Test it
Start by checking whether screen time and filtering is working:
Unexpected app blocking
If Bark is blocking every single internet-based app or site on your child's device, jump to "Bark is blocking everything" below.
If Bark is blocking particular apps or sites, use this guide:
Unexpected text message blocking
Learn how to block texts on purpose, or troubleshoot if texting is blocked and you don't want it to be:
Slow speeds
If you notice a significant drop in internet speed while using Bark:
Screen time protection has been disrupted
Bark Home has lost contact
VPN was manually disabled and re-enabled
Prevent your child from deleting Bark
Bark is blocking everything
First, restart your child's device.
Wait a few minutes for Bark to settle in.
Check whether you accidentally paused the internet.
See if you've accidentally set very strict screen time rules.
💡 Why? This can help in clearing out the temporary files that devices build up over time to try to make browsing seem "faster." They do this by "caching" (or saving) webpages, which is why clearing the cache may help.
Check for updates to the Bark Kids app on your child's device.
Check that it's not some other web filter or third-party VPN you have in place.
💡 Why? We recommend only using one web filter on a child's device at a time so that it's easier for you to manage rules. For example, if there is an unexpected block, you don't want to have to look at two different services' rules to figure out which one is the culprit.
If your child is using a standard Android (not a Bark Phone), check these settings:
Turn off Private DNS in their Settings app.
Turn off Secure DNS in their Chrome app.
If your child is using a Chromebook, turn off Secure DNS in their settings.
Bark is not blocking anything
This usually means screen time protection has been disrupted on the device.
The routine is happening early or late
This usually means the wrong time zone is set in your Bark account settings. Here's how to fix it.
Chromebook is not being filtered
Mac or Windows computer is not being filtered
Amazon Fire Tablet is not being filtered
Make sure the Bark Kids app is up to date. Then open the Bark Kids app — the VPN should reconnect and restore web filtering and app blocking.
iPhone is reporting high mobile data usage for the Bark Kids app
Since the Bark Kids app acts as a gatekeeper for your child's web activity, some reporting tools like Apple Screen Time may incorrectly assign all cellular data traffic to the Bark Kids app. This happens because other apps and games running in the background are using data, but Apple Screen Time attributes it all to Bark Kids.
Why is Bark blocking YouTube videos?
Make sure YouTube is allowed in your child's screen time settings.
Check whether YouTube Restricted Mode is enabled. If it is, inappropriate videos will be blocked from playing.
Can I use more than one VPN at a time on my child's device?
Devices only allow one VPN to be connected at a time.
What does it mean when it says a device is using "private address"?