Set Up a Chromebook
Reference the video below to set up a Chromebook with Bark!
If the video doesn't play or if you prefer text instructions, here's what you need to know:
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!
Set Up the Chrome Extensions
- Log into the Chromebook with your child's Google account.
- Open the
Google Chrome Browser.
- On the top right, click the
Profile icon and turn on Sync.
- Connect your child's email account(s) to Bark. This is important because it helps our system identify your child's web browser as their own, which is a crucial step in keeping them safe online.
- Once you've connected their email accounts to Bark, log out of your Bark dashboard.
- Navigate to the
Chrome Web Store.
- 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. - Click the top right
next to each Bark extension, and then Manage Extension.
- 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). - Browse 5 - 10 sites on your child's Chrome browser.
- Consider disabling Guest Mode.
- Then, set up the Bark for Chromebooks app.
Set Up the Bark for Chromebooks App
- Verify your child’s Chromebook supports our app. If it is supported, continue.
- Click on the time on the bottom right.
- Select the gear icon ⚙️ to access the device Settings.
- 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. - 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. - Open the Play Store app
by clicking on the O symbol on your bottom left.
Don't see the app? You may have to click on the ^ arrow to see all installed apps. - Search Bark for Chromebooks
, install it, and open it.
- Enter your Bark login credentials and click Get Started.
- Select the child's name that uses this Chromebook.
- Click Allow on the permission prompts.
- Click OK to enable the VPN.
- Click the screen preview and then click Share.
- Click Open Settings to enable Bark's Accessibility setting.
- Go back to the Bark for Chromebooks app.
- Turn off Secure DNS in the
- Open the Bark for Chromebooks app again, click the Settings ⚙, and then Test Monitoring.
- 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 can I tell it's set up?
On your Bark dashboard, go to Monitoring > Devices & Apps for your child.
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.
Reviewing Alerts
If Bark detects instances of cyberbullying, sexual content, self-harm, or other worrisome content in your child's saved photos and videos on their Chromebook, we will send you a notification.
Learn more here about what makes Bark's content monitoring unique.
Troubleshooting
We're sorry to hear that you're running into trouble! Check out our troubleshooting guide.