Per-app firewall rules
Allow, block, or review connections by application instead of relying only on broad system-level network access.
macOS App Firewall for Apps, Domains, IPs, and Ports
Control which Mac apps can connect to the network, inspect connection attempts in real time, and create local firewall rules without sending traffic content to a cloud service.
What is a macOS app firewall?
A macOS app firewall lets you allow, block, or restrict network connections per application. A practical app firewall should show which app is connecting, where it connects, and which rule is applied so you can protect privacy without guessing.
- Allow or block network access per Mac app
- Create rules for domains, IP addresses, ports, and protocols
- Review connection attempts before deciding what to allow
- Keep firewall rules and connection metadata local
App-level control with traffic context
Traditional firewall decisions are hard when you cannot see the app, endpoint, or pattern behind a connection. iNTM combines app firewall rules with live network monitoring so each rule has context.
Domain-based control
Restrict apps from reaching specific domains after you inspect their connection behavior.
IP and port rules
Create precise rules for remote IP addresses, ports, and protocols when domain rules are not enough.
Real-time connection review
Use live connection details to understand what an app is doing before you decide whether to allow or block it.
From unknown connection to clear firewall rule
A useful Mac firewall should help you understand a connection first, then turn that decision into a local rule.
Inspect live app connections
See the application, remote endpoint, port, protocol, and timing behind each connection attempt.
Identify expected and unwanted traffic
Compare connection behavior with traffic history and per-app usage so normal activity is easier to separate from noise.
Create a targeted rule
Block or allow the specific app, domain, IP, or port instead of disabling an app's entire network access by accident.
Review rule impact over time
Use ongoing traffic monitoring to confirm that your firewall rule works without breaking expected workflows.
Why pair a firewall with a network monitor?
Blocking is easier when you can see what you are blocking. iNTM connects firewall decisions with real app traffic evidence.
- Rule target: Broad allow or block decisions can hide which connection mattered. / Rules can target apps, domains, IP addresses, ports, and protocols.
- Decision context: A connection prompt or system setting often lacks traffic history. / Live connections, per-app usage, and historical traffic help explain what happened.
- Daily workflow: Firewall tools can feel separate from monitoring and troubleshooting. / Monitoring, investigation, and control stay in one native macOS workflow.
- Privacy posture: Cloud dashboards can be uncomfortable for sensitive network activity. / Rules and traffic metadata are processed locally; packet content is not uploaded.
Local control for sensitive network activity
Firewall decisions reveal a lot about your Mac activity. iNTM keeps rule evaluation and traffic metadata on your device wherever possible.
- Firewall rules execute locally on your Mac.
- No account is required for core firewall and monitoring features.
- Connection logs and rule data stay in the local app sandbox.
- Packet payloads, passwords, and visited content are not uploaded.
macOS app firewall FAQ
Can iNTM block a specific Mac app from the internet?
Yes. iNTM is designed for app-level firewall control, so you can create rules around a specific application's network access.
Can I block by domain, IP address, or port?
Yes. iNTM supports local firewall rules for apps, domains, IP addresses, ports, and protocols.
How is this different from only using the built-in macOS firewall?
The built-in macOS firewall focuses on inbound access. iNTM adds app-focused monitoring, outbound connection visibility, and rule workflows for traffic you want to investigate and control.
Does iNTM show why a firewall rule matched?
iNTM connects firewall control with application, endpoint, port, protocol, timing, and traffic context so rules are easier to understand and adjust.
Will firewall rules be processed in the cloud?
No. Firewall rules execute locally on your Mac, and traffic content is not uploaded for rule evaluation.
Can I use firewall control together with network traffic monitoring?
Yes. That is the core workflow: monitor traffic, inspect app connections, then create a precise local firewall rule when needed.
Start with traffic visibility, then control connections
Firewall rules are stronger when they come from real connection evidence. Pair this page with the network traffic monitor workflow.
macOS Network Traffic Monitor
See real-time bandwidth, per-app usage, endpoints, history, and suspicious traffic spikes.
View Traffic Use CaseFirewall and Privacy FAQ
Review common questions about local processing, licensing, firewall behavior, and support.
Read FAQControl Mac app connections with local firewall rules
Use iNTM to inspect network activity, understand each connection, and block unwanted traffic without losing visibility.