Apple's strict security policies don't allow third-party apps like Bark to monitor iOS devices directly. The Bark Home is one of Bark's solutions: a device that plugs into your router and automatically scans your child's iPhone or iPad whenever it connects to your home Wi-Fi.

Once set up, you'll get alerts if we find issues in texts, iMessages, photos, videos, WhatsApp messages, and more. Note that alerts are not real-time — Bark scans back through content from when your child was away. You'll also be notified if the Bark Home can't find your child's device or runs into any issue that prevents it from scanning..

Setup via Bark Home

Open your parent app / dashboard.