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🚀 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 PhoneCongrats on your kid's new Bark Phone! Here's our quick-start guide. Whether this is your first Bark Phone or a replacement, it comes wi...
Manage rules for the Bark PhoneThe Bark Phone gives families features like time limits for app usage, app approval, contact approval, and more.Check out our video playli...
Manage the app store on the Bark PhoneWho can manage Play Store accessYour ability to customize Play Store access depends on your Bark Phone plan. Plan App store access Adva...
Manage the contacts on their Bark PhoneWho can change Contact ApprovalYour ability to customize Contact Approval depends on your Bark Phone plan. Plan Contact approval Advanc...
Block sites & apps on the Bark PhoneWho can download apps from the app storeYour kid's ability to download apps from the Google Play Store depends on your Bark Phone plan. P...
Set daily time limits for apps on the Bark PhoneSet daily app time limits App time limits, an exclusive Bark Phone feature, let you control your child's daily app and site usage. For exa...
Manage texting for the Bark PhoneHow to block or allow texting On your Bark parent app / dashboard, tap your child's name. Scroll down to Settings. Allow or block Texting....
Manage the camera of the Bark PhoneHow to block or allow the camera On your Bark parent app / dashboard, tap your child's name. Scroll down to Settings. Allow or block Camer...
Manage alarms on the Bark PhoneAdd or Remove Alarms From your dashboard, tap your child's name and then scroll down to Alarms. When you add an alarm... You can schedule...
Remotely set timers for your kid's Bark PhoneAdd or Remove Timers From your dashboard: Tap your child's name and then scroll down to Timers. When you add a timer... Your kid will g...
Manage browsing on the Bark PhoneWho can change browser accessYour ability to customize browser access depends on your Bark Phone plan. Plan Browser access Advanced Can...
How to pause the Bark PhoneHow to PausePause is our remote lock feature. Here's how to use it! Open up your parent app / dashboard. Under your child's name, tap ⏸ Pa...
Schedule routines for the Bark PhoneTypes of RoutinesPrefer to stick to one solid ruleset to keep it simple? Just focus on the Default Rules routine!Otherwise, use these rout...
Add music to a Bark PhoneYour child can use the Bark Phone to listen to music and podcasts. Music streaming apps such as Spotify play music using an internet conne...
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.On the old Ba...
Find my Bark PhoneThe Bark Phone comes with real-time location tracking pre-installed. You can also set up Google and Samsung location tracking if you'd lik...
Joining and hosting video calls on any device (FaceTime, Zoom, and Google Meet)Anyone with an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 15 or later can create a link to a FaceTime video call. With that link, any device,...
How to set up explicit image blockingThis feature deletes images with child nudity that are saved to the Bark Phone (like downloads, screenshots, and images taken from the cam...
Automatically save photos and videos to an SD card on the Bark PhoneBy default, the camera saves photos and videos to the internal memory of the Bark Phone. If your kid has added an SD card for additional s...
Use the My Files app to organize and manage files on your Bark PhoneAll Bark Phones have the My Files app to manage pictures, videos, music, documents, and downloads. You can also use My Files to move or ac...
Transfer contacts, photos, videos, and documents to a new phoneAre you switching from another phone to a Bark Phone and want to know how to move your contacts, photos, and videos over? There are many w...
Voicemail on the Bark PhoneAll Bark Phones on the Advanced Plans come with voicemail, as well as unlimited talk and text. Bark Phones on the Starter Plan have no app...
Wi-Fi Calling & Texting on the Bark PhoneWith the Bark Phone, your child can make Wi-Fi calls and texts in the U.S. Here's how to set it up.  Open the ⚙ Settings app on the Bark P...
How to enable silent mode for Bark Phone and Bark WatchWith both the Bark Phone and Bark Watch, you can create routines that automatically apply specific settings during set times (like School ...
Unlock the Bark Phone Whoopie CushionReady for a purely fun new feature of the Bark Phone? We’ve added a digital whoopie cushion you can unlock to introduce a little levity in...
Create a QR Reader Shortcut on the Bark PhoneHere’s how to add a shortcut to the built-in QR code reader: On the Bark Phone, swipe down from the top of the screen to access the qu...
How to find your Bark Phone modelLearning your Bark Phone model is easy. Here are two ways to find it: Through the Settings appOn your kid's Bark Phone, go to the Settin...
Check the current battery level of your kid's Bark Phone or WatchThis feature helps ensure your kids have enough battery for their activities and can't use the classic “my phone died" excuse — the 21st c...
Is my kid's Bark Phone or Watch turned off?You can tell if a Bark Phone or Watch is turned off with this guide! Open up your parent app / dashboard. If you see Off under your child...
Change the theme and icons of the Bark PhoneBecause the Bark Phone is a Samsung, it comes with most Samsung features, like Themes to customize the look of the phone. Here's how to us...

