Got an app that is unexpectedly blocked or slow? This article will show you how to allow apps or sites on your child's device.
Before we get started, make sure that you've set up mobile or in-home screen time & filtering on your kid's devices.
Child profiles
These are the kids you've added to Bark.
How to allow apps and sites
From your parent app / dashboard, tap on the profile you'd like to manage.
Tap Apps & internet.
Tap Rules under the appropriate routine.
Look at the categories and click the v dropdown to expand them if applicable.
If you find the app under one of the categories, allow it.
If you don't find the app under one of the categories, use the 🔎 search bar or Bark Assistant.
If it's still not found, it's likely covered by a category rule like blocking Social Media or Games. You can add a URL exception for this specific app as well.
Wait a few minutes for changes to take effect.
Didn't work?
Allow Uncategorized Apps & Sites.
Allow Unidentifiable Traffic.
Wait a few minutes or restart the device.
Try again!
Issue remains?
If your kid has a Bark Phone, check if pending app approvals or their app time limits aren't the reason the app is unexpectedly blocked.
If that isn't it, check recently blocked activity.
How to add URL exceptions
If you don't see a toggle for a particular app or site, it's likely covered by a category rule like blocking Social Media or Games. You can add a URL exception for a specific app as well.
From your parent app / dashboard, tap your child's profile.
Tap Apps & internet.
Tap Rules under the appropriate routine.
Tap Custom content at the top.
Tap Enable access to add allowed URLs of sites / apps that would normally be blocked by your other rules.
Wait a few minutes for changes to take effect.
If you need to remove a URL exception, just click X next to it.
How to allow recently blocked activity
From your parent app / dashboard, tap your child's profile.
To review and allow recently blocked activity, choose one of the following options:
Option 1: (Fastest) Ask the Bark Assistant to help allow the unexpectedly blocked app or site.
Option 2: Scroll down to Apps & internet. > Rules (under the active routine) > Custom Content > Enable access.
Wait a few minutes for changes to take effect.
Home profiles
Home profiles are found under the Bark Home on your parent app / dashboard with a 👋 or 🏠:
How to allow apps and sites
From your parent app / dashboard, tap on the profile you'd like to manage.
Tap Apps & internet.
Tap Rules under the appropriate routine.
Look at the categories and click the v dropdown to expand them if applicable.
If you find the app under one of the categories, allow it.
If you don't find the app under one of the categories, use the 🔎 search bar or Bark Assistant.
If it's still not found, it's likely covered by a category rule like blocking Social Media or Games. You can add a URL exception for this specific app as well.
Wait a few minutes for changes to take effect.
Didn't work?
Allow Uncategorized Apps & Sites.
Allow Unidentifiable Traffic.
Wait a few minutes or restart the device.
Try again!
Issue remains? Check recently blocked activity.
How to add URL exceptions
If you don't see a toggle for a particular app or site, it's likely covered by a category rule like blocking Social Media or Games. You can add a URL exception for a specific app as well.
From your parent app / dashboard, tap your child's profile.
Tap Apps & internet.
Tap Rules under the appropriate routine.
Tap Custom content at the top.
Tap Enable access to add allowed URLs of sites / apps that would normally be blocked by your other rules.
Wait a few minutes for changes to take effect.
If you need to remove a URL exception, just click X next to it.
Allow recently blocked activity
Review the text instructions below to allow an app or site that is reflecting as blocked in the Exceptions section of home profiles.
From your parent app / dashboard, tap your home profile.
To review and allow recently blocked activity, choose one of the following options:
Option 1: (Fastest) Ask the Bark Assistant to help allow the unexpectedly blocked app or site.
Option 2: Scroll down to Apps & internet. > Rules (under the active routine) > Custom Content > Enable access.
Wait a few minutes for changes to take effect.
Need additional assistance?
Check out our screen time troubleshooting guide.