Monitoring iOS Devices

Apple is strict when it comes to security and doesn’t allow third-party solutions (like Bark) direct access to monitor iOS devices.

...So Bark created a one-of-a-kind solution — the Bark Desktop App.

Add an iPhone or iPad for monitoring in your parent app / dashboard.
Follow the on-screen instructions, like installing the Bark Desktop App on your home computer.
💡 Don't have a home computer? Consider purchasing the Bark Sync in place of a computer.
When prompted, plug in your child's device via a USB cable to begin the first-time setup.
After you're done, make sure to set up Safari monitoring in your kid's Settings app.
For a full walkthrough: → View Step-by-Step Guide

When your child’s device is home and on the same Wi-Fi as your computer, the Bark Desktop App goes to work scanning it. We'll send you an alert if we find an issue.

Please note alerts for iOS devices aren't in real time. We have to scan back through content while your child was away.

🚩 If the Bark Desktop App can't find your child's device, we'll let you know.

Get Started

On your phone or computer browser, open up the Bark dashboard.
Tap your child.
Then, tap the ➕📱 button on the top right.
Tap Set up Monitoring, and select Apple/iOS.
Tap Monitor with computer.
Now, on your Windows or Mac computer, download the Bark Desktop App (preferably a computer that your child does not use or have access to).
Once you install it, pair it to your account.
- Click Already set up before? if you've installed it on this computer in the past.
- Otherwise, click Setting up the first time.
Once paired, the Bark Desktop App will look like this:
Return to your parent app / dashboard.
Plug your child's iOS device into the computer with their USB charging cable and follow the prompts in your parent app / dashboard.
Nowhere to plug in? You may need a USB-A to USB-C adapter before you can plug in the cable.
On your child's iOS device screen, look for "Trust this computer" and enter their lock screen passcode if present.

(If you don't see this prompt, you likely granted permission already.)

Getting an error saying "the passcode was not entered"? Learn more.
If all goes well, the initial scan will begin.
Then, set up Safari monitoring.
Next, enable app and site blocking.
Lastly, add addresses for location alerts.
Repeat these steps for your other children's iOS devices.
- Kids use a shared iPad?
  Create a child named "Shared" (or something similar) to set up that device.
- Kids have other non-Apple devices?
  Get them connected!

Best Practices

Talk to your child about Bark.
Remind your child to always connect to Wi-Fi at home and to enter their lock screen passcode if prompted. We have tips for that conversation.
Leave this computer on for most of the day.
Check out our guide for sleep settings.
Check that the device is detected over Wi-Fi.
Find the device within your parent app / dashboard by selecting your child, clicking Devices, and clicking the name of your child's iPhone or iPad.
- If it's a green Wi-Fi symbol, it means it's currently being detected.
- If it's a grey Wi-Fi symbol, it means it was detected over Wi-Fi in the past.
Check the last time we analyzed the device.
Find the device within your parent app / dashboard by selecting your child and clicking Devices.

Reviewing Alerts

If Bark detects potential bullying, sexual content, depression, self-harm, or other worrisome content on your child's iOS device, we'll send you a notification.

Learn more about what makes Bark's content monitoring unique.

Need to add more?

You can add an unlimited number of email accounts, social media accounts, and devices for monitoring. Follow this guide to connect the rest of your kids' accounts and devices!