How to disable the firewall on Android: safe methods for all versions

A firewall (or firewall) on Android is a built-in security tool that controls incoming and outgoing traffic, blocking potentially dangerous connections. However, in some cases, users need to disable it: for example, to test applications, connect to corporate networks, or troubleshoot VPN problems. It is important to understand that deactivating the firewall reduces the level of protection of the device, so this should only be done if alternative security measures are in place.

In this article we will look at how to disable the firewall on smartphones Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other popular brands, and also consider the risks and possible consequences. We will pay special attention to situations when a firewall blocks legitimate applications (for example, Tor or WireGuard), and ways to bypass these restrictions without completely disabling protection.

What is a firewall on Android and why disable it?

Firewall on Android Android works at the system kernel level and filters network packets according to specified rules. Unlike antiviruses, it does not scan files, but controls network activity applications. For example, it can:

• 🚫 Block suspicious connections to remote servers
• 🔒 Restrict application access to the Internet in the background
• 🛡️ Prevent human attacks in the middle" (MITM)
• 📵 Prohibit unauthorized data exchange through Wi-Fi or mobile network

However, there are situations when a firewall interferes with normal operation:

• 🔧 Application debugging: Developers often encounter blocking of test servers.
• 🌍 Corporate networks: Some VPNs or proxies may conflict with firewall rules.
• 🎮 Games and streaming: Some online games (for example, PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact) require non-standard ports.
• 🔄 Firmware update: On some devices, the firewall blocks loading custom ROMs.

⚠️ Attention: Disabling the firewall on devices s Android 12+ can lead to automatic activation Google Play Protect in enhanced mode. This is due to the security policy Googlewhich compensates for the lack of network protection.

How to check if the firewall is enabled on your Android

Before disabling the firewall, make sure it is actually active. On most devices, its operation is not clearly displayed in the interface, but there are indirect signs:

1. Try to connect to VPN (for example, ProtonVPN or NordVPN). If the connection is lost for no apparent reason, it may be blocked by the firewall.

2. Run an application that requires non-standard ports (for example, Tor Browser or Termux). Errors like "Connection refused" or "Network unreachable" may indicate a network block.

3. Use a terminal (via Termux or adb shell) and run the command:

   iptables -L

   If the output contains rules c DROP or REJECT —the firewall is active.

Devices Samsung s One UI i Xiaomi s MIUI have built-in network diagnostic tools that can show blockages. For example, on Samsung go to Settings → Device maintenance → Diagnostics and select "Network check".

Disable the firewall on stock Android (AOSP)

On "pure" Android (for example, Pixel, Nokia or devices with LineageOS), the firewall is controlled through iptables/nftables low-level traffic filtering tools. You can disable it completely only with rights root or via ADB.

Enable USB debugging in developer settings

Install ADB drivers on your computer

Connect the phone to the PC and confirm the trusted device

Download platform tools (platform-tools) from the Google website-->

If you have rootaccess, run in Termux or via adb shell:

su
iptables -F # Clears all rules
iptables -X # Removes user chains
iptables -P INPUT ACCEPT # Allows all incoming traffic
iptables -P OUTPUT ACCEPT # Allows all outgoing traffic
iptables -P FORWARD ACCEPT

For temporary disabling without root use ADB:

adb shell settings put global firewall_enabled 0

⚠️ Attention: On Android 13+ the command settings put global firewall_enabled may not work due to restrictions SELinux. In this case, modification of the system files will be required, which requires an unlocked bootloader.

If you need to disable the firewall only for a specific application, use:

adb shell cmd appops set <package_name> android:firewall allow

To find package_name, use the command:

adb shell pm list packages | grep"application_name"

Disconnection firewall on Samsung (One UI)

On smartphones Samsung the firewall is integrated into the security system Knox. It is impossible to disable it completely without root but you can loosen the restrictions or add exceptions for applications.

