• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

How to allow only one app (Dolphin browser) use data connection, and only for 1 website

C

cutedroid

Well-Known Member
Background story (you need not read this)

My cellular network provider lets us go onto facebook for free if we point our browser to http://0.facebook.com. When I spoke to one of the customer-service agents, they assured me that as long as I don't click my way onto an external link or click to make a FB photo visible, I won't be charged. They said that a confirmation window will pop up, telling me that if I continue I would be charged. Then they told me that, to be safe, I should turn off the data connection when I'm done facebooking. This should have been a red flag: Why the need to turn off data if I stick to just FB?
Anyway, I followed the steps to activate the data connection, then I opened up Dolphin Browser, and went to http://0.facebook.com. I used it to send messages to friends. I am in a country where each text sent costs money. So my Facebook-messaging people was my attempt to communicate for free.

Well, I was just on FB for about 30 minutes, but I did not shut off the data connection until more than 8 hours later. When I checked my prepaid credits/load, I was shocked to see a huge reduction! I noticed that my other apps like Gmail were making use of the data connection without my knowing it. These apps were using the data connection in the background. I felt betrayed by the cellular network company.


Question:
What can I do to make sure that, when I turn on the Data Connection, no app can use the data connection (no upload, no download), except for my Dolphin Browser, and for no website except http://0.facebook.com?
 
I think you'll need to root the phone and install a firewall app to do what you want.

Without root access I doubt it is possible.
 
You don't need a 3rd Party app.

Head to Settings -> Data Usage -> App Name -> Check the box which says restrict background data.

That way when you're using mobile data, unless you've specifically allowed it to, the app won't use data.

Alternatively, 3G Watchdog might have a similar function.
 
cutedroid said:
John Bean, my phone is rooted. Do I install just any firewall app? Any recommendations?
Click to expand...

I have no recommendation (I haven't used one) but pick one that allows a simple "block all" with a whitelist to allow your single specific exception of the allowed url. It doesn't really matter which apps you block/allow, it's far more important to restrict the url/IP to the one that doesn't cost anything, no matter which app accesses it.

You can limit background data app by app as suggested, but that doesn't really achieve what you want - your (unrestricted) browser could still access other sites as you use it for example.

Best to just install a firewall that looks suitable and give it a try; if it does the job you're done otherwise simply uninstall and try another.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom