Here's what to do if your child's iOS device isn't being detected by Bark over Wi-Fi.

If using a computer or Bark Home

Work through these steps in order.

1. Test whether Bark can detect the device over Wi-Fi

Make sure your home computer or Bark Home is turned on. If using a computer, make sure it's awake.
On your child's iOS device, open Settings.
Turn off Personal Hotspot if it's on.
Tap Wi-Fi.
Tap your home network's name.
Confirm your computer or Bark Home is on the same network as the iOS device. If you have both 2.4GHz and 5GHz options, make sure both devices are on the same one.
Open your parent app or dashboard.
Tap your child, then Devices.
Select their iPhone or iPad. Don't see the device listed? Set it up.
If it says Connected to your home computer (or Bark Home), it will begin scanning on its own soon. Remind your child to enter their lock screen passcode when prompted. That's it!
If it's still not detected over Wi-Fi, continue to the next step.

2. Check for a VPN or configuration profile

On the iOS device, open Settings.
Tap General.
Tap VPN and Device Management (may also appear as VPN or Profiles & Device Management).
Look for any third-party VPN or configuration profile. If you find one that isn't Bark's, delete it.
Refresh your parent app or dashboard. If it says Connected to your home computer (or Bark Home), it will begin scanning on its own soon. Remind your child to enter their lock screen passcode when prompted. That's it!
If it's still not detected over Wi-Fi, continue to the next step.

3. Try a personal computer if you're using a VPN or work computer

Turn off any VPN on your home computer or Wi-Fi network.
If it's a work computer, it may have security settings that block Bark. Try a personal computer instead.
Refresh your parent app or dashboard. If it says Connected to your home computer (or Bark Home), it will begin scanning on its own soon. Remind your child to enter their lock screen passcode when prompted. That's it!
If it's still not detected over Wi-Fi, continue to the next step.

4. On macOS 15.5 and later, adjust local network settings

Open System Settings.
Click Privacy & Security.
Click Local Network.
Enable Bark.
Refresh your parent app or dashboard. If it says Connected to your home computer (or Bark Home), it will begin scanning on its own soon. Remind your child to enter their lock screen passcode when prompted. That's it!
If it's still not detected over Wi-Fi, continue to the next step.

5. Check the connection by plugging the device in

Plugging in the device briefly can re-pair it with Bark and fix Wi-Fi detection.

Plug the iOS device into the computer or Bark Home.
Unlock the device and tap Trust This Computer if prompted. If there's no prompt, you may have already granted access.
Refresh your parent app or dashboard.
Look for Connected to your home computer (or Bark Home). This may take a few minutes.
Unplug the device.
Tap Connected to your home computer (or Bark Home), then tap Analyze. Wait for the scan to finish. That's it!
If it's still not detected over Wi-Fi, continue to the next step.

6. Add Bark as a firewall exception

Follow this guide: Allow Bark Through Your Firewall.
Refresh your parent app or dashboard. If it says Connected to your home computer (or Bark Home), it will begin scanning on its own soon. Remind your child to enter their lock screen passcode when prompted. That's it!
If it's still not detected over Wi-Fi, continue to the next step.

7. Check for software updates

Install any available software updates on your devices.
Refresh your parent app or dashboard. If it says Connected to your home computer (or Bark Home), it will begin scanning on its own soon. Remind your child to enter their lock screen passcode when prompted. That's it!
If it's still not detected over Wi-Fi, continue to the next step.

8. Check iTunes or Finder settings

These settings help your child's iOS device communicate with your computer or Bark Home. Windows PCs and some older Macs use iTunes. Newer Macs use Finder.

iTunes

Open iTunes.
Plug in the iOS device.
Unlock the device and tap Trust This Computer if prompted.
If you see a welcome screen, select Set up as new iPhone/iPad/iPod. If you don't see this, skip to the next step.
Click the 📱 phone icon in the top left.
Scroll down to Options.
Check Sync with this iPhone over Wi-Fi.
Click Apply in the bottom right (no need to click Sync).
Unplug the device once it's done.
Check whether the 📱 phone icon still appears in the top left of iTunes.
- If it does, that's a good sign. Check whether Bark can now detect the device over Wi-Fi.
- If it doesn't, the device isn't being detected by your computer at all, not just by Bark.

Finder

Open Finder.
Plug in the iOS device.
Unlock the device and tap Trust This Computer if prompted.
Click the device under Locations in the left column of Finder.
Click Trust in Finder if prompted.
If you see a welcome screen, select Set up as new iPhone/iPad/iPod. If you don't see this, skip to the next step.
Scroll down and check Show this [device] when on Wi-Fi.
Click Apply in the bottom right (no need to click Sync).
Unplug the device once it's done.
Check whether the device still appears under Locations in Finder.
- If it does, that's a good sign. Check whether Bark can now detect the device over Wi-Fi.
- If it doesn't, the device isn't being detected by your computer at all, not just by Bark.

If using Bark Sync

The Bark Sync analyzes your child's iOS device whenever it's plugged in to charge with the provided cable. It then sends that information to Bark's servers over Wi-Fi. Here's how to check if the Bark Sync is connected to Wi-Fi:

Open your parent app or dashboard.
Tap your child, then Devices.
Select their iPhone or iPad to review the current status of the Bark Sync, the device, and when it was last analyzed. You'll see steps here to fix any Wi-Fi connectivity issues. Don't see the device listed? Set it up.
If it's not showing as connected:
- Check that the Bark Sync's LED light is solid blue.
- Make sure you're using the provided Bark cable.
- Make sure the Bark Kids app is set up on the device.
- Unplug the cable from both ends and plug it back in.