I never thought about. Doesn't Android already use a firewall of sorts through its Linux kernel? (or am I being stupid?) So if you did install one on Android, it'd be more for the sake of controlling what connects to the internet and setting up your own whitelist. I looked on F-Droid and there's one called AFWall+ https://f-droid.org/repository/browse/?fdfilter=AFWall+&fdid=dev.ukanth.ufirewall If I were to try one, I guess it'd be that.
I have installed NoRoot Firewall and I am happy about its performance and features. As the name implies, you don't need to root your phone to have a firewall installed. I was amazed how many apps that really did not need access to the network was asked and denied by the FW.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.defim.apk.lightningwall Appears light and complete. (Root+ X-Posed).
I don't use a firewall and probably never will. I don't see much need for using one on my Android devices.
Not for security purposes but on Android phones, I used it in an attempt to block some apps from making unnecessary (from my POV) connections. E.g. games, keyboard, etc. On my old phone, I used Grey Shirts NoRoot firewall which allows for granular rules. On my current phone, it has native feature to restrict apps data/Wi-Fi usage so I use it instead.
No, but I guess I should... On my Windows tablet I run Windows built-in firewall with Windows Firewall Control so I'd like something like that on my android phone too. What's are the best free android firewalls (and yes, my phone is rooted)? With Wifi, 3G, bluetooth, NFC and this-and-that features of my smartphone I'm a bit worried, but at the same time those features are convenient and I'm also worried a firewall could make things annoying.
Thought I didn't need a firewall, but just realized I can only block background data and not foreground ads. Using NoRoot.
I also use NoRoot Firewall. I use it to block apps that always connect to home when data transfer is "on". I used to be victim of bill-shock from my carrier. You know carriers they hide some billing and then they blame the apps that you are using. Even the apps that the carrier hosts call to home and eat up your credits.
Noroot uses the android VPN service to route the connections through therefore using a VPN is not possible whilst using Noroot. Also IPv6 is not supported. AFwall uses IPtables and can force all or selected app traffic thru your VPN/Lan/etc which in my opinion is a winner. IPv6 is also supported. A rooted device is needed however. I have only had a quick look so far so I'm willing to stand corrected but I would say AFwall is much more secure and the better choice for locking the device down for those of us that are privacy conscious.
Except you need root, which isn't always an option. I switched to LostNet cause NoRoot Global Filters wouldn't work on my device no matter what I do.
I have NetGuard but I possibly misunderstood what it could do for me. Having said that, it does reveal interesting behaviour of some apps. One example would be Software Data Cable, which seems to poll every device on my home network from time to time. Glasswire can also reveal what's going on 'under the hood'. JPC
I'm using NoRoot Firewall...I'm rather want to know and controll what will/want to call from my device (Samsung Grand Prime).
