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How to Monitor a Chromebook

Updated
Paola Rivera

Note

While you can still install the extensions on your kid's Chromebook, the Bark for Chromebooks app is currently unavailable on the Google Play Store. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Rest assured, our team is working diligently to make the app available to you again as soon as possible. In the meantime, install the Chrome extensions so that your kid's browsing is still monitored for worrisome content. If you'd like to get an email notification of when the Chromebooks app is back, reach out to us.

Set up your kid's Chromebook

Bark Premium subscribers will set up the Chrome extensions and the Bark for Chromebooks app. Bark Jr subscribers will only set up the Bark for Chromebooks app. Click on each option below for instructions!


puzzle-piece-solid.svg Set up the extensions

Set up the Bark for Chrome extensions
  1. Log into the Chromebook with your child's Google account.
  2. Open the chrome.svg Google Chrome Browser.
  3. On the top right, click ellipsis-vertical-solid.svg  > Settings.
  4. Click You and Google on the left.
  5. Click Sync and Google services.
  6. Click Manage what you sync.
  7. Click Sync everything (easiest) or click Customize sync and select Extensions, History, and Settings.
  8. Then, connect your child's email account(s) to Bark. This helps our system identify your child's web browser as their own, which is an important step in keeping them safer online.
  9. Once you've connected their email accounts to Bark, log out of your Bark dashboard.
  10. Navigate to the chrome_web_store_logo.png Chrome Web Store.
  11. Find and add Bark for Chrome and Bark for Chrome Watchdog to your child's Chrome. 
    Don't see the extensions? Select More Extensions on the top right to see more search results.
  12. Click the top right puzzle-piece-solid.svg menu, click on ellipsis-vertical-solid.svg next to each Bark extension, and then Manage Extension.
  13. Toggle on the Allow in Incognito option for each one.
    Don't see that option? It likely means your child's browser has Incognito Mode disabled (learn more).
  14. Browse 5 - 10 sites on your child's Chrome browser.
  15. Consider disabling Guest Mode.
  16. Then, set up the Bark for Chromebooks app by following the steps below.

google-play.svg Set up the app

Set up the Bark for Chromebooks App 
  1. Verify your child’s Chromebook supports our app. If it is supported, keep going!
  2. Click on the time on the bottom right.
  3. Select the ⚙ gear icon to access the device Settings.
  4. Search "play store" at the top, or scroll down until you find Google Play Store.
    Don't see this option? Then the Chromebook doesn't support the Bark for Chromebooks app.
  5. Turn on the Google Play Store.
    Is the "Turn On" option greyed out? You may be using a managed school or work Google account. Signing into the Chromebook with a personal Google account will allow you to turn it on.
  6. Click the O symbol on the bottom left.
  7. Open the Play Store app.
    Don't see the app? You may have to click on the ^ arrow to see all installed apps.
  8. Search Pasted_Image_5_22_19__1_14_PM.png Bark for Chromebooks, install it, and open it.
  9. Enter your Bark login credentials and click Get Started.
  10. Select the child's name that uses this Chromebook.
  11. Click Allow on the permission prompts.
    Screen_Shot_2021-06-02_at_5.31.07_PM.png
  12. Click OK to enable the VPN.
    Screen_Shot_2021-06-02_at_5.21.51_PM.png
  13. Click the screen preview and then click Share.
    Screen_Shot_2021-06-02_at_5.22.30_PM.png
  14. Click Open Settings to enable Bark's Accessibility setting.
    Screen_Shot_2021-06-02_at_5.22.43_PM.png
  15. Turn off Secure DNS in the chrome.svg Chrome app settings. 
  16. Open the Bark for Chromebooks app again, click the ⚙ Settings, and then Test Monitoring.
  17. You can now X out of the app and return the laptop to your child.
    (Even if the Bark for Chromebooks application is X-ed out or not on the bottom taskbar, rest assured that it is doing its job.)

How do I know it's working?

Open up your parent app / dashboard, and tap on Monitoring under your kid.

Depending on what you set up, you should see a Chrome icon (representing the extension) and/or a Chromebook icon (representing the app):

Best Practices

  • Repeat these steps for any other children by clicking the Time on the bottom right > Log out. Then, sign in with the other child's user profile and repeat the steps above.
  • Talk to your child about Bark and why the Bark for Chromebooks app and Bark extensions need to remain installed. Don't worry, if either one is deleted or stops working, we will alert you.
  • Connect the Google accounts that your child uses to Bark.
  • Restrict the Google accounts your child uses to sign into their Chromebook.

Need more help?

Check out our Chrome troubleshooting guide.