This article is for users on the Bark Premium subscription plan. If you'd like to set up screen time & web filtering on a computer, gaming console, etc., you will need the Bark Home device. To monitor Chrome on an Android phone or tablet, check out the Android instructions instead.
Get Started
Watch this video to learn how to monitor Chrome on a computer. If you'd like some additional tips — or if the video doesn't play — follow the step-by-step instructions written below.
STEP 1: Access your child's computer and log in with your child's user account.
STEP 2: Open the Google Chrome Browser on your child's computer.
STEP 3: Sign in to Chrome with your child's Google account.
- On the top right click the button with your child's name or People.
- Click Sign in to Chrome > Sign in with your child's Google Account.
- Turn on Sync if prompted. If your child's account is already signed in, verify Sync is enabled, then proceed to the next step.
STEP 4: Connect your child's email account(s) to Bark for monitoring on your parent/guardian dashboard. This is an important step in getting the monitoring set up because it allows our system to identify your child's web browser as their own.
If your child's email ends in @gmail.com or uses Gmail to view the inbox, select Gmail.
If your child's email ends in @outlook.com or uses Outlook to view the inbox, select Outlook.
STEP 5: If applicable, remember to log out of your Bark dashboard on your child's Chrome web browser.
STEP 6: Navigate to the Chrome Web Store on your child's Chrome browser.
STEP 7: Search Bark, find Bark for Chrome in the results, and select Add to Chrome.
- Click on the Bark for Chrome extension on the top right and select Manage Extensions.
- Toggle on the Allow in Incognito option. If it's not present, it likely means your child's browser has Incognito Mode disabled (learn more).
STEP 9: Search Bark for Chrome Watchdog, find it in the results, and select Add to Chrome.
STEP 12: Browse 5 - 10 webpages on your child's Chrome browser so that Bark can start analyzing web browsing activities and reflect Chrome is monitored on your Bark dashboard.
STEP 13: Repeat steps 1-12 for any other children, if applicable.
STEP 14 (optional, but recommended): Disable Guest Mode on Chrome.
Guest Mode is a feature on Google Chrome that allows someone to browse the web without being signed in to an account. Because Bark's Chrome monitoring follows your child's account, disabling guest mode ensures Bark will be monitoring their Chrome web browsing.
Each platform has different steps for disabling guest mode, so we've put together guides for Windows, Mac, and Chromebooks:
- How to Disable Chrome Guest Mode on Mac
- How to Disable Chrome Guest Mode on Windows
- How to Disable Chrome Guest Mode on Chromebooks
Congratulations! 🎉
The Bark for Chrome extension is now installed and actively monitoring web browsing on Google Chrome going forward.
Remember to connect the email accounts that your child uses on the computer to Bark. To connect these accounts (like Gmail and Outlook), check out this article.
Best Practices
- Consider talking to your child about why the Bark extensions should remain installed on their Chrome browser. We will also alert you in the event we detect that either of the extensions were uninstalled.
- Consider setting up the built-in Windows 10 Parental Controls, Mac Parental Controls, or Chromebook Parental Controls, depending on the computer your child uses.
- For greatest protection while your child accesses the web and other apps on their devices, consider purchasing the Bark Home, which allows you to filter the web, set up screen time schedules, and block apps/sites on any computer or internet-connected device in your home.
How do I know if monitoring is working?
If Bark is monitoring your child's Chrome browsing on their computer, you should see a Chrome icon on the list of connected devices and accounts for that child when you click Monitoring > Devices & Apps for the child:
Reviewing Alerts Found
If Bark detects instances of cyberbullying, sexual content, self-harm, or other worrisome content in your child's web browsing or searches, we will send you an alert.
Learn more about what makes Bark's content monitoring unique.
Will I get alerted if the extension is removed?
Yes! As of May 2021, we have introduced uninstall alerts for both Chrome extensions. If we detect either extension has been removed, we will alert you! Here's an example of what that alert may look like in your dashboard:
Need help or have additional questions?
We are happy to assist! Reach out to Bark Support, and we'll help every step of the way.