AFWall+ app is an Android firewall application that protects our devices from cyberattacks. Firewall’s main role is to monitor data transmission over the device network. Based on the specific rules, it prevents malicious attempts and unauthorized access to the apps. Users will be notified when any app trying to connect to the internet and suspicious files are detected. The AFWall+ app enables a real-time view of which specific apps are using the internet and performing certain actions. Our Android mobile phone needs to be rooted to use the AFWall+ app. Android won’t allow third applications to take administrative control that’s why we need to perform the Android root process to gain full control over the device. There are several apps available on the market to do rooting.

Highlights of the AFWall+ App
- The AFWall+ app supports the main protocols IPv4 and IPv6. It can be used with mobile data, Wi-Fi, LAN, tethering, VPN, and The Onion Router.
- This app is free to use and has no advertisements. Highly secured built-in Iptables and Busybox.
- The firewall app shows us the list of all installed applications by date.
- While installing any new app we can allow or disallow certain permissions easily.
- One can set a password to the AFWall+ app to prevent its accessibility to everyone.
- After installing the app set app mode for “Whitelist” or “Blacklist”. If you have a media server in the blacklist then move it to whitelist or allow permissions. If you forget to change it, then online audio streaming and some video platforms won’t work on your device.
- If you are using AFWall+ 1.2.4 or higher version then enable the IPv6 option in the app. Because IPv6 is disabled by default to block IPv6 traffic.
- Only 10-17 MB of non-shared memory would be used and not use much CPU. So, it will not consume much battery energy.
- Other firewall apps like XPrivacy and Lightning Wall work fine together with AFWall+. It might not support Avast, Android Tuner, Donkey Guard, and OrWall.
- Download the app from the Google Play store, F-droid, and Github.
Disadvantages of the AFWall+ APK
- Android Root: Rooting our mobile phone is the main drawback of the AFWall+ app. If we perform root then the device warranty will be voided.
- Of course, installing a firewall protects devices from threats but the rooted devices would have more chances of Trojan, Viruses, and Malware attacks.
- The AFWall+ app does not have an AdBlock function.
- If we disable the firewall notification icon the firewall may not work properly.
Conclusion: We have seen the pros and cons of the AFWall+ app. Use AFWall+ if you want more security than your present firewall application. We have already said this application is an open source project so upgrades will come frequently from the community of people. New features will be added regularly.
FAQ
No, you cannot use this firewall application without rooting. Certain apps need rooting to gain administrative control over the device.
No, It is not available for iOS devices. However, Apple follows strict policy terms it will not allow any third-party applications to take control of the device.
Yes, the AFWall+ firewall supports VPN.