How to allow an application to use the Internet on Android: a complete guide

Have you installed a new application, but it cannot connect to the network? Or did online functions in games and instant messengers stop working after an Android update? The problem most often lies in permission settings - the operating system may block access to the Internet by default. In this article, we will look at all the ways to allow the application to use mobile traffic and Wi-Fi on any smartphone, including devices with Android 14, Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI and other shells.

It is important to understand: restrictions on network access can be established at three levels: Android system settings, specific application settings and firewall rules (if an antivirus is installed). We will look at each of them, and also tell you what to do if permission is given, but the Internet still does not work. Some manufacturers (for example Huawei or Oppo) add their own restrictions - we will touch on them too.

Checking basic Internet settings on Android

Before delving into permissions, make sure that the network connection itself is working. Often the problem lies not in the application, but in the general settings of the smartphone.

Open Settings → Connections → Mobile network (or SIM cards and mobile networks) and check:

• 📶 Mobile data is on —the switch must be active.
• 🌐 Access point (APN) is configured correctly —especially important after changing the operator.
• 🔄 Airplane mode is disabled —it blocks all wireless connections.
• 📡 Wi-Fi is connected to the working network —sometimes the smartphone “sticks” to a non-existent point.

If you are using dual-SIM, make sure that mobile data is allowed for the correct SIM card (in the SIM manager settings). On some devices (for example, Realme or Vivo), by default, data may be assigned to the slot SIM 1, even if you use SIM 2.

How to give an application access to the Internet through Android settings

Modern versions of Android (starting from Android 9 Pie) allow you to flexibly manage network permissions for each application. Here are the step-by-step guide:

1. Open Settings → Applications (or Applications and notifications).
2. Find the desired application in the list and tap on it.
3. Go to section Permissions (on some shells - Rights or Accesses).
4. Find item Internet, Mobile data or Wi-Fi and activate the switch.

On Samsung Galaxy the path may differ: Settings → Applications → [Select application] → Mobile data. Here you can separately allow access via mobile network and Wi-Fi. If the option Allow background access to data is disabled, the application will not be able to update in BACKGROUND mode (for example, instant messengers will not receive messages when the screen is off).

Find the application in Android settings

Open the "Permissions" or "Access" section

Turn on the "Internet" or "Mobile data" switch

Check individual settings for Wi-Fi and mobile traffic (if available)

Restart the application after changes-->

On Xiaomi, Redmi i POCO Additionally, you may need:

1. Log in Settings → Applications → Manage applications → [Select application].
2. Tap on Battery and background mode.
3. Select No restrictions (otherwise the system may block network activity to save battery).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ in the Special permissions section, the option Autostartmay be hidden. If it is disabled, the application will not be able to connect to the network automatically after restarting the smartphone.

Setting up background Internet access

Many applications (messengers, email clients, cloud services) need background Internet accessto work correctly. For example, WhatsApp will not show notifications about new messages if background access is blocked.

To enable it:

• 🔧 On pure Android (Pixel, Motorola): Settings → Applications → [Application] → Advanced → Battery → Background activity → select No restrictions.
• 📱 On Samsung: Settings → Device care → Battery → Background restrictions → add the application to the exclusion list.
• ⚡ On Huawei (EMUI): Settings → Battery → Launching applications → set the mode for the desired application Manually controlled and turn on Background activity.

Manufacturers aggressively optimize battery consumption, so after updating the OS these settings may reset. If you notice that the application has stopped receiving notifications, check the background permissions first.

Using a firewall or antivirus: what blocks the Internet

If you installed a third-party one antivirus (for example, Kaspersky, Avast, 360 Security) or Firewall (for example, NetGuard, AFWall+), they can block network access for applications. Here's how to check it:

1. Open your antivirus/firewall.
2. Find the section Network, Firewall or Traffic protection.
3. Check the list of blocked applications - your application may be there.
4. Add it to exceptions or allow access to Wi-Fi/mobile data.

For example, in Avast Mobile Security the path is: Protection → Firewall → Applications. Here you can see which apps have access to the network and change the rules. In NetGuard (a popular firewall without root), just uncheck the Wi-Fi and mobile data blocking boxes for the desired application.

⚠️ Attention: Some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff) may stop working if a firewall is blocking their access to servers. In this case, either add them to the exceptions or temporarily disable the firewall.

Antivirus/Firewall	Path to network settings	How to allow access
Kaspersky	Protection → Anti-Phishing → Network settings	Add the application to exceptions or disable traffic control
Avast	Protection → Firewall → Applications	Tap on the application and select Allow
NetGuard	Home screen → list of applications	Uncheck Wi-Fi and mobile data
360 Security	Tools → Firewall	Switch the slider to position Allow

Features of setting up the Internet on different Android shells

Smartphone manufacturers often modify Android by adding their own restrictions. Let's look at the most common shells.

Samsung One UI

On devices Galaxy (for example, S23 Ultra or A54) there is a separate section for managing mobile traffic:

1. Settings → Connections → Data usage → Mobile data.
2. Tap on the application and enable Allow background access to data.
3. If you need to limit traffic, set the limit in Warning and restriction.

Xiaomi MIUI / Redmi / POCO

Here is the strictest control of background processes. For the application to work stably:

• 🔋 Open Settings → Applications → Manage applications → [Application] → Battery and select Unlimited.
• 🔄 In the same menu, enable Autorun i Background activity.
• 📶 In Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Data usage check that the application is not set limit.

Why on Xiaomi applications lose access to the Internet after updating?

On devices Xiaomi after updating MIUI, battery optimization settings are reset. The system automatically limits background activity for all applications except system ones. To regain access to the Internet, you will have to manually go to the settings of each application and remove restrictions.

Huawei EMUI / Honor Magic UI

On smartphones Huawei (for example, P60 Pro or Mate 50) and Honor:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → [Application] → Permissions.
2. Enable Mobile data and Wi-Fi.
3. Open Settings → Battery → Launch applications and set the application mode Manually controlled.

Oppo / Realme / Vivo (ColorOS)

These brands actively save battery, therefore:

• 🛡️ B Settings → Battery → Battery optimization disable optimization for the desired application.
• 📵 B Settings → Applications → [Application] → Battery select No restrictions.
• 🌐 B Settings → Mobile network → Data usage check that the application is allowed traffic.

What to do if permission is given, but the Internet does not work

Have you checked all the settings, but the application still does not connect to the network? Here are possible causes and solutions:

• 🔌 Problems with DNS — try changing the DNS server in the Wi-Fi or mobile network settings (for example, to 8.8.8.8 from Google).
• 🔒 VPN or proxy — some applications block access via VPN. Disable it in Settings → Connections → Other networks → VPN.
• 📱 Error in the application cache — clear the cache and data: Settings → Applications → [Application] → Memory → Clear cache.
• 🔄 Google Play Services crashed — update services via Play Market or clear their cache.
• 🛠️ Incompatibility with the Android version —check if the application supports your OS (for example, some games do not work on Android 14 without updating).

If the problem occurs only with mobile datatry:

1. Switch to another SIM card (if there is a dual-SIM).
2. Manually enter the APN settings (you can request them from the operator).
3. Disable IPv6 in the mobile network settings (it works unstable on some operators).

⚠️ Attention: Devices with Android 12+ have a feature Approximate locationthat can affect the operation of location-based applications (for example, maps or taxis). If an application requires precise access to a location to work with the network, enable Exact location in its settings.

Additional methods: ADB and root access

For experienced users, there are advanced methods for managing network permissions. They are useful if the standard settings do not help or you need to change permissions for several applications en masse.

Method 1: Using ADB (without root)

Using Android Debug Bridge (ADB) you can manually give an application access to the Internet. To do this:

1. Enable USB debugging in Settings → About phone → Number build (tap 7 times) → Developer settings → USB debugging.
2. Connect your smartphone to the PC and run the command:

   adb shell pm grant com.example.app android.permission.INTERNET

   (replace com.example.app with a real application package).

Method 2: Root access and applications like App Ops

If you have root access, you can use:

• App Ops — allows you to manage all permissions, including hidden ones.
• Xposed Framework with module Network Restrictions —for flexible access settings.
• Tasker —for automatically turning on/off the Internet for applications on a schedule.

Caution: incorrect use of root can lead to Unstable system operation or Loss of warranty. Before experiments, make a backup copy!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Internet access on Android

Why did applications lose access to the Internet after updating Android?

OS updates often reset battery optimization settings i app permissions. After upgrading to a new version of Android (for example, from Android 13 to Android 14), go to the settings of each important application and:

1. Check permission to access Internet.
2. Remove battery restrictions (enable No restrictions).
3. Allow autorun (on Xiaomi, Huawei).

Also, after updating, you may need to reinstall the application.

How to find out which permission is blocking the Internet in the application?

Use the built-in traffic monitor:

1. On pure Android: Settings → Network and Internet → Data usage → Mobile traffic.
2. On Samsung: Settings → Connections → Data usage.
3. On Xiaomi: Settings → SIM cards and mobile networks → Traffic usage.

If the application does not appear in the traffic consumption list, it means that access to the network is completely blocked. If it appears, but the traffic is minimal, check the background permissions.

Is it possible to limit the Internet for individual applications, but leave background notifications?

Yes, but it depends on the shell:

• On Samsung in Settings → Applications → [Application] → Mobile data can be disabled Background data access, but leave Notifications.
• On Xiaomi in Settings → Applications → [Application] → Battery select Limit background activitybut leave it on Autostart.
• On pure Android use NetGuard or DataEye for flexible configuration.

Please note: some applications (for example, Telegram or Viber) will not show notifications if the background Internet is turned off.

Why do some applications (for example, banking) require a separate Internet permission?

Banking applications (for example, SberBank Online, VTB Online, Tinkoff) are often used secure communication channels and may request additional permissions for:

• Device authentication checks.
• Protection against MITM attacks (traffic interception).
• Compliance with regulatory requirements (for example, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation).

If such an application does not work, check:

1. Resolution Overlay on top of other applications (needed to protect the screen).
2. Lack of root access (banking applications are often blocked on rooted devices).
3. Date and time settings - they should be automatic.

How to reset all network settings on Android if nothing helps?

If none of the methods worked, follow reset network settings. This will delete all saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords, VPN and APN settings, but often solves connection problems:

1. On pure Android: Settings → System → Reset settings → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth.
2. On Samsung: Settings → General management → Reset → Reset network settings.
3. On Xiaomi: Settings → About phone → Reset settings → Reset network settings.

After the reset, restart the device and reconnect to Wi-Fi/mobile network.