We haven't talked about AdGuard's mobile apps for a long time, but now we're ready to let you in on what we've been up to.
The Android app has been improved so that everyone can enjoy its perks. It is now much simpler to use for people without any technical background and more packed with features for those who want complete control over their data.
Moreover, we've completely rewritten the app so that it runs way faster and smoother.
Disclaimer: this is a Nightly version — so the app contains more bugs than usual (here's the list of known issues). If you're not ready to report bugs, better not take the risk and wait for the release — we're actively working on making the app more stable.
Updates useful for everyone
Full redesign
Originally, AdGuard for Android has a plethora of features — it serves as an all-purpose tool for blocking ads, trackers, and other threats. While redesigning it, we tried to simplify access to the "core" features, so that all of them are available with a single tap. Now, to turn on Ad blocking, Tracking protection, Annoyance blocking, or DNS protection along with their filters, you can just tap the corresponding icon above the main switch.
We've also added the Protection section. You can find it by tapping the shield icon at the bottom of the screen. Apart from the above-mentioned "core" features, this section allows you to manage Firewall, Browsing security, and even AdGuard VPN. On the Protection screen, you may turn these modules on or off as well as easily access their settings.
Detailed statistics
This is not news that apps nowadays do whatever they want with your data and leak it all over the place. And it's quite logical that the user wants complete control over their data. With AdGuard, it's already possible — and now we're introducing a feature that would provide even more transparency! Which apps and companies would potentially leak your data?
With Statistics, you'll now be able to track which apps send your data to global corporations — and block or allow some requests on the fly.
Firewall
The Android app used to have a functionality similar to Firewall earlier, but it was hidden deep inside the app — in the App management section. Now it's become a completely standalone feature with well-defined scope of actions.
Firewall allows you to control the apps' access to the Internet: decide which apps can use mobile data or Wi-Fi with screen off, get real-time notifications on app activity, and update firewall rules in the Quick actions section.
The Nightly version is filled to the brim with new features, and this is just the beginning. If you are curious to learn more, read the blog post — there we cover the advanced features in detail and share our plans for the future.
Test it yourself
We need your feedback! Download the Nightly version of AdGuard v4.0 for Android and (if you're using AdGuard VPN) the Nightly version of AdGuard VPN, report issues, and send feature requests. Here's the info you might need.
How to report an issue
If you've noticed a bug, please tell us about it by creating a GitHub issue. Describe what you've found and share your logs with devteam@adguard.com — this'll make it easier for us to address the problem.
To collect logs, tap Settings → General → Advanced and select Export logs and system info.
There are things we're already working on — they don't need to be reported. Please consult the list of known issues if you're about to send us a bug report.
Vote for feature requests
On GitHub, you can leave your reactions on feature requests. That'll help us find out what most people are interested in. To leave your reaction, select the feature request you like and use an emoji to support its implementation.
In conclusion
We've never devoted this much attention to a single nightly version — and for a reason. They are usually of interest only to a small number of die-hard enthusiasts. But this time is different. This version heralds huge changes that will soon come to AdGuard Ad Blocker for Android for a lot of people, and we want to do it right.
With your help, the help of the community, we will be able to track down every single bug and tweak all the knobs just right, so that once the update ships to release, millions of AdGuard users will find it perfect.