The Google Play Store app is used to download apps on Android devices like the Bark Phone. If app downloads or updates are stuck in the Play Store, follow these steps:
1. Verify Connection
1. Verify Connection
On your kid's device, swipe down from the top of the screen.
Make sure Mobile Data is enabled and Wi-Fi is on if possible.
Check the Play Store to see if downloads resume. It may take a few minutes to catch up.
If the issue persists, restart the device.
If it's still not working, move to the next step.
2. Check app and site blocking rules
2. Check app and site blocking rules
Use this guide to ensure these are allowed:
App Stores & System Updates category
Collaboration category
Gmail toggle
Google Workspace toggle
If still stuck, allow these as well:
Unidentifiable Traffic
Uncategorized Apps & Sites
If it's still not working, check Recently blocked activity logs to allow Google-related blocks.
Tap ||| in the navigation bar and close Play Store by swiping it away or selecting Close all.
Check the Play Store to see if downloads resume. It may take a few minutes to catch up.
If the issue persists, move to the next step.
3. Allow Play Store downloads “Over any network”
3. Allow Play Store downloads “Over any network”
On the Play Store app, tap the
profile icon.
Tap Settings > Network Preferences > App download preference > Set to Over any network.
Tap ||| in the navigation bar and close Play Store by swiping it away or selecting Close all.
Check the Play Store to see if downloads resume. It may take a few minutes to catch up.
If the issue persists, move to the next step.
4. Check “Allowed networks for apps” in settings
4. Check “Allowed networks for apps” in settings
Open the Settings app.
Tap Connections > Data usage.
Tap Allowed networks for apps.
Enter a device code.
Tap the ||| button on the bottom navigation bar, then tap Settings to return to where you left off.
Find Google Play and look at the gray text under it. If it says Wi-Fi Only, that's the problem:
Tap the app.
Change it to Mobile data or Wi-Fi.
Tap ||| in the navigation bar and close Play Store by swiping it away or selecting Close all.
Check the Play Store to see if downloads resume. It may take a few minutes to catch up.
If the issue persists, move to the next step.
5. Clear Play Store data
5. Clear Play Store data
On your child's device, open the ⚙ Settings app > tap Apps.
Enter a device code, if prompted.
Tap Google Play Store.
Tap Storage > Clear data.
Tap < back to the settings that show a list of apps.
Tap Google Play Services.
Tap Storage > Clear cache.
Tap ||| in the navigation bar and close Play Store by swiping it away or selecting Close all.
Check the Play Store to see if downloads resume. It may take a few minutes to catch up.
If the issue persists, move to the next step.
6. Uninstall Play Store updates
6. Uninstall Play Store updates
On your child's device, open the ⚙ Settings app.
Tap Apps.
Enter a device code, if prompted.
Tap Google Play Store.
Tap the three dots on the top right.
Tap Uninstall Updates.
Tap ||| in the navigation bar and close Play Store by swiping it away or selecting Close all.
Check the Play Store to see if downloads resume. It may take a few minutes to catch up.
If the issue persists, move to the next step.
7. Try a different network
7. Try a different network
If this works on another network, it means your original network was blocking Google Play. Here's some ways to test the device on another network:
Turn off Wi-Fi and use mobile data only.
Connect to a different Wi-Fi network.
Use personal hotspot from another device.
Try at a coffee shop or library.