Method 1: Through Knox Settings (for corporate devices):

1. Open Settings → Biometrics and Security → Knox data-i="153">Go to Settings → Biometrics and security → Knox.
2. Select "Knox Settings" (Administrator PIN may be required).
3. Go to "Network Protection" and disable the option "Knox Firewall".

Method 2: For regular users (without Knox):

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select "Special access".
3. Select "Network access" and find the application for which you want to disable restrictions.
4. Allow access to Wi-Fi and mobile data.

Method 3: Via Samsung Members (for diagnostics):

1. Open the application Samsung Members.
2. Go to "Diagnostics" → "Network check".
3. If blockages are detected, the system will offer to temporarily relax the rules firewall.

⚠️ Attention: On devices Samsung s One UI 5.0+ an attempt to disable Knox Firewall via ADB or modification of system files may result in a firewall. eFuse —a hardware flag that marks the device as “jailbroken.” This voids the warranty and blocks some functions (for example, Samsung Pay).

Disable the firewall on Xiaomi (MIUI)

On smartphones Xiaomi, Redmi i POCO the firewall is built into the security system MIUI and is closely related to the function "Traffic optimization". There are several ways to disable it, but some require unlocking the bootloader.

Method 1: Through Security Settings:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Manage applications.
2. Select "Special permissions" → "Data access".
3. Find the application for which you want to disable restrictions and allow network access.

Method 2: Disable "Traffic optimization":

1. Go to Settings → Battery and performance → Traffic optimization.
2. Disable option "Limit background traffic".
3. In the section "Applications" find the one you need and disable optimization for it.

Method 3: Through MIUI Hidden Settings (requires ADB):

adb shell settings put global firewall_control_enabled 0

For devices with MIUI 14+ an additional command may be required:

adb shell pm disable-user --user 0 com.miui.firewall

Disabling the firewall on Huawei and Honor

Devices Huawei and Honor use their own security system Huawei Mobile Services (HMS), which includes a built-in firewall It is more difficult to disable it than on other brands, due to. strict restrictions EMUI.

Method 1: Through Security Settings:

1. Open Settings → Security → Firewall.
2. Disable option "Network protection" (PIN code may be required).
3. In the section "Applications" add the necessary apps to exceptions.

Method 2: Through ADB (for EMUI 10+):

adb shell settings put global firewall_switch 0

Method 3: For devices with HarmonyOS:

1. Go to Settings → Privacy → Application Permissions.
2. Select "Network access" and configure rights for each application manually.

⚠️ Attention: On devices Huawei with EMUI 12+ attempt to modify system files (including disabling firewall through root) leads to loss of access to HMS services (for example, AppGallery, Huawei ID). Access can only be restored through the official service center.

Risks of disabling the firewall and how to do them minimize

Disabling the firewall opens your device to a number of threats:

• 🕵️ Traffic sniffing: Attackers can intercept data on open networks Wi-Fi.
• 💣 Attacks through vulnerabilities: Applications with vulnerabilities (for example, outdated versions WhatsApp or Telegram) become targets for exploits.
• 📱 Background activity: Some applications can secretly send data to remote servers.
• 🔄 MITM attacks: Certificate substitutions and traffic redirection are possible.

To reduce risks, follow these recommendations:

• 🔒 Use VPN with encryption (for example, ProtonVPN or IVPN) for all connections.
• 🛡️ Install alternative firewall from Google Play (for example, NetGuard or AFWall+).
• 🔄 Regularly update firmware and applicationsto close vulnerabilities.
• 🚫 Limit background network access for unnecessary applications in Android settings.

On devices with a disabled firewall, never connect to public Wi-Fi without a VPN. Even “secure” networks in cafes or airports may contain vulnerabilities. for attacks like ARP-spoofing.

Alternatives to disabling the firewall

In most cases, instead of completely disabling the firewall, you can use more secure alternatives:

If the problem is related to a specific application, try:

1. Clear cache and application data in Settings → Applications.
2. Update the application to the latest version.
3. Check if it is blocked Google Play Protect (in Settings → Security → Google Play Protect).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about disabling the firewall on Android

iptables -L | grep -i"drop\|reject"