Apple's strict security policies don't allow third-party apps like Bark to monitor iOS devices directly. The Bark Desktop App is Bark's earliest solution: a Windows and Mac app that automatically scans your child's iPhone or iPad whenever it connects to the same Wi-Fi as your computer.
Once set up, you'll get alerts if we find issues in texts, iMessages, photos, videos, WhatsApp messages, and more. Note that alerts are not real-time — Bark scans back through content from when your child was away. You'll also be notified if the Bark Desktop App can't find your child's device.
💡 Don't have a home computer? Consider the Bark Sync as an alternative.
Setup via Windows or Mac
Open the Bark parent app / dashboard.
Tap your child's name.
Tap the ➕📱 icon in the top right.
Tap Set up Monitoring, and select Apple/iOS.
Tap Monitor with computer.
On your Windows or Mac computer, download and install the Bark Desktop App. Use a computer your child doesn't have access to if possible.
Once installed, pair it to your account.
Click Already set up before? if you've installed it on this computer in the past.
Otherwise, click Setting up the first time.
Click Connect to your account.
Once paired, the Bark Desktop App will look like this:
Return to your parent app / dashboard.
Plug your child's iOS device into the computer using their USB charging cable and follow the prompts to select the device.
Nowhere to plug in? You may need a USB-A to USB-C adapter before you can plug in the cable.
On your child's iOS device, look for a Trust this computer prompt and enter their lock screen passcode if needed.
If you don't see this prompt and are using Mac: Open Finder > look on Locations in the sidebar > click the iOS device > click Trust.
Otherwise, you've likely already granted permission.
While the scan is in progress, set up the following:
Turn off Private Wi-Fi Address for your home network
On your child's iOS device, go to Settings > Wi-Fi. Tap ⓘ next to your home Wi-Fi. Tap Private Wi-Fi Address > Off.
What about other networks?
Since this is your private home network, you don't need a Private Wi-Fi Address here. It'll stay on for every other network the device joins.Enable Wi-Fi discovery settings (Mac only)
Click the Apple logo in the top left corner > System settings. Click Privacy and security > Local Network > enable Bark.
Set up Safari monitoring.
Enable app and site blocking.
Add addresses for location alerts.
Review best practices for keeping iOS text and photo monitoring up to date.
Repeat these steps for your other children's iOS devices.
Kids sharing an iPad?
Create a child profile named "Shared" (or something similar) to set up that device.
Kids have other non-Apple devices?
Get them connected!
Best Practices
Talk to your child about Bark.
Remind them to always connect to Wi-Fi at home and to enter their lock screen passcode if prompted. Here are tips for that conversation.
Leave this computer on for most of the day.
Check out our sleep settings guide.
Check that your child's device is detected over Wi-Fi.
In your parent app or dashboard, tap your child's name, tap Devices, and tap their iPhone or iPad.
A
green Wi-Fi symbol means it's currently being detected.
A
grey Wi-Fi symbol means it was detected over Wi-Fi in the past but isn't currently.
To check the last time Bark scanned the device, tap your child's name in your parent app or dashboard and tap Devices.
Reviewing Alerts
If Bark detects bullying, sexual content, depression, self-harm, or other concerning content, we'll send you a notification. Learn more about how Bark's content monitoring works.
Need to add more accounts?
You can add unlimited email accounts, social media accounts, and devices. Follow this guide to connect the rest of your children's accounts and devices.
Need help?
Check out our iOS troubleshooting guide.