Troubleshooting the Bark Phone
Find solutions for monitoring and filtering Bark Phones.
50 articles
- Troubleshoot the Bark PhoneFix issues with the Bark Phone.
- "Sorry, we can't activate the device" error when setting up Bark PhoneThis usually happens when the Bark Phone isn't connected to Wi-Fi or you're signed into the wrong Bark account.
- Stuck During Bark Phone SetupCovers common setup issues including slow activation, device errors, and phones assigned to the wrong child.
- Why does it say "Sign in with your work account" on a Bark Phone?This is a standard Google prompt on managed devices like the Bark Phone.
- Bark Phone stuck on "Activate Family Link Parental Controls"The Bark Phone doesn't support Google Family Link parental controls.
- Bark Phone says "Google Play services account action required"This notification usually means the Google account signed into the Bark Phone isn't compatible with the device.
- Can I use Google Family Link to supervise a Bark Phone?No, but Bark’s built-in features cover everything you would receive via Google Family Link and so much more.
- Bark Phone can't make callsIf you see 'Service not available' or 'Emergency calls only,' try these fixes before contacting support.
- Why are my contacts, emails, and events showing up on my child's Bark Phone?Sign out of your Google account on the Bark Phone and sign back in with your child's account instead.
- Why does it say "This device belongs to your organization" on a Bark Phone?This is expected behavior and does not affect how the Bark Phone works.
- Can't install Bark Kids app on a Bark PhoneThe Bark Kids app comes pre-installed on a Bark Phone.
- Google Play Store is missing from the Bark PhoneThe Play Store may be hidden or disabled depending on your child's Bark Phone plan or your App Store settings.
- Manage settings app access for the Bark PhoneThe Settings app can't be blocked on the Bark Phone, but restricted settings require a device code only you have.
- Unable to sign in to Google Play Store or Google servicesSupervised and school-issued Google accounts may not work on the Bark Phone — here's how to fix it.
- Error on Google Play: "Problem communicating with Google servers"This error usually means a spotty internet connection or a web filter is blocking Google's servers.
- Error on Google Play: "This app won't work for your device"Try updating your child's software first — if that doesn't help, the app may simply not support the device.
- Can't find an app in the Google Play Store of the Bark PhoneIf you see 'Parental controls restrict downloading of this app,' Google Play parental controls are turned on and need to be disabled.
- Google Play app downloads and updates stuck "pending" or "Waiting for Wi-Fi"Enable Mobile Data first, then clear the Play Store cache or uninstall updates if downloads remain stuck.
- "Already used ICCID" error when setting up Bark PhoneThis error may be caused by the SIM card being in the wrong slot, the wrong SIM card being inserted, or the phone not being connected to Wi-Fi.
- "Message not sent. Touch to retry" Error on a Bark PhoneThere's an issue with the cell reception, SIM card, or billing.
- "Couldn't send message, service unavailable" Error on a Bark PhoneThere's an issue with the cell reception, SIM card, or billing.
- "Message Blocking is Active" Error on a Bark PhoneThere's a billing issue with your child's phone or with the other person they're texting.
- "Not Registered on Network" Error on a Bark PhoneThere's an issue with the SIM card or with billing.Â
- "SIM1 not provisioned" Error on a Bark PhoneThere's an issue with the SIM card or with billing.
- "Emergency calls only" Error on a Bark PhoneThere's an issue with the SIM card or with billing.
- "The subscriber you have dialed is not in service" when calling a Bark PhoneThere's an issue with the Bark Phone's SIM card or billing.Â
- Important Bark Phone Setting Has Been DisabledThis means tamper protections have kicked in.
- Screen turns off while using the Bark PhoneAdjust the screen timeout setting to keep the display on longer between interactions.
- Screen time protection has been disrupted on the Bark PhoneScreen time and web filtering on the Bark Phone relies on a VPN connection.
- Forgot Bark Phone lock screen password or PINBark support will need to help you reset a forgotten lock screen PIN, password, or pattern on the Bark Phone.
- "Action not allowed" message on a Bark PhoneThis message means an app or feature has been blocked either by your settings or by Bark's automatic protections.
- How to check the SIM/MicroSD slot on a Bark PhoneUse an ejector pin or small paperclip to eject the tray.
- All Bark Phone apps are grayed out or blockedLearn how to get apps back to normal.
- Unapproved numbers can call or text the Bark PhoneAdjust a few settings to block them.
- Bark Phone rule changes are slow to updateRule changes require an internet connection and active Bark permissions to reach the Bark Phone.
- Troubleshoot the texting app on the Bark PhoneFix issues with Bark Phone texting.
- How do I save photos from texts on a Bark Phone?Tap and hold a message to save an image, or use Google Photos or Drive for larger files.
- Troubleshooting the Camera App on the Bark PhoneIf the camera app is missing, it's likely blocked in your Bark parent app settings.
- Bark Phone Message Attachment Size Exceeds Max MMS LimitPhoto and video attachments to texts are automatically compressed to save cellular data.
- Storage access is disabled in Bark PhoneThe Bark Phone needs Storage Access enabled for the Bark Kids and Bark Guard Dog apps to work properly.
- Bark Phone won't automatically connect to Wi-FiEnable auto-reconnect in Wi-Fi settings, or use location services to turn Wi-Fi on and off automatically.
- The Find Phone or Watch button disappeared from the dashboardThe Find Phone or Watch button disappears when service is canceled or suspended due to a billing issue.
- "No app found to open URL" error on Bark PhoneWeb browsing is blocked on this Bark Phone, either by your settings or because the device is on the Starter Plan.
- "Subscriber not found" error when updating E-911 address for Bark PhoneIf you see this error after updating your E-911 address, contact Bark support to complete the update manually.
- Airplane Mode on Bark devicesAirplane Mode is blocked by default on most Bark devices, but not on the Bark Watch Samsung model.
- Move a Bark Phone or Watch to a different kidYou'll need to contact Bark support to transfer a Bark Phone or Watch from one child to another.
- Samsung NewsYou can block Samsung News in Bark or remove it from the home screen.
- Samsung KidsSamsung Kids is not recommended on the Bark Phone — use Bark's built-in parental controls instead.
- Samsung Smart Switch AppSamsung Smart Switch is not compatible with the Bark Phone — use these alternatives to transfer your data instead.
- Google One AppGoogle One's backup feature will not work with the Bark Phone.