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Schedule routines for the Bark Phone

Set automatic rules for different times of day, like limiting apps during school hours or blocking the internet at bedtime.

Types of Routines

Routines let you schedule different rules throughout the day or week. If you'd rather keep things simple, just use the Default Rules routine as your one set of rules.

Here are the built-in routine types:

  • 🟪 Bedtime: Limit device usage when it’s time for lights out. Customize what kids can access during Bedtime.

  • 🟩 School time: Limit what can be accessed during the school day. Customize the apps/sites they need for school or homework, like Zoom or Google Workspace.

  • 🟨 Free time: Dedicated time to use devices just for fun.

  • 🟦 Any other time (Default rules): The default rules when other routines aren't scheduled.


How to schedule routines

  1. On your Bark parent app / dashboard, tap your child's name.

  2. Scroll down to Schedule.

    Simplified schedule view.png
    • To add a routine, tap +Add.

    • To edit an existing routine's schedule, tap the plus icon on the top right of the routine.

    • To apply a temporary override, tap Start or Delay.

    • To view your schedule by week, tap the 🗓️ calendar icon to the right of Schedule.

    • To delete a routine, tap the 🗓️ calendar to the right of Schedule, tap the routine, and then tap the trash can.

  3. Changes may take a few minutes to take effect.

How your child sees routine changes:

  • When a routine switches, your child sees a full-screen notification on their phone, like "Your phone is now in Bedtime mode!"

    Bark_Phone_Routine_Change_Notification_-_Bedtime.png

  • Your child can check the current active routine at any time in the bark kids app.png Bark Kids app.


How to customize rules per routine

  1. On your Bark parent app / dashboard, tap your child's name.

  2. Scroll down to Settings to manage rules for apps, sites, contact, text, camera, or silent mode per routine.

  3. The routine currently in effect is labeled Active.

  4. Changes may take a few minutes to take effect.


Copy rules to another child

You can copy a child's screen time and app blocking rules to another child to save time. Learn how.


Daily time limits vs. routines

Routines control when your child can access apps and sites. Daily time limits control how long they can use them, regardless of the time of day. Use both together for the most control.


More resources

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