This error appears when Bark loses connection to your child's device mid-scan.

Quick checks first

Check that your child's device is turned on.
If using the computer or Bark Home method, also make sure the device is connected to your home Wi-Fi and unlocked.
Check that your computer, Bark Sync, or Bark Home is turned on.
If using the computer method, make sure your computer isn't set to sleep.
Check whether Bark can detect the device.
From your parent dashboard, tap your child, tap Devices, tap the device name, and look for Connected to Bark Sync, computer, or Bark Home.
If the device is detected over USB or Wi-Fi, tap Analyze.
Check the device for a "Trust This Computer" prompt.
If using the computer or Bark Home method, you may also need to enter the lock screen passcode each time a scan begins. The Bark Sync handles this automatically.

Detailed Troubleshooting: Computer or Bark Home

Work through these steps in order.

Enable Airplane Mode on the device to confirm it can connect directly via the cable rather than Wi-Fi.

Open Settings on the device.
Turn on Airplane Mode.
Unplug the device and plug it back in.
Tap Analyze under Connected to your computer or Bark Home.
If the scan succeeds, turn Airplane Mode back off. This confirms the wired connection works.
Next, verify the device is detected over Wi-Fi. If you get the same error, continue to the next step.

Bark can't scan the device if your computer is off or asleep. (Skip this step if using Bark Home.)

Check your computer's sleep settings: Mac or Windows PC.
Unplug the device from the computer and plug it back in.
Tap Analyze under Connected to your computer or Bark Home.
If successful, verify the device is detected over Wi-Fi. If not, continue to the next step.

Bark can't scan the device if storage is too low. (Skip this step if using Bark Home.)

Check the available storage space on the device.
Unplug and replug the device.
Tap Analyze under Connected to your computer or Bark Home.
If successful, verify the device is detected over Wi-Fi. If not, continue to the next step.

Follow this guide: Allow Bark Through Your Firewall.
Unplug and replug the device.
Tap Analyze under Connected to your computer or Bark Home.
If successful, verify the device is detected over Wi-Fi. If not, continue to the next step.

Turn off any VPN on your computer or router.
If it's a work computer, it may have security settings that block the Bark Desktop App. Try a personal computer instead.

Newer iOS devices may require a passcode on every scan due to Apple's stricter device access rules. To avoid this, consider turning off the passcode, adjusting auto-lock settings, or switching to the Bark Sync method.
Scans happen automatically and wirelessly, but you can always start one manually if needed.
If using the Bark Desktop App, adjust your computer's sleep settings (Windows / Mac) so the computer and device can always communicate.
Firewalls and VPNs on the computer can interfere with scans through the Bark Desktop App.
Work computers can also interfere with scans. Try a personal computer instead.
To check the last time Bark scanned the device, tap your child's name in your parent app or dashboard and tap Devices.

Work through these steps in order.

Make sure you're using the Bark cable that came with the Bark Sync.

Open your parent app or dashboard.
Tap your child, then Devices.
Select their iPhone or iPad to check the current status. Don't see the device listed? Set it up.
If it shows as disconnected, check that the Bark Sync's LED is solid blue. If not, follow the LED guide to fix it.
Once the LED is solid blue, plug the device into the Bark Sync and tap Analyze under Connected to Bark Sync.
If you get the same error, continue to the next step.

Make sure at least 5% of storage is available on the device. If not, clear some space.
Unplug and replug the device.
Tap Analyze under Connected to Bark Sync.
If you get the same error, continue to the next step.

Talk to your child about why using the Bark Sync to charge their device is important. Here are tips for that conversation.
Make sure the Bark Sync is connected to Wi-Fi when your child plugs in their device. Check its status in your parent app or dashboard, or in Bark Kids app > Sync. You can also check the LED lights on the Sync to confirm Wi-Fi connectivity.
If your child is traveling, they can reconnect the Bark Sync to a new Wi-Fi network by plugging in their device, opening Bark Kids app > Settings, and selecting the new network.
To check the last time Bark scanned the device, tap your child's name in your parent app or dashboard and tap Devices.