Bark Watch

How to set up the Bark WatchCongrats on your kid's new Bark Watch! Here's our setup guide. On the Bark Watch, long-press the power button on the top right to turn i...
Bark Watch Quick Start GuideHave questions about navigating the Bark Watch? Check out our quick start guide below! 
Manage rules for the Bark WatchThe Bark Watch gives families features like contact approval, camera app access, texting app access, and more. Check out our video playlis...
Schedule routines for the Bark WatchTypes of routinesPrefer to stick to one solid ruleset to keep it simple? Just focus on the Default Rules routine!Otherwise, use these rout...
Manage texting for the Bark WatchBlock or Allow TextingTo manage your child's current texting settings, follow these steps: On your Bark parent app / dashboard, tap your c...
Manage the contacts on their Bark WatchIf your kid is using a Bark Watch, contact approval is always enabled.Types of contacts✅ Approved Contacts — Allows calls and texts to and...
Manage the camera of the Bark WatchBlock or Allow the CameraTo manage your child's current texting settings, follow these steps: On your Bark parent app / dashboard, tap you...
Manage settings app access for the Bark WatchBlock or Allow the Settings AppTo manage whether your child is allowed to open the Settings app on their Bark Watch: On your Bark parent a...
Connect Bluetooth headphones to the Bark WatchOn your parent app / dashboard, tap your child. Under Global Settings tap Bark Watch. Tap Settings. Allow Settings app access. On the Bar...
Remotely set timers for your kid's Bark WatchAdd or Remove Timers Open up your parent app / dashboard. Tap your child's profile. Add or remove timers. When you add a timer... Your...
Manage alarms on the Bark WatchAdd or Remove Alarms from the Parent App Open up your parent app / dashboard. Tap your child's profile. Add or remove alarms. When you ad...
How to pause the Bark WatchHow to PausePause is our remote lock feature. Here's how to use it! Open up your parent app / dashboard. Under your child's name, tap ⏸ Pa...
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 fi...
How to charge your Bark WatchHere's how to charge your kid's Bark watch: Plug the wall charger into an electrical outlet. Plug the USB connector into your watch's wall...
How to change the watch faceYour kid can can customize the Bark Watch face with these steps: Short-press the top side button to view the home screen. Long-press th...
How to access apps on the Bark WatchAimed at younger kids, the Bark Watch comes with a few apps that can be accessed like this: Short-press the top side button to view the ...
Check your step count on the Bark WatchThe Fitness app on the Bark Watch tracks your child's daily steps. Press the top side button of the watch. Swipe left to view all apps. O...
How to view notifications on the Bark WatchYour kid can can view notifications like texts received, missed calls, etc. on the Bark Watch: Short-press the top side button to view t...
Manage storage space on the Bark WatchThe Bark Watch only has critical communication apps and a camera. If your kid is a budding photographer, they may have ran up the storage ...
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 u...
How to adjust screen brightness on the Bark WatchIf your Bark Watch's screen is too bright or not bright enough, here's how to fix it: On your kid's Bark Watch, short-press the top side b...

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 accountThe Bark Desktop App for Windows and Mac helps you monitor your child’s iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch
How to Monitor an iPhone, iPad, or iPod TouchThere are a few different ways to monitor your child's iPhone, iPad or iPod.
How to prompt Bark to analyze an iOS device whenever you wantHow to start a scan of an iOS device for monitoring.
Do I need to leave my computer on to monitor iOS?Does my computer need to be on for iOS monitoring?
How to Monitor Safari Browsing on iOSAdd the Safari extension to your kid's iPhone or iPad to monitor browsing.
Allow or Block SafariUse Apple Screen Time to allow or Block Safari
How to Monitor iOS Devices with the Bark HomeSet up iPhone or iPad monitoring with the Bark Home.
How to Monitor iOS Devices with the Bark Desktop AppLearn how to set up iPhone and iPad monitoring with your computer.
Recommended Sleep Settings for MacHelp your Mac computer stay consistent with Bark by managing sleep settings.
Recommended Sleep Settings for WindowsHelp your Windows computer stay consistent with Bark by managing sleep settings.
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).

What is in-home filtering?Block apps and sites on all internet-connected devices in your home.
How to set up in-home filteringFiltering or blocking websites and apps is an important part of helping to keep your kids safe online, and Bark can let you do it! For our...
In-Home Filtering ProfilesThis article will discuss the default home profiles that are included with your account when you set up a Bark Home or router with Bark bu...
Identify and Rename Devices for In-Home FilteringWith Bark's in-home filtering, you can block apps and sites on devices connected to your home Wi-Fi network. When a new device connects to...
How to set up in-home screen time controlsIf you have a Bark Home or Bark router on your home Wi-Fi, here's how to make sure your devices are filtered: Log in to your parent app / ...
How to set up the Bark HomeThis article and video cover the first-time setup of the Bark Home. If you've already set up the Bark Home, check out this guide to config...
Is my router compatible with the Bark Home?Most likely, yes!
How to find your router modelIdentify your router To check whether your router is compatible with the Bark Home, you'll need to know your router's make and model. Here...
LED Lights on the Bark HomeThe LED lights on the Bark Home are helpful in identifying what's going on with the device. For more information, select your Bark Home mo...
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-inThis article covers the first-time setup of a router with Bark filtering built-in. If you've already set up the router with Bark, check ou...
What routers have Bark built-in?Bark partners with U.S. router manufacturers to embed our screen time & filtering software in their routers. With the routers listed b...
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 filteringIf you don't want Bark's in-home filtering to block websites and apps on a certain device (like a router or your own phone), make sure you...
How to remove a Bark Home or router from your accountThis article will show you the steps on how to remove the Bark Home from your account. 🛑 This will unpair the Bark Home or router from yo...