Skip to main content

🚀 How-to guides for setting up Bark

Set up all of your kids and their devices.

102 articles

Bark Phone

Learn how to set up a Bark Phone for your kid, and check out tips on blocking apps, contacts, and browsing.

How to set up the Bark PhoneThe Bark Phone comes with a Bark SIM pre-installed and sets up by scanning a QR code from your parent phone.
Manage rules for the Bark PhoneAn overview of all the parental controls available on the Bark Phone, from app approval to contact management.
Manage the app store on the Bark PhoneControl whether your child can access the Google Play Store, require your approval for new apps, and prevent app removal.
Manage the contacts on their Bark PhoneControl which contacts can call and text your child, and choose whether new contacts need your approval first.
Block sites & apps on the Bark PhoneAllow or block specific apps and sites on the Bark Phone, or block entire categories like social media or gaming.
Set daily time limits for apps on the Bark PhoneSet a daily cap on how long your child can use specific apps, categories, or all apps on their Bark Phone.
Manage texting for the Bark PhoneBlock the text app, set limits on texting, and more.
Manage the camera of the Bark PhoneBlock the camera on the Bark Phone to disable the Camera app, screenshots, screen recording, and camera features in all apps.
Manage alarms on the Bark PhoneSet one-time or recurring alarms on your child's Bark Phone remotely from your parent dashboard.
Remotely set timers for your kid's Bark Phone
Manage browsing on the Bark PhoneControl whether your child can access web browsers on the Bark Phone, and set time limits or schedules for browsing.
How to pause the Bark PhonePause remotely locks the Bark Phone and blocks all apps and internet access, while still allowing emergency calls.
Schedule routines for the Bark PhoneSet automatic rules for different times of day, like limiting apps during school hours or blocking the internet at bedtime.
Add music to a Bark PhoneYour child can stream music on the Bark Phone or transfer files from a computer to listen offline.
Back up text messages on the Bark PhoneWhether you’re upgrading or replacing your Bark Phone, you can export text messages and import them into your new Bark Phone.
Find my Bark PhoneUse Bark, Google Find My Device, or Samsung Find My Mobile to locate a lost Bark Phone.
Joining and hosting video calls on any device (FaceTime, Zoom, and Google Meet)
How to set up explicit image blockingThe Bark Phone automatically deletes images containing child nudity and alerts you when it happens.
Automatically save photos and videos to an SD card on the Bark Phone
Use the My Files app to organize and manage files on your Bark Phone
Transfer contacts, photos, videos, and documents to a new phoneMoving to a Bark Phone? Here are the most popular ways to transfer your contacts, photos, videos, and files.
Voicemail on the Bark PhoneVoicemail is included with Bark Phone Advanced plans and can be managed from the parent app or directly on the phone.
Wi-Fi Calling & Texting on the Bark PhoneEnable Wi-Fi calling and texting on the Bark Phone when cellular signal is weak or unavailable.
How to enable silent mode for Bark Phone and Bark WatchAutomatically mute your child's ringer during specific routines like School or Bedtime.
Unlock the Bark Phone Whoopie CushionEnable a digital whoopie cushion on the Bark Phone that your child can trigger by shaking the phone.
Create a QR Reader Shortcut on the Bark Phone
How to find your Bark Phone modelCheck settings or the back of the phone.
Check the current battery level of your kid's Bark Phone or Watch
Is my kid's Bark Phone or Watch turned off?
Change the theme and icons of the Bark Phone

Bark Watch

How to set up the Bark WatchThe Bark Watch sets up by connecting to Wi-Fi and scanning a QR code from your parent phone.
Bark Watch Quick Start GuideHave questions about navigating the Bark Watch? Check out our quick start guide below! 
Manage rules for the Bark WatchAn overview of all the parental controls available on the Bark Watch, from camera access to contact management.
Schedule routines for the Bark WatchSet automatic rules for different times of day, like limiting the camera during school hours or blocking the texting at bedtime.
Manage texting for the Bark WatchGet tips on using the text app or on blocking it.
Manage the contacts on their Bark WatchControl which contacts can call and text your child, and learn about SOS features.
Manage the camera of the Bark WatchBlock the camera on the Bark Watch to disable the Camera app, as well as photo and video attachments in texts your child sends.
Manage settings app access for the Bark WatchAllow the Settings app for temporary changes, then block it when you're done.
Connect Bluetooth headphones to the Bark Watch
Remotely set timers for your kid's Bark Watch
Manage alarms on the Bark WatchSet one-time or recurring alarms on your child's Bark Watch remotely from your parent dashboard.
How to pause the Bark WatchPause remotely locks the Bark Watch and blocks all apps, while still allowing emergency calls.
Find my Bark WatchThe Bark Watch comes with real-time location tracking pre-installed. If your kid lost their Bark Watch, try using the Bark dashboard to find its last location.
How to charge your Bark WatchThe Bark Watch uses a magnetic charging cable and has a non-removable 700mAh battery.
How to change the watch faceChoose from a few different designs or fonts.
How to access apps on the Bark WatchSwipe from left to right to view apps.
Check your step count on the Bark WatchThe Fitness app on the Bark Watch tracks your child's daily steps.
How to view notifications on the Bark WatchSwipe up from the bottom of the home screen.
Manage storage space on the Bark WatchFree up space on the Bark Watch by sending photos and videos to another device, then deleting them from the watch.
Change the language on your Bark WatchYou can change the language setting on your Bark Watch if it's incorrect or if you've accidentally changed the language to one you don't understand.
How to adjust screen brightness on the Bark WatchIf your Bark Watch's screen is too bright or too dim, here's how to fix it.

iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch monitoring

Learn how to set up iOS devices for monitoring to get alerts on bullying, depression, sexual content, and more in your kid’s texts, photos, and videos.

Connect the Bark Desktop App to your accountIf you're setting up on your own computer, connecting via browser is faster than entering a pairing code manually.
How to set up monitoring on iPhone and iPadiOS setup | Monitor texts, photos, videos, WhatsApp, and Kik using your home computer, Bark Sync, or Bark Home.
How to prompt Bark to analyze an iOS device whenever you wantBark scans iOS devices every 3–6 hours by default, but you can trigger a manual scan anytime from your dashboard.
Do I need to leave my computer on to monitor iOS?For the Bark Desktop App to scan your child's iOS device, your computer needs to be on and connected to the same Wi-Fi.
How to Monitor Safari Browsing on iOSAdd the Safari extension to your kid's iPhone or iPad.
Allow or Block SafariUse Apple's Screen Time to block Safari, disable incognito mode, and restrict adult websites on your child's iPhone or iPad.
How to Monitor iOS Devices with the Bark HomeWhen your child's iPhone or iPad connects to your home Wi-Fi, the Bark Home automatically scans it for potential issues.
How to Monitor iOS Devices with the Bark Desktop AppWhen your child's iPhone or iPad connects to the same Wi-Fi as your computer, the Bark Desktop App automatically scans it for potential issues.
Recommended Sleep Settings for MacSet your Mac to stay awake so the Bark Desktop App can scan your child's iOS device as often as possible.
Recommended Sleep Settings for WindowsSet Windows to never sleep so the Bark Desktop App can scan your child's iOS device as often as possible.
Prevent your computer from going to sleepHelp your computer stay consistent with Bark by managing sleep settings.
LED Lights on the Bark SyncLearn what the light colors and flashes mean.
How to Monitor iOS Devices with the Bark SyncLearn how to set up the Bark Sync for the first time.

In-home filtering

Learn more about how Bark Home lets you manage screen time and filter content on all of the internet-connected devices in your home, like smart TVs, computers, gaming consoles, phones, tablets, and more).

How does Bark's in-home filtering work?Use the Bark Home or a router with Bark built-in to block apps, set screen time schedules, and filter the web on any device connected to your home Wi-Fi.
How to set up in-home filteringSet up the Bark Home or a router with Bark built-in.
In-Home Filtering ProfilesLearn the difference between Unmanaged, Shared, and Ignored.
Identify and Rename Devices for In-Home FilteringThis makes it easier to manage web filtering.
How to set up in-home screen time controlsAssign devices to profiles and set app and site blocking rules for every device on your home Wi-Fi.
How to set up the Bark HomeThe Bark Home plugs into your existing router and sets up by scanning a QR code or visiting http://detect.network.
Is my router compatible with the Bark Home?Most likely, yes!
How to find your router modelYou'll need your router's make and model to check if it's compatible with the Bark Home.
LED Lights on the Bark Home
LED Lights on the Bark Home (5100 Model)Learn what the lights on your Bark Home mean.
LED Lights on the Bark Home (5000 Model)Learn what the lights on your Bark Home mean.
How to set up a router with Bark built-inA router with Bark built-in sets up through a web browser on your home network — no separate Bark Home device needed.
What routers have Bark built-in?Some U.S. routers come with Bark's filtering software built in, so you don't need a separate Bark Home device.
How to find your Bark Home modelLook at the bottom label or check out our reference images.
Integrating Bark Home into your existing networkThis article is for users with an advanced network setup.
Prevent a device from being blocked by in-home filteringJust select ignore.
How to remove a Bark Home or router from your accountDelete it from your dashboard.