10

I use Tasker to sync every 30 mins when on 3G. I'm on a limited data plan, and the only apps I use constantly are browser, a Twitter app (Echofon) and Whatsapp. Is there a way to allow only these apps when on cell data, and allow access to all on wifi, either with Tasker or otherwise?

I've seen similar questions here, but they're mostly outdated (pre ICS) and/or involve restricting access using DroidWall, which does not differentiate wifi and 3G.

Improve this question
6
  • 1
    Since when Droidwall does not differenciate between Wifi and 3G? It has checkboxes for both. As Droidwall is no longer continued, you might also want to check its follow-up AFWall+ (Android Firewall) (here the screenshots clearly show the differenciation).
    – Izzy ♦
    Jan 7, 2013 at 13:40
  • @Izzy Incidentally droidwall was sold to Avast.... :\ AFWall+ has some glitchy teething problems...
    – t0mm13b
    Jan 7, 2013 at 16:18
  • Never heard anything of those! That would leave LBE as an option (careful on JellyBean -- don't install the app from the playstore on JB or you'll run into a boot-loop; check XDA instead. Pre-JB is fine from Playstore)? Works for me in this context (limiting apps to WiFi).
    – Izzy ♦
    Jan 7, 2013 at 16:30
  • @Izzy: my knowledge of Droidwall was based on an old post here on Android.SE, thank you for correcting me. I'm on 4.2, and even AFWall+ seems to have issues according to comments on the Play Store page.
    – Sumesh
    Jan 8, 2013 at 8:20
  • As I wrote, I did use neither of them yet -- so I cannot tell about issues first-hand. I use LBE from the playstore, which also offers this feature and works fine so far.
    – Izzy ♦
    Jan 8, 2013 at 8:54

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
6

I know of no way to restrict an app to the 3G network (as opposed to 2G/4G), but there are several solutions to restrict apps to either WiFi or mobile networks (or keep/allow them from/to both). Examples include DroidWall - Android Firewall1 (which you already mentioned, but which is discontinued), its successor AFWall+2, its fork Android Firewall3 (gone), and -- last but not least -- LBE Privacy Guard4 (no longer updated; go here for it's "big brother"'s English version). As below screenshots show, all four of them support separate settings per app for WiFi and mobile data respectively.

DroidWall AFWall+

Android Firewall LBE

As the comments state, some of them might have issues (e.g. do not install LBE from the playstore if your device runs Android 4.1 or higher, as this will leave you with a boot loop -- check this XDA thread instead). But one of them should do for you, I hope.

Improve this answer
4
  • Confirmed. My internal data (from my app lists at IzzyOnDroid) saw it last on 2014-08-28, so it's at least gone since October. Nothing I can do about that, sorry: it's neither listed at F-Droid, nor in the "Apps" repo at Aptoide. Thanks for pointing out!
    – Izzy ♦
    Jan 1, 2015 at 19:36
  • Hmm, looks like LBE might be gone too.
    – Seth
    Sep 3, 2015 at 17:44
  • @Seth Not really. Sadly, the international "Lite" version is (don't use on JB+ or you'll have a boot-loop). The bloated Chinese mega-pack still is available, internationalized by our friends at XDA. See here for the English one.
    – Izzy ♦
    Sep 3, 2015 at 21:26
  • A great firewall app alternative for non-rooted is github.com/M66B/NetGuard, it's open-source and well maintained and has been around for a while, I use it as well you can find it on the android Playstore play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=eu.faircode.netguard
    – maroof shittu
    Oct 24, 2019 at 2:21
1

You can set permissions (Allowed All / Wi-Fi Only / Blocked All) on per-app basis with LostNet Firewall: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lostnet.fw.free

Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    Please read the documentation regarding self-promotion in the Help Center.
    – onik
    Feb 10, 2014 at 10:54

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .