Restrict Apps from Using Mobile Data or Wi-Fi on Samsung

How to Restrict Apps from Using Mobile Data or Wi-Fi on Samsung Android Devices.

Learn how to control which apps can use mobile data or Wi-Fi on your Samsung phone. I’ll show you the steps to restrict network access for specific applications to save data and improve privacy.

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Showing you on Samsung S23 Ultra Android 15, OneUI 7.0

How to Restrict Apps from Using Mobile Data or Wi-Fi on Samsung Video

If you want to stop certain apps from using your data connection, I show you how to block them in your Samsung settings. This works for all recent Galaxy models including S series, A series, and Z series running One UI.

Why Restrict App Network Access?

You might want to block apps from using data for different reasons:

• Save mobile data by stopping unnecessary background usage
• Improve battery life by preventing apps from constantly syncing
• Limit distractions by blocking social media or games
• Enhance privacy by stopping apps from sending data in the background

How to Block Apps from Using Mobile Data

Follow these steps to restrict mobile data for specific apps:

1. Open Settings on your Samsung phone
2. Go to Connections > Data usage
3. Tap Mobile data usage
4. Find the app you want to restrict and tap it
5. Toggle off Allow mobile data usage

The app will now only work when connected to Wi-Fi.

How to Restrict Background Data

Some apps use data even when you’re not actively using them. Here’s how to stop that:

1. Go to Settings > Apps
2. Select the app you want to restrict
3. Tap Mobile data
4. Toggle off Allow background data usage

How to Use Data Saver Mode

For a quick way to restrict all background data:

1. Open Settings > Connections
2. Tap Data usage
3. Turn on Data saver
4. Tap Allowed apps to choose which apps can use data in the background

How to Block Wi-Fi Access for Apps

If you want to stop apps from using Wi-Fi but allow mobile data:

1. Install a firewall app from the Play Store
2. Alternatively, use Samsung’s built-in settings:

• Go to Settings > Apps
• Select an app and tap Permissions
• Disable Nearby devices permission (limits some Wi-Fi functions)

Troubleshooting Restricted Apps

If an app stops working properly after restricting its data:

• Check if it needs internet access for core functions
• Try allowing background data just for that app
• Restart your phone after changing settings

How to Reverse These Changes

To allow an app to use data again:

1. Go back to the same settings where you restricted it
2. Toggle the permissions back on
3. The app should regain network access immediately

These controls give you better management over your data usage and privacy. You can customize restrictions for different apps based on your needs.

Related Guides and Helpful Resources

If you found this guide helpful, check out these related step-by-step tutorials and category resources on ION HowTo:

• How to Add a Picture to a Contact on Android: Personalize your contacts with custom profile photos for caller identification.
• How to Disable 2G on Android: Enhance network privacy and prevent insecure 2G connections.
• Turn Off Automatic Updates on Samsung Android: Manage app and firmware updates to save battery and mobile data.
• Android Tips and Tricks: Explore our full collection of tutorials and step-by-step articles in this category.