blocking big tech apps from the internet when not in use

lovefromisrael

i don't have many apps from the awful google play store.
but i do have waze for example.
is it a good practice to block its internet connection when not in use by using tracker control from fdroid?
i've wondered about this for a long time..

it is annoying to block and unblock, but another thing annoying is to know that apps can send information..

do you do the same?
tnx

[deleted]

lovefromisrael you can disable app while not in use or you can disallow background running from app battery settings and that way it will stop running after a moment when pushed into background.

lovefromisrael

if i disable the app it takes some time to return it by entering to the settings....
tracker control takes the slot of the vpn. so because i've tracker control i can't use the free proton vpn..

not sure what to do..
i'm not an advanced user who knows how to use two vpn apps at once..

i just like how tracker control blocks a lot of spying if configured well..

Eagle_Owl

lovefromisrael
Hi,
maybe NextDNS could be a more comfortable solution to stop tracking apps?
It needs no app to install on your phone, so it needs no energy = battery lasts longer.

But the easiest way was mentioned from SgtSurehand, needs no big changes and is effective.

I am using NextDNS since a year or longer, it is easy to maintain via web browser on my MacBook.
It supports also the blocklists you know from TrackerControl.

mmmm

lovefromisrael Take a look at RethinkDNS, this allows setting up a regular VPN, proton for example, whilst offering some fine tuning so you can block connections for individual apps etc.

flighty_sloth

lovefromisrael A tip:
You can create a widget for "settings" (same process as creating widget for any other app) and select "App Info" from the list, that gives you a direct link to app settings on your homescreen to quickly enable/disable apps. (You can also drag it into a folder or the quickbar at the bottom)

ignoramous

Eagle_Owl maybe NextDNS could be a more comfortable solution to stop tracking apps

It is becoming increasingly common for apps to do their own DNS (DoH, specifically), so I expect such DNS-only solutions to block trackers in installed apps to become ineffective eventually.

AlphaElwedritsch

ignoramous It is becoming increasingly common for apps to do their own DNS (DoH, specifically)

Which apps?
Do you have examples or is it just a statement?

Hb1hf

AlphaElwedritsch WhatsApp for example uses Google DNS.
In this case not DOH like @ignoramous said but hard-coded IPs. Caught it pinging 8.8.8.8 and Google's other IPs in RethinkDNS and had to block them manually.

lovefromisrael

i said. waze is one of them
but also parking paying app
and public transit apps

m4ri0g

those apps require 4g/internet

when not in use you can just disable 4g.

if i really really want an app not to have internet i deny the network permission

and if you are that worried about the data tracking.. do not install the app use the browser.