Having issues with your kid's iPhone location tracking not being accurate? Here's how to fix it.
Interactive Troubleshooter
Text Instructions
First, on your kid's iPhone or iPad, let's try to calibrate GPS using the Google Maps app.
Is your kid's phone"Wi-Fi Only"?
Bark will only be able to get location information whenever it's connected to a Wi-Fi network.Next, open the
Settings app.
Tap on Privacy & Security.
Tap on Location Services.
Make sure that Location Services is toggled on.
Tap System Services.
Make sure Compass Calibration is turned on.
Tap < back.
Make sure
Bark Kids is set to Always.
Enable Precise Location (if present):
📌 Want to lock down the location settings?
Use Apple Screen Time to lock them down with an Apple password only you know. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content and Privacy Restrictions > Location Services > Don't Allow Changes.Tap < back until you reach the home page of Settings.
Scroll down and tap on Bark. If on iOS 18+, tap Apps > Bark.
Toggle on Cellular Data.
📌 Want to lock down cellular data settings?
Use Apple Screen Time to lock them down with an Apple password only you know. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content and Privacy Restrictions > Cellular Data > Don’t Allow.Toggle on Background App Refresh.
🚫 Background app refresh setting is greyed out?
Turn off Low Power Mode.
Getting repeated alerts even when the device hasn't moved?
If you're getting a bunch of arrival or departure alerts even though the device is staying in one place, it could be due to small changes in how the GPS is reporting the location. This can happen when signal is weak — like inside buildings or during bad weather — and may cause the location to "jump" slightly on the map.
A quick fix is to increase the radius of the favorite location. That way, small location shifts won’t trigger unnecessary alerts.