and info...

My son has a Huawei P10 and that device allows the user to block Internet access to specific apps.

So if this Samsung device does not have a way to limit specific apps from getting to the Internet, then the phone is a spyware device...
With the due respect, only a completly fool would use such a compromised device.

Note: my biggest problem is not Google Play Store because it's an app which I could use without allowing permissions like "storage", "contacts", and such. But I don't use Google Play Store. I use F-Droid and (if needed) Yalp Store.

I guess I'm a fool because I don't care if Google is syncing my data so I could also get to it from my account via my PC..

Maybe you should stick to a Huawei P10 or a flip phone I guess...

 

[MarkedChain74]

Funniest thing ever!! He is complaining that his son can block internet access on his Huawei device, and then complains that his Samsung cannot due the same and therefore is a spyware device. EVEN THOUGH HUAWEI HAS BEEN PROVEN TO BE SPYING ON US CITIZENS BY THE FBI!! Like if u actually cared about your privacy you would stick with Samsung and stay far far away from Huawei

 

[waelh]

If you have root, use any firewall app available on Playstore such as AFWall+ or Droid Firewall

 

[falc∅n]

Many of those apps have permissions like "storage", "phone ID", "contacts", "calendar", "camera", "microphone", etc...
Therefore, when those applications are given Internet access they will be able to send all our data via the Internet ...
That's why it's so important to block them having Internet access.

For example, if an application has access to your data, to your storage or your contacts, it stands to reason that it should not have Internet access...

Google or any other companies are not my tutor or my parents (I'm old enough to have grand children). They should not have, simultaneously, access to my storage data, contacts, calendar, and Internet access to send out all those data and info...

My son has a Huawei P10 and that device allows the user to block Internet access to specific apps.

So if this Samsung device does not have a way to limit specific apps from getting to the Internet, then the phone is a spyware device...
With the due respect, only a completly fool would use such a compromised device.

Note: my biggest problem is not Google Play Store because it's an app which I could use without allowing permissions like "storage", "contacts", and such. But I don't use Google Play Store. I use F-Droid and (if needed) Yalp Store.

Hello, i have same concerns with you. Have you find solution to this problem ?
Stock Samsung Apps like samsung music, calendar, camera etc. sending information to internet. I don't want this.

I used to use lineage os before, and this process was so simple. But now i have a s10e. I can't block internet access per apps.

 

[Thebigmacy]

Jail break your phone for true control (definitely worth it), everything you need to know is online. Tin foil ???

 

[Kojackk]

Found any solutions? I'd really be happy to find a way to do this without rooting my s10e.

And if you're only solution is still tin foil and think it doesn't make any sense, buy yourself a brain before answering please.

 

[ftobin]

Found any solutions? I'd really be happy to find a way to do this without rooting my s10e.

Grab Activity Launcher on the Play Store (the one by Adam Szalkowski) and search for "Manage App Data. You can restrict access to mobile data and wifi on a per-app basis.