NetGuard — Support & FAQ

Frequently asked

Why can't NetGuard see networks I'm not connected to?

Apple removed that API in iOS 13 for privacy. Apps can only read information about the WiFi network the user is currently connected to, and only with a special entitlement Apple has to grant individually. NetGuard has applied for that entitlement.

Why don't I see MAC addresses for devices on my network?

iOS 11 restricted the ARP table — third-party apps can no longer read MAC addresses of other devices. We work around this by fingerprinting devices via their Bonjour/mDNS service advertisements and IP-based heuristics, which is often enough to identify Ring doorbells, Apple TVs, smart plugs, etc.

Why does NetGuard ask for Location permission?

Apple requires "Location When-In-Use" before any app can read the current WiFi network's name (SSID). We never read your location coordinates — we discard them immediately. It's an unavoidable precondition Apple set in iOS 13.

Why did my scan only find some of my devices?

iOS forbids raw ICMP ping, so we probe common TCP ports instead. Some devices (older printers, IoT cameras with strict firewalls) don't respond to any of the standard ports. Devices in sleep mode also won't respond. Try waking them and re-scanning.

Why do new-device alerts take "a few hours" to fire?

iOS background tasks (BGAppRefreshTask) only run when the OS decides — typically every 6–12 hours. We can't poll constantly without draining your battery. For instant detection, open NetGuard and pull-to-refresh.

What does NetGuard send to your servers?

Nothing. NetGuard has no servers. All scans run on your device. The only network calls leaving your phone are: (1) a single public-IP lookup to ipinfo.io, (2) the speed test against Cloudflare, and (3) any manual ping/DNS lookup you initiate in the Tools tab. See our Privacy Policy for details.

I bought Pro on my old phone — how do I restore on a new one?

Settings tab → Restore Purchases. As long as you're signed in to the same Apple ID that made the original purchase, NetGuard Pro will unlock instantly. There are no accounts to sign into.

Is NetGuard going to add subscriptions?

No. NetGuard is a one-time €4.99 unlock, forever. We promise this in our App Store description and on this page. If we ever change pricing, it only affects new buyers — anyone who paid the €4.99 keeps Pro permanently.

I want a refund.

App Store refunds are handled by Apple, not by us. Go to reportaproblem.apple.com → find the NetGuard purchase → Request a Refund. Apple usually approves refunds requested within 14 days, no questions asked.

How do I delete my data?

All NetGuard data lives in the app's sandbox on your iPhone. Delete the app → all data is gone. We don't have any servers or accounts to clean up.