Bark Desktop App is not opening on Mac

Below we break down what you should do if your Macbook's Bark Desktop App is not opening. For the best instructions, select the specific way your app isn't opening below:

Error: "Bark is damaged and can’t be opened."

  1. Click Move to Trash in the error.
  2. Open Finder icon, happy face Finder.
  3. Look for Bark in the left column. If present, click ⏏ Eject.
  4. Now, let's download a fresh copy of the app here: bark.us/ios
  5. It should install and open properly! Once it does, continue with our iOS setup guide.
Other issues or errors

If you are experiencing one of these issues...

  • The app doesn't open, or only opens for a second and immediately disappears
  • Error: "Bark can't be opened because Apple cannot check it for malicious software."

...Then, let's check a few settings on your Mac.

  1. Click the Apple icon in the top left corner of your screen.
  2. Click About This Mac. 
  3. A pop-up will appear similar to the one below, telling you which version you are on.
  4. Click the apple icon.svg Apple icon on the top left.
  5. Select System Preferences (or System Settings).
  6. Click Security & Privacy (or Privacy & Security).
  7. Under "Allow apps downloaded from," select Open Anyway or Anywhere if present. Otherwise, select App Store and identified developers.

    Pasted_Image_4_8_21__11_54_AM.png
    Older Macs

    new mac privacy and security allow applications downloaded from.png
    Newer Macs

    Options grayed out? Click the 🔒 lock on the bottom to allow changes to these settings. You'll be asked to enter your Mac password.
  8. On older Macs, click the Privacy tab at the top, then click Full Disk Access on the left.
    • Now, click the ➕ sign.
      Pasted_Image_4_8_21__11_56_AM.png
    • Select Applications from the left column, select Bark, and click Open.
  9. On newer Macs, click Full Disk Access.
    new mac privacy and security full disk access.png
    • Give Bark access.
      new mac full disk access bark enabled.png
  10. Go to Finder.png Finder > Applications.
  11. Double click on blue bark dog.jpg Bark. It should open now!