Skip to main content

💡 Solve a problem

Need help? We've got your back.

165 articles

Troubleshooting the Bark Phone

Find solutions for monitoring and filtering Bark Phones.

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.

Troubleshooting Androids

Find solutions for monitoring and filtering Android devices, including Amazon Fire.

Troubleshoot AndroidFix issues with your child's Android phone or tablet
Screen time protection has been disrupted on AndroidJust open the Bark Kids app to reconnect the VPN.
"Parent needed" error when installing Bark Kids app on Android
"Action not allowed" error when installing Bark Kids app on Android
"Harmful app blocked" error when installing Bark Kids app on AndroidWhat the harmful app blocked notification is and how to override it.
"Unknown app blocked" error due to "Auto Blocker" setting on Samsung devicesJust adjust this setting to get past it.
"App was denied access" error when installing Bark Kids app on Android
Turn off Secure DNS on Android
Turn off Private DNS on AndroidHere's how to disable Private DNS on your child's Android.
Accessibility Disabled in Android
Accessibility continues to get disabled
Troubleshoot Amazon FireFix issues with your child's Amazon tablet.
Turn off Secure DNS on Amazon Fire
Accessibility Disabled in Amazon FireThis setting needs to be turned on for the Bark Kids app.
Prevent Bark Kids from being affected by battery settings on Android
Prevent Bark Kids from being affected by data settings on Android
Package installer error on Google PixelsHow to solve the package installer error on Google Pixel devices.
How to bookmark Bark on your Android home screen
Battery optimization on Samsung devicesHow to adjust battery optimization on Samsung devices.
Prevent Bark Kids from being affected by battery settings on Pinwheel devices
Prevent Bark Kids from being affected by battery settings on Huawei devices
Prevent Bark Kids from being affected by battery settings on Sony devices
Prevent Bark Kids from being affected by battery settings on Palm devices
Battery optimization on OnePlus devicesHow to adjust battery optimization on OnePlus devices.

Troubleshooting iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch

Find solutions for monitoring and filtering Apple iOS devices.

Screen time protection has been disrupted on iOSJust open the Bark Kids app to reconnect the VPN.
Troubleshoot iPhone and iPadFix issues with your child's iOS device.
Error: Kid was asked to enter their passcode and we're still waiting
There was a problem analyzing the iOS deviceThis error appears when Bark loses connection to your child's device mid-scan. Check that your child's device is turned on.If using the c...
iOS device not detected over Wi-Fi
iOS device not detected over USBWhat to do if your child's iOS device is not detected while plugged in.
Check available storage space on your devicesLow storage can affect iOS monitoring. Here's how to check — and fix it.
Check for software updates on your devicesLearn how to update the software on your family's devices.
Allow Bark through your firewallYour firewall may be accidentally blocking the Bark Desktop App or Bark Home from doing its job.
iOS device is no longer paired or trusted
How to prevent your kid from deleting Bark on iOS
Update the Bark Kids App on iOS
Enable cellular data for the Bark Kids app on iOS
How to Update iTunes
Update Apple Software on MacGet Apple drivers updated to monitor iOS devices with the computer method.
Update Apple Software on WindowsGet Apple drivers updated to monitor iOS devices with the computer method.
Update the Bark Desktop App on Mac
Update the Bark Desktop App on Windows
How to bookmark Bark on your iPhone home screen
Delete Old iOS Monitoring Files on MacWipe all Bark Desktop App data from MacOS.
Delete Old iOS Monitoring Files on WindowsWipe all Bark Desktop App data from your PC.
Bark Desktop App is not opening on MacFix it by adjusting a few settings.
Bark Desktop App is not opening on WindowsBelow we break down what you should do if your Bark Desktop App is not opening. Select from the dropdowns the issue you’re seeing.
Error: Data on iOS device is encryptedRemoving encryption is easy with this guide.
"Privacy Warning" on an iOS device
Bark Sync has poor Wi-Fi connectivityHow to increase Bark Sync's Wi-Fi connectivity.
Bark Sync can't connect to Wi-FiHow to fix the Bark Sync Wi-Fi not connecting error.
Bark Sync has incorrect lock screen passcode savedHow to fix an incorrect lock screen passcode.
iOS device has no network connectivity when plugged into Bark Sync
Bark Sync can't detect iOS device when the screen is locked
Error: "Sync not found" during setupCheck that the Bark-provided cable is securely connected between the iOS device and Bark Sync.

Troubleshooting screen time and filtering

Find solutions for issues encountered with blocking apps and sites on your family's devices.

If a website, app, game, or feature isn't working on your child's deviceIf a website, app, or certain features aren’t loading or working on your child’s device, it might be because something has been accidentally blocked.
Troubleshooting screen time & web filtering
Screen time protection has been disruptedHave you gotten an alert about screen time protection being disrupted, or seen a task to fix screen time for a device? If so, this is how to fix it!
Bark Home "Not detected" or "MAC address does not match any known devices" error during setupLearn how to fix detection issues with Bark Home.
Slow internet speedsLearn how to improve your speed.
Turn off Secure DNS on ChromebookIf websites and apps aren't being blocked on your child's Chromebook, check whether Secure DNS is enabled.
Device is using a private address or randomized MAC addressFix this so that your screen time & web filtering rules stay in place.
Mobile screen time & filtering was manually disabled
My kid's computer isn't blocking websites and apps
Turn off Secure DNS on Windows and MacIf sites and apps are not being blocked on your child's computer browser, Secure DNS could be the reason!
Bark Home has lost contact
Disable Guest Mode on ChromebookThese instructions will show how to disable Guest Mode on Chromebook to ensure that Bark will be monitoring your child's Chrome web browsing.
Screen time protection has been disrupted on ChromebookIf screen time protection has been disrupted on your child's Chromebook, get connected again by following this guide!
Device is missing from Unmanaged profileThis article is for users who've set up a Bark Home (or a router with Bark built in).
Connection Status "Undetected" for Router with Bark Built-InFix common issues with Bark router setup.
Why am I seeing copies of the same device?
Adjust Amazon Fire network settings to work with Bark HomeLearn how to filter internet access on Amazon Fire with the Bark Home.
Samsung Secure Wi-Fi Security Alert
Disable Guest Mode, Incognito Mode, Tor Mode, and Secure DNS on Brave (Windows)Learn how to disable various modes to ensure Bark remains in place while your child browses the internet using Brave.
Disable Guest Mode, Incognito Mode, and Secure DNS on Brave (Mac)These instructions will show you how to disable Guest Mode, Incognito Mode, and Secure DNS on Brave for Mac.
Disable Guest Mode, Incognito Mode, & Secure DNS on Chrome (Windows)Protect your child's online safety by disabling Guest Mode, Incognito Mode, and Secure DNS on Chrome for Windows.
Disable Guest Mode, Incognito Mode, & Secure DNS on Chrome (Mac)Protect your child's online safety by disabling Guest Mode, Incognito Mode, and Secure DNS on Chrome for Mac.
Disable Guest Mode, InPrivate Mode, & Secure DNS on Edge (Windows)These instructions will show you how to disable Guest Mode, InPrivate Mode and Secure DNS on Edge for Windows.
Disable Guest Mode, InPrivate Mode, & Secure DNS on Edge (Mac)These instructions will show you how to disable Guest Mode, InPrivate Mode and Secure DNS on Edge for Mac.
How to Disable IPv6Advanced troubleshooting situations may require you disable IPv6 in your computer settings.
Make your Eero router system compatible with Bark HomeMost Eero routers are compatible with the Bark Home. Here's how to make sure your Eero settings are set up for success:
How to factory reset the Bark HomeThis article will show you the steps for how to factory reset the Bark Home.