How to restrict (meter) Wi-Fi on Android and disable internet on specific apps

Monitoring WiFi usage is useful for various reasons, including the ability to save money by conserving data. However, some Android devices lack the feature to meter Wi-Fi usage like you would on cellular connectivity.

Most manufacturers probably assume that Wi-Fi networks offer unlimited data. While this may be true in most cases, there are times when you might want to restrict Wi-Fi usage. If your Android device can meter Wi-Fi, here’s a link to Google’s article on how to access the feature.

Why restrict Wi-Fi data?

To avoid exceeding your data limit: When you exceed the data limit, you’ll incur additional charges or the internet speed may be throttled. Conserving WiFi data can help you avoid these issues. Not everyone has unlimited Wi-Fi data.
When using mobile hotspot: When hotspot is on, the receiving device will treat the network like any other Wi-Fi. This means your tablet may download large updates and consume data in the background.

On my Galaxy tablet, I noticed the Data saver feature wasn’t available on the Wi-Fi-only model. The purpose of this feature is to cut down data usage by preventing apps from using data in the background. Additionally, other data-saving options such as Data Limit and Data Warning were also missing.

How to disable internet on individual apps and save Wi-Fi Data

Go the Playstore
Search and download Netgurard

NetGuard is an open-source firewall app for Android devices. It allows blocking internet access to specific apps on your device, helping you conserve data and protect your privacy. With NetGuard, you can choose which apps have access to the internet, giving you greater control over data usage and security. The app can be configured to block internet access for individual apps or for all apps, and it allows you to create exceptions for specific apps or IP addresses. NetGuard also provides detailed logs of internet activity on your device, so you can see which apps are using the most data.

How to use Netguard

NetGuard boasts a wide range of features. Yet, it’s fairly easy to use. To get started.

Open the Netgurd app
Turn on lockdown mode by clicking the toggle in the top left corner. See the picture below for reference. In this mode, all apps won’t have access to the internet.

To allow internet to specific apps, select an app and click “Allow in lockdown mode”

For more advanced options explore Settings.

Is NetGuard safe?

NetGuard is safe and reliable. It’s an open-source app, meaning the source code is publicly available and can be audited by anyone to ensure that it is secure. Additionally, the app has been downloaded millions of times and currently has a 4.4-star rating on the Google Play Store, with many users praising its effectiveness and ease of use.

How does Netguard work?

NetGuard works by creating a local VPN (virtual private network) service on your device that intercepts all outgoing and incoming network connections. This allows NetGuard to control which connections are allowed or blocked, based on the rules that you set up.

Are there alternatives?

NetGuard is useful for managing data usage, reducing battery drain, and improving the overall performance of your device. While NetGuard is a good option for these tasks, there are other firewall and data-saving apps that can be downloaded from the Play Store.

Check out this portable 4G router

A portable 5G router that only requires a SIM card for internet.

A 4G router is a router that connects to the internet using a 4G mobile network. It can be used as a primary internet connection or as a backup internet connection in case the main connection goes down. 4G routers are portable and easy to install, making them a good choice for people who need a reliable internet connection in areas where wired internet is not available or where the signal is weak. Some 4G routers also have the ability to connect to other networks, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet, so you can use them to share the internet connection with multiple devices. Check out this unlocked 4G router on Amazon.

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