What is App Control?
App Control is Pandefy's powerful feature that gives you fine-grained control over which apps use VPN filtering and which connect directly to the internet. Think of it as a traffic director for your apps - you decide which apps get ad blocking and which don't.
How App Control Works
With App Control, each app on your device can be set to one of two modes:
Protected Mode (Default)
- check_circleApp's traffic routes through Pandefy VPN
- check_circleAds and trackers are blocked
- check_circleAll filtering rules apply
- check_circleGreen "Protected" badge
Direct Mode
- radio_button_uncheckedApp bypasses Pandefy VPN
- radio_button_uncheckedConnects directly to the internet
- radio_button_uncheckedNo filtering or blocking
- radio_button_uncheckedGray "Direct" badge
Why Use App Control?
Solve App Compatibility Issues
Some apps don't work well with VPN connections:
- •Banking apps detect VPN and refuse to work
- •Payment apps block VPN for security
- •Some games have anti-VPN measures
- •Corporate apps may require direct connections
Solution: Set these specific apps to Direct mode while keeping everything else protected.
Optimize Performance
For apps that need maximum speed:
- •Video streaming (if experiencing buffering)
- •Online gaming (for lower latency)
- •Video calls (VoIP apps like Zoom, WhatsApp calls)
Solution: Bypass VPN for performance-critical apps while maintaining protection everywhere else.
Granular Control
Create your custom protection profile:
- •Block ads in browsers and social media
- •Allow direct connection for trusted apps
- •Mix and match based on your needs
Requirements & Availability
VPN Mode Only
Important: App Control is only available in VPN Mode.
Why?
- • VPN Mode routes traffic through the app, enabling per-app control
- • Root Mode modifies system hosts file globally (affects all apps equally)
- • Technical limitation of how each mode works
If using Root Mode: Switch to VPN Mode in Settings > Protection Mode > VPN Protection
Prerequisites
- checkPandefy in VPN Mode
- checkVPN protection active (can be toggled on/off, but mode must be VPN)
- checkNo special permissions needed beyond VPN permission
Accessing App Control
Navigation
Method 1: Bottom Navigation Bar
- Open Pandefy app
- Tap "App Control" tab (bottom navigation bar)
- Tab is located between "Rules" and "Settings"
Method 2: From Settings
Currently accessible only via bottom navigation. Future versions may add Settings shortcut.
scheduleFirst-Time Loading
What to expect:
- • First load may take 5-10 seconds
- • App is scanning all installed apps
- • Extracting app icons and details
- • Building the list with bypass status
Progress indicator: Linear progress bar at top shows loading is in progress
Frequently Asked Questions
Is App Control available in Root Mode?expand_more
No, App Control is VPN Mode only. Root Mode modifies the system hosts file globally, which affects all apps equally. VPN Mode's architecture enables per-app routing.
Do I need to keep VPN running to change app settings?expand_more
Yes, VPN must be active to change bypass settings. However, VPN doesn't need to be connected to view the list.
If I set an app to Direct, is it completely unaffected by Pandefy?expand_more
Yes, Direct mode apps bypass VPN completely. They connect as if Pandefy isn't installed. No filtering, no blocking, no routing.
Do browser apps work better in Protected or Direct mode?expand_more
Almost always keep browsers Protected. Browsers are where most ads appear. Only set to Direct if experiencing serious compatibility issues (very rare).
What happens to apps installed after setting up Pandefy?expand_more
New apps are Protected by default. You must manually set them to Direct if needed. Check App Control after installing new apps.
Can I export/import my bypass settings?expand_more
Yes, if you use Cloud Backup (Settings > Cloud Sync). Your bypass settings are included in the backup and restore across devices.
Quick Reference Guide
Quick Actions
| Task | Steps |
|---|---|
| Open App Control | Bottom navigation > App Control tab |
| Search for app | Tap search bar > Type name |
| Bypass an app | Find app > Toggle OFF |
| Protect an app | Find app > Toggle ON |
| Show system apps | Three-dot menu > Check "Show system apps" |
| Refresh list | Pull down at top of list |
Common App Recommendations
| App Type | Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Browsers | Protected | Most ads appear here |
| Banking | Direct | VPN detection |
| Payment | Direct | Security requirements |
| Social Media | Protected | Lots of trackers |
| Games | Test Both | Depends on game |
| Video Calls | Test Both | Quality-dependent |
Key Takeaway
App Control gives you precise control over which apps benefit from Pandefy's protection. Start with everything protected, and only bypass apps that truly need direct connections. This maximizes your privacy and ad-blocking coverage while ensuring all apps work properly.
Pro Tip: Use search to quickly find apps, and don't hesitate to test both Protected and Direct modes to see what works best for your specific needs.