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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 PhoneSomething is preventing you from setting up the Bark Phone.
Stuck During Bark Phone SetupHave you run into an issue setting up your Bark Phone? We’ve got answers to some common issues.
Why does it say "Sign in with your work account" on a Bark Phone?There's no need to worry that it says "work account."
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"
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 calls
Why are my contacts, emails, and events showing up on my child's Bark Phone?It seems you signed into your child's phone with your Google account and enabled syncing.
Why does it say "This device belongs to your organization" on a Bark Phone?shows up because Bark's software is built into the phone to help keep your child safe.
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 Phone
Manage settings app access for the Bark Phone
Unable to sign in to Google Play Store or Google services
Error on Google Play: "Problem communicating with Google servers"This message means you can't sign into Google because of a spotty internet connection.
Error on Google Play: "This app won't work for your device"This message means that the app's developers have marked it as "incompatible" with your kid's device.
Can't find an app in the Google Play Store of the Bark Phone
Google Play app downloads and updates stuck "pending" or "Waiting for Wi-Fi"
"Already used ICCID" error when setting up Bark PhoneSomething is blocking the setup of the Bark Phone.
"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. 
"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. 
Important Bark Phone Setting Has Been DisabledThis means tamper protections have kicked in.
Screen turns off while using the Bark PhoneIf your Bark Phone's screen turns off too quickly while you’re using it, it is likely because of your screen timeout settings.
Screen time protection has been disrupted on the Bark PhoneIf screen time protection has been disrupted on your child's Bark Phone, get connected again by following this guide!
Forgot Bark Phone lock screen password or PINIf your kid forgot their lock screen PIN, password, or pattern for the Bark Phone, please contact us for next steps.
"Action not allowed" message on a Bark Phone
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 updateLearn why rule changes may be slow to update.
Troubleshoot the texting app on the Bark PhoneFix issues with Bark Phone texting.
How do I save photos from texts on a Bark Phone?Your kid can save images from their texts on the Bark Messages app.
Troubleshooting the Camera App on the Bark Phone
Bark Phone Message Attachment Size Exceeds Max MMS Limit
Storage access is disabled in Bark PhoneThe Bark Phone needs Storage Access enabled in your kid's settings to be fully set up.
Bark Phone won't automatically connect to Wi-FiHow to make your kid's Bark Phone connect to your home Wi-Fi network automatically.
The Bark Phone button disappeared from the dashboard
"No app found to open URL" error on Bark PhoneThis error indicates that web browsing is currently blocked on the Bark Phone. Please follow this guide to enable web browsing again.
"Subscriber not found" error when updating E-911 address for Bark PhonePlease reach out for more help.
Cannot turn on Airplane ModeAirplane Mode is disabled by default on Bark Phone and Bark Watch.
Move a Bark Phone or Watch to a different kidLearn how to get the transfer process started.
Samsung NewsSamsung News is an entertainment and news app that comes pre-installed on Samsung smartphones.
Samsung KidsSamsung Kids is a built-in feature on newer Samsung Phones that is aimed at very young children.
Samsung Smart Switch AppSamsung Smart Switch is an app available for both Android and iOS that helps transfer data between an old and new phone.
Google One AppGoogle One's backup feature will not work with the Bark Phone.