Skip to main content

đź’ˇ Solve a problem

Need help? We've got your back.

165 articles

Troubleshooting the Bark Phone

Find solutions for monitoring and filtering Bark Phones.

Troubleshooting 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. How do I know when it's set up? You ...
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." When opening a Google app like the Play Store for the first time, Google asks your k...
Bark Phone stuck on "Activate Family Link Parental Controls"The Bark Phone doesn't support Google Family Link parental controls, so that's why you may be experiencing this message consistently (e.g....
Bark Phone says "Google Play services account action required"If your child’s Bark Phone displays a notification like this: Google Play ServicesAccount action required Device isn't readyTap to fini...
Can I use Google Family Link to supervise a Bark Phone?The short answer is no, but that’s okay! Bark’s built-in features cover everything you would receive via Google Family Link and so much mo...
Bark Phone can't make callsInteractive Troubleshooter Text Instructions If you’re experiencing calling issues on your kid's Bark Phone, you may be seeing “Service ...
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. Don't worry, it's an easy fix! On your kid's Ba...
Why does it say "This device belongs to your organization" on a Bark Phone?Don't worry! The message "This device belongs to your organization" is normal. It shows up because Bark's software is built into the phone...
Can't install Bark Kids app on a Bark PhoneThe Bark Kids app comes pre-installed on a Bark Phone! Here's how to make sure it's all set up: How to set up the Bark Phone
Google Play Store is missing from the Bark PhoneIf your child's Google Play Store app is missing from their Bark Phone, it's an easy fix. On your parent app / dashboard, enable the App ...
Manage settings app access for the Bark PhoneBecause of changes Samsung made to their operating system, you can't block the Settings app on a Bark Phone.However, restricted settings w...
Unable to sign into Google Play Store or Google servicesInteractive Troubleshooter Text Instructions If you enable the App Store for your child, it will ask that your kid sign in with a Google...
Error on Google Play: "Problem communicating with Google servers"This message means you can't sign into Google because of a spotty internet connection. On your kid's phone, slide your finger down from...
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. Instructions Sometimes, you can fix...
Can't find an app in the Google Play Store of the Bark PhoneThe Google Play Store is the app store on the Bark Phone. If your kid searches for an app and only sees the "kids" version or gets the mes...
Google Play app downloads and updates stuck "pending" or "Waiting for Wi-Fi"The Google Play Store app is used to download apps on Android devices like the Bark Phone. Sometimes, Google gets stuck trying to download...
"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. Follow the ...
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! Interactive Troubles...
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.Then, watch this video...
"Action not allowed" message on a Bark PhoneIf you're seeing "Action not allowed | Contact your parent for access" on your child's Bark Phone, it could mean one of the following: Yo...
How to check the SIM/MicroSD slot on a Bark PhoneHere's how to check the SIM/MicroSD slot on a Bark Phone.What you need 📱 The Bark Phone An ejector pin: you can purchase one online or ...
All Bark Phone apps are grayed out or blockedLearn how to get apps back to normal.
Unapproved numbers can call or text the Bark PhoneIf your kid is getting calls or texts from unapproved contacts, let's check a few settings on your Bark parent app before checking some se...
Bark Phone rule changes are slow to updateLearn why rule changes may be slow to update.
Troubleshooting the texting app on the Bark PhoneInteractive Troubleshooter Text InstructionsI can't change the default text appOn Bark Phones, we created the Bark Messages app to support...
How do I save photos from texts on a Bark Phone?Your kid can save images from their texts on the the Bark Messages app that comes built into the Bark Phone. Just tap and hold over the m...
Troubleshooting the Camera App on the Bark PhoneI can't find the camera app You may have accidentally blocked the camera app. Here's how to un-block it. A blocked camera app means that: ...
Bark Phone Message Attachment Size Exceeds Max MMS LimitThe Messages app on the Bark Phone is used for texts, including picture and video attachments.  To save valuable cellular data, Bark will...
Storage access is disabled in Bark PhoneThe Bark Phone needs Storage Access enabled in your kid's settings to be fully set up. On your kid's Bark Phone, open the ⚙ Settings app....
Bark Phone won't automatically connect to Wi-FiHere's how to make your kid's Bark Phone connect to your home Wi-Fi network automatically: On your kid's Bark Phone, open the âš™ Settings ...
The Bark Phone button disappeared from the dashboardWhenever you set up a Bark Phone, you'll see a Bark Phone button under your kid on your parent app / dashboard: The Bark Phone button wil...
"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. Note...
"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. This is to ensure that the settings you set as a parent get deployed to...
Move a Bark Phone or Watch to a different kidLearn how to get the transfer process started.
Samsung NewsSamsung News (previously known as "Samsung Free") is an entertainment and news app that comes pre-installed on Samsung smartphones and tab...
Samsung KidsSamsung Kids is a built-in feature on newer Samsung Phones that is aimed at very young children. When enabled, it changes the home screen,...
Samsung Smart Switch AppSamsung Smart Switch is an app available for both Android and iOS that helps transfer messages, contacts, photos, and more between an old ...
Google One AppGoogle One is an app available for both Android and iOS that can set up automatic Google backups. Because of the permissions it requires, ...

Troubleshooting Androids

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

Troubleshooting Android Monitoring
Screen time protection has been disrupted on AndroidHere's how to get screen time protected again on your kid's Android!
"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 devicesWhat unknown app blocked error means and how to resolve 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
Troubleshooting Amazon Fire Monitoring
Turn off Secure DNS on Amazon Fire
Accessibility Disabled in Amazon Fire
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 iOSIf screen time protection has been disrupted on your child's iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, get connected again by following this guide! Int...
Troubleshooting iOS Monitoring
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 USBHow to fix your iOS device not being detected.
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 Mac
Update Apple Software on Windows
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 Mac
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 setupHow to fix the error "Sync not found" during setup.

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 accidental...
Troubleshooting screen time & web filteringInteractive Troubleshooter Text Instructions Check whether screen time & filtering is working with this guide: Test app and site blo...
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 ...
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. On your child's Chromebook, cl...
Device is using a private address or randomized MAC addressThe Bark Home remembers the devices on your home Wi-Fi network because of their unique MAC address. Newer devices may confuse the Bark Hom...
Mobile screen time & filtering was manually disabledBark VPN status changed on child's device This notification means there was a lapse in screen time protection for a bit that was later fix...
My kid's computer isn't blocking websites and appsIf your child's Mac or Windows computer isn't blocking websites and apps, check the following: You have activated a Bark Home or router t...
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! Chrome Turn off Secure DN...
Bark Home has lost contactGot a notification that in-home filtering is offline? Double check that the power cord is plugged into a working source of electricity....
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 browsi...
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! Quick Troubleshootin...
Device is missing from Unmanaged profileThis article is for users who've set up a Bark Home (or a router with Bark built in). If a device in your home is not appearing under the ...
Connection Status "Undetected" for Router with Bark Built-InWhen you visit http://detect.network as you set up your router with Bark for the first time, it'll take a few minutes. You'll see "Welcome...
Why am I seeing copies of the same device?Are you seeing new devices appear under the Unmanaged or Anonymous profiles in your parent app / dashboard that you thought you'd already ...
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 AlertWhen you connect the Bark Home to your router, it helps block apps and sites on devices that connect to your home Wi-Fi. Some Samsung devi...
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, ...
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...
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, Inc...
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, Incogni...
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, InPriva...
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. Disable Guest Mode, InPrivate,...
How to Disable IPv6🛑 Only do these steps if you've been directed by Bark Support. Select the type of computer you're using below to review the relevant step...
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: Open the Eero app...
How to factory reset the Bark HomeThis article will show you the steps for how to factory reset the Bark Home. 🛑 This will unpair the Bark Home from your Bark account. Ple...

Other troubleshooting

Get help with that error message or problem.

Not getting alerts for kid's texts, photos, or videosHow to resolve alerts not showing up for monitored content.
How to prevent your kid from deleting BarkIt can be frustrating if your child is deleting Bark, but it also means they’re not being protected. Here’s how to help prevent it.
Fix issues with push notifications
Block Text Messages
Block spam on your kid's devicesSpam calls and texts are today's version of junk mail. Here are a few ways to reduce the number of unwanted calls and texts your child receives.
Error: "Something went wrong"Let's figure out where the error occurred.
Error: "Not found"Oops, the resource you were looking for was not found.
Troubleshooting Edge, Chrome, & Chromebook MonitoringHere's how to troubleshoot for the Bark browser extensions and the Bark for Chromebooks app on your child's computer(s).
Accessibility Disabled for ChromebookHow to enable accessibility settings on your Chromebook to insure that Bark works optimally.
Did I accidentally start monitoring myself (the parent)?
Can't enable Bark for Chrome extension on ChromebookHow to fix issues with the Bark for Chrome extension.
Bark AccessoriesAlong with the Bark Accessories Store, we've rounded up some other popular accessories to help your family get the most out of Bark.
How to find the IMEI of a phone, tablet, or watch
Screen recording for customer supportHere's how to take a video of an issue.
How to Uninstall BarkIn most cases, it's how you'd uninstall any other app.