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Filewall: Secure Storage Provider

A file firewall: choose which apps may read, write or list your files.
New in version 1.0.0
First public release.
* SAF document provider backed by the app's private storage.
* Per-app, per-folder and per-file rules, with time limits and block rules.
* App PIN with throttling, optional biometric unlock, screenshots blocked on protected screens.
* Access requests with batch decisions, and an optional filterable, exportable access log.
Filewall is a firewall for your files. It is a document provider built on Android's Storage Access Framework (SAF): files live in the app's own private storage, and every other app that wants to read, write or list them has to go through Filewall's rules.

How access is gated:
* The system's own SAF grant, as for any document provider.
* An optional PIN, with fingerprint or face unlock if you like. Turn it on in Settings.
* Your rules, evaluated top to bottom - the first match applies, like a firewall.

Key features:
* Rules per app, per folder or per file: allow read, write or list, block, or extend a rule to subfolders.
* Time-limited rules that expire on their own.
* When an app asks for something no rule covers, you get a request to allow or block it - one decision can answer a whole batch of requests.
* An optional access log that records what each app tried and why it was allowed or denied. It can be filtered and exported as CSV, and it can be switched off.
* No account, no analytics and no network access: Filewall does not declare the Internet permission. No root needed.

Permissions the app declares, and why:
* POST_NOTIFICATIONS - to tell you about access requests and blocked access (optional).
* USE_BIOMETRIC - fingerprint or face unlock in addition to the PIN (optional).
* RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED - ends any open authentication session when the device restarts.
* QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES - lists your installed apps when you create a rule and shows the name and icon of the app asking for access. Nothing is stored or sent anywhere.

IMPORTANT: Filewall controls and restricts access; it does not encrypt your files. If you need encryption, combine it with an encryption tool. Threat model: it protects against unauthorized app access and accidental exposure on an unlocked device, not against root access or forensic tools.

Free software, GNU General Public License v3.

Versions

Although APK downloads are available below to give you the choice, you should be aware that by installing that way you will not receive update notifications and it's a less secure way to download. We recommend that you install the F-Droid client and use that.

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  • Version 1.0.0 (1) suggested Added on Oct 25, 2026

    arm64-v8a armeabi-v7a x86 x86_64

    This version requires Android 10 or newer.

    It is built and signed by the original developer, and guaranteed to correspond to this source tarball.

    Permissions
    • show notifications
      Allows the app to show notifications
    • query all packages
      Allows an app to see all installed packages.
    • run at startup
      Allows the app to have itself started as soon as the system has finished booting. This can make it take longer to start the phone and allow the app to slow down the overall phone by always running.
    • use biometric hardware
      Allows the app to use biometric hardware for authentication
    • use fingerprint hardware
      Allows the app to use fingerprint hardware for authentication
    • org.androidlabs.filewall.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION

    Download APK 3.7 MiB PGP Signature | Build Log