Do You Need a Firewall for an Android Device?

Cybercrimes and hacking attacks are growing at a high-speed rate. But this fact is more applicable to personal computers and laptops. You can prevent attackers from entering your PC/laptop by a network security device known as the firewall. The firewall monitors the network and the incoming and outgoing network traffic of your computer. It also filters malicious files. Your firewall automatically blocks the content that is unsafe for your computer.

Nowadays, people use mobile phones more than computers and laptops. You may think of securing your smartphone or Android device as it may contain important files, banking apps, and other useful documents. But, the risk of viruses and malware, and other malicious files is relatively low in Android devices. There are no known viruses on Android to date. So, as long as you use trusted applications, there is no risk. Always install and use trusted apps from Google Play Store. Unknown or suspicious apps can leak your information and that’s why you should never install applications from an unknown website.

As of today, you need not compulsorily install a firewall application on your Android. In the near future, hackers may target malware and other threats on Android devices. Though it is not necessary that you run a firewall on your device, being safe is always good. If you wish to add a firewall application to your device, here are a few top picks listed for you.

Do You Need a Firewall for an Android Device

What are some trusted firewall applications?

Why should I use a firewall?

A firewall protects the computer from threats and malware attacks. It acts as a fence to protect the computer system. The firewall automatically blocks untrusted connections and malicious content. It acts as a gate between the internet and your Android device.

If you really wish to install a firewall application on your Android device, you can find the top ones here. If you think you need a firewall, don’t wait. Install one and secure your devices now!

1. AFWall+ (Requires Root)

AFWall | Do You Need a Firewall for an Android Device?

AFWall+ expands to Android Firewall +. This firewall requires root permission. If you don’t know how to root your Android phone, do read our article on carrying out this process. It is one of the most popular firewall applications on the Google Play Store. It comes with a simple and easy-to-use user interface. You can use this app to disable internet access to your apps. You can also restrict the network usage of your applications by AFWall+. Also, you can control traffic within the Local Area Network (LAN) or while you connect through a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

Characteristics

  • Material-inspired design
  • Supports LAN
  • VPN support is available
  • LAN support is available
  • Supports TOR
  • Supports IPv4/IPv6
  • Can hide app icons
  • Uses a pin/password
  • Filters applications

2. NoRoot Firewall

NoRoot Firewall

As the name suggests, this firewall application requires no root. NoRoot Firewall can be a great solution if you want a firewall for your Android device without rooting your phone. This is a wonderfully designed app with a great user interface. It works really well with a great filtering system.

Characteristics

  • Does not require root
  • Fine-grained access control
  • Easy user interface
  • No location permission needed
  • No phone number needed
  • Access control based on IP/Host or Domain name

Also Read: 15 Best Firewall Authentication Apps For Android Phones

3. Mobiwol NoRoot Firewall

Mobiwol NoRoot Firewall | Do You Need a Firewall for an Android Device?

Mobiwol is another great firewall app that requires no root. You can easily take control of your apps with Mobiwol. It has features to block background activities and monitor network usage. It automatically alerts you when an application uses the internet. Mobiowol is popular with more than a million downloads. The simple options of the application are the key to its popularity with users worldwide. You should consider adding Mobiwol to your application inventory.

Characteristics

  • Does not require root
  • Notifies about app access to the internet
  • Disables background data usage by apps
  • Automatically launches on device start-up
  • Shows data usage
  • Auto identifies your apps

4. NetGuard

NetGuard

NetGuard is another trusted application that does not require root permission. It provides simple ways to grant or block internet access to your apps. This can result in reduced battery usage and data usage. NetGuard comes with a few advanced management options, such as blacklisting and whitelisting. It also extends support to IPv6, thus making it a better firewall option. The free version itself is a great one. However, if you are looking for a few additional features, you can buy the PRO version of NetGuard from the in-app purchases.

Characteristics

  • Does not require root
  • Open-source
  • No ads
  • Supports tethering
  • Simple interface
  • Light and dark modes
  • Additional themes (PRO version)
  • Searching and filtering access attempts (PRO version)
  • Network speed graph (PRO version)

Additional ways to safeguard your device

Here are a few tips and suggestions for you to be in the safe zone.

  • If you use public Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi networks in a shopping mall, club, or hotel, etc.), your phone is visible to everyone on that network. In this way, you are vulnerable to an attack. Hackers or attackers can attack your Android device through the Wi-Fi network.
  • Do not connect your Android device to open Wi-Fi networks. Even if you connect to the Wi-Fi network of a trusted store, we recommend that you use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN creates many security coatings for your connection. In this way, you can stay safe from attackers.
  • Only install apps from trusted sites and application stores. Never install suspicious apps or apps from unknown websites.
  • Regularly update your apps by checking and installing them as soon as possible. Keeping your apps updated makes your phone free from risk.
  • Know about any software or application before you install it. Read and know about the developers of the app, the number of users, and the Play Store rating for that app. Also, go through the user reviews of an app before installing the application.
  • Install good security software on your Android phone. This can block malicious apps even if you install them unknowingly.

I hope that you have made a clear decision about installing a firewall on your Android device by now. If you need a firewall for your Android device, you know where to look for it.

If you have any doubts, please leave them in the comment box. In case of any clarifications, you can always try contacting me. Your satisfaction and trust are the driving factors of this website!

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We hope this guide was helpful and you were able to understand if you need a firewall for your Android device or not. Still, if you have any doubts then feel free to ask them in the comment section.

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