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Setup of how apps connect through Wifi/Mobile Networks

A

another_bald_eagle

Lurker
Hi,

Moto G5 Plus with Android 8.1.0

1- How to force all apps (system included) to connect through WiFi ONLY?
2- After all apps connect ONLY through WiFi how to enable specific apps to connect through mobile networks?
 
Unfortunately Netguard will not work for me because it requires the VPN service. I already use a VPN service and Android does not allow chaining VPN services.
 
The issue with non-root firewall apps is that they use a local VPN service that's a part of how they filter online connectivity. Root-required firewall apps can use iptables, an integral firewall service that's already in the Linux kernel itself. But since iptables is a system-level process, that's why non-root, user-level only apps have to rely on a work-around like that local VPN.
So rule out firewall apps for this matter. There is a 'Data Saver' service that should be buried somewhere in your Settings menu (just looking in the phone in front of me that option is in the Settings >> Wireless & networks >> Data usage menu, so yours should be nested in something similar, or so). Once enabled this will restrict uninitiated data access, and you can choose which apps to allow/restrict.
https://source.android.com/devices/tech/connect/data-saver
https://www.computerworld.com/article/3190985/14-easy-ways-to-cut-back-on-data-use-in-android.html
 
Well, it is simpler than I thought. Just go Settings then Apps & notifications then > See all xyz apps. It shows a list of all installed apps that may connect to the internet. Tap on each app that has to be ruled and tap on Data usage. Then if WiFi only is the intended rule for that app just disable Background Data, no mobile connection. If the option is enabled then it means that the app can access the internet through WiFi AND mobile networks.
 
kate said:
That prevents an app from using mobile data when you are not using the app, but when you have that app open it can still use a mobile connection.
Click to expand...

Yeah. It does not surprise me that the option is for background access only.

That means for me that every time I connect to WiFi I will have to disable mobile, use all apps I want, make sure I exit them after using them and re-enable mobile. It is far from ideal but better than carrying a second phone loaded only with the four apps I need for eventual emergency mobile connections when I am out of WiFi coverage.
App developers should allow users to setup usage to WiFi only all the time at app level.
 
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