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Updating the Bark for Kids App on Android

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Paola
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This article discusses how to update the Bark for Kids app on your child's Android device. For information on updating Bark for Kids on an Amazon Fire device instead, see here. 

Watch this video to learn how to update the Bark for Kids app on an Android device. If you'd like some additional tips — or if the video doesn't play — follow the step-by-step instructions written below.

Background

Whenever there is a new update available to our Bark for Kids app on Android, you will be notified. We will also indicate that an update is available on your parent dashboard next to your child's Android connection, as seen below:

Bark sometimes has to release important updates and bug fixes to the application, so you will want to follow these steps to get your child's Android app updated.

 

How to update the Bark for Kids app:

STEP 1: Grab your child's Android device.

STEP 2: Open the web browser app, which is most commonly the Chrome app, and type in the following:

bark.us/android

STEP 3: Tap on Download on that page, as indicated below in red.

 

STEP 4: Wait for the download of the app to complete, and then tap Open, as seen below:

 

NOTE: if you don't see an option to open the bark-for-kids.apk file after the download completes, you can find it in the web browser's Downloads page or a My Files app. An example of Samsung's My Files app is seen below:

 

STEP 5: Tap on Install, as indicated below.

 

Don't see "Install" but instead a notice about downloading "from Unknown Sources"? Bark is not an unknown source, so don't worry. Continue with our walkthrough here instead! Read more on "What are apps from unknown sources?"

 

STEP 6: Open the Bark for Kids app.

Look for the Bark for Kids app on the device's home screen or App Drawer with this icon:

 

STEP 7: Tap Test Monitoring in its Settings to make sure it's working properly

  • First, tap on the bottom right gear or cog icon, as indicated below in red:
 
  • Then, tap on Test Monitoring
 

NOTE: Do NOT logout of the Bark for Kids app, or monitoring will be impacted.

 

STEP 8: You can now return the device to your child!
Now, on your parent dashboard, you should see the "Update Available" notice next to your child's Android device connection has disappeared, indicating you successfully updated the app.

 

That's it! You can now rest assured that your child's Android device is using the very latest version of the Bark for Kids app.

 

Need additional help?

No worries, we're here for you! Don't hesitate to reach out to us, and we'll be happy to assist.