When you search NetLimiter Android, you may find third-party websites offering a file called NetLimiter.apk. Do not download these.
These are almost always:
Golden Rule: If the official developer (Locktime Software) hasn't released it, any APK claiming to be "NetLimiter for Android" is a security risk. Stick to the open-source alternatives listed above (NetGuard, GlassWire, OPUs).
First, the bad news: the developers of NetLimiter have not released an official Android version of their software. The deep system integration required to limit bandwidth on a per-app basis is difficult to achieve on Android without root access or specific operating system permissions. netlimiter android
However, the good news is that Android has matured. You no longer need third-party apps to achieve basic "NetLimiter" functionality—the features are now largely built into the OS.
The concept of a NetLimiter Android is not dead. With the rise of Android 14+’s new “Network Stats” APIs and increased user awareness of data privacy, we may see a hybrid solution emerge.
Until then, the best strategy is:
Assuming you don't want to root your phone, here is the optimal setup to replicate NetLimiter for Android using NetGuard.
Step 1: Download and Install NetGuard Go to GitHub (official releases) or F-Droid. Avoid fake "NetLimiter Android" APKs on random websites.
Step 2: Enable the Firewall
Step 3: Configure Blocking Rules
Step 4: Create a "Limiting" schedule NetGuard cannot limit speed numerically, but it can limit time.
Step 5: Monitor with GlassWire Install GlassWire alongside NetGuard (they conflict if both use VPN, so run one at a time). Use GlassWire for 1 hour a day to analyze history, then switch back to NetGuard for active blocking. When you search NetLimiter Android , you may
We tested on Pixel 6 (Android 13) with three apps: YouTube, Chrome, and a file download manager.