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Can I use Google Family Link to supervise a Bark Phone?

No, but Bark’s built-in features cover everything you would receive via Google Family Link and so much more.

You can't use Google Family Link on a Bark Phone. That's because Family Link puts a Google account into supervised mode, and a supervised account can't sign into the Google Play Store on a Bark Phone. Bark's own parent app already gives you app approval and rule management, so you're not missing out by skipping Family Link.

Not sure if your child's account is supervised? Check below, along with steps to fix it if it is.

How can I check if my kid's Google account is supervised?

  1. On your parent phone or computer, visit g.co/yourfamily.

  2. You should see something like this:

    gfl supervised member family link.png

  3. If it says Supervised Member under their name, they have a supervised Google account. These accounts cannot sign into Google Play on a Bark Phone.

What do I do if my kid's Google account is supervised?

My kid is under 13 years old

Create a new family Google account to use on the Bark Phone. Think of this like setting up a shared account for a family computer.

  1. On a different device than the Bark Phone, create a Google account.

  2. Enter a family account name (e.g. Smith Family).

  3. Enter in your parent/guardian birthday (not your kid's) to ensure the new account is not supervised by Family Link.

  4. Create a family Gmail address (e.g. [email protected]).

  5. Follow any additional instructions.

  6. On your kid's Bark Phone, open the ⚙ Settings app.

  7. Tap Accounts & Backup.

  8. Tap Manage Accounts.

  9. Sign out of the supervised Google account.

  10. Tap ➕ Add account.

  11. Tap Google.

  12. Sign in with your kid's new Gmail.

    Why does it say "Sign in with a work account"? Learn more.

  13. When you're done, you will see your kid's new Google account signed in here:

    mceclip0.png

  14. Then, tap < back until you're at the home page of the Settings app.

  15. Tap Apps.

  16. Enter a device code, if prompted.

  17. Tap Google Play Store.

  18. Tap Storage.

  19. Tap Clear data.

    Google Play Store in apps settings tap storage tap clear data.jpg

  20. Tap < back.

  21. Tap Google Play Services.

  22. Tap Storage.

  23. Tap Clear cache.

    Google Play Services in apps settings tap storage tap clear cache.jpg

  24. Re-open the Play Store app. Your kid should be able to download and update apps now!

My kid is 13 years old or older

If your child is over 13 years old, stop supervision of their account. This will allow them to sign in and download apps on the Bark Phone. Google doesn't let parents stop supervision until their child turns 13.

  1. On your parent phone or computer, open the family_link_logo.png Family Link app.

  2. Follow Google's instructions to Stop supervision.

  3. Then, on your kid's Bark Phone, open the ⚙ Settings app.

  4. Tap Accounts & Backup.

    Bark Phone Settings.jpg

  5. Tap Manage Accounts.

  6. Sign out of your kid's Google account if present.

  7. Tap ➕ Add account.

  8. Tap Google.

  9. Sign in with your kid's unsupervised Google account.

    Why does it say "Sign in with a work account"? Learn more.

  10. When you're done, you will see your kid's Google account signed in here:

    mceclip0.png

  11. Then, tap < back until you're at the home page of the Settings app.

  12. Tap Apps.

  13. Enter a device code, if prompted.

  14. Tap Google Play Store.

  15. Tap Storage.

  16. Tap Clear data.

    Google Play Store in apps settings tap storage tap clear data.jpg

  17. Tap < back.

  18. Tap Google Play Services.

  19. Tap Storage.

  20. Tap Clear cache.

    Google Play Services in apps settings tap storage tap clear cache.jpg

  21. Re-open the Play Store app. Your kid should be able to download and update apps now!

Other Errors on Google Play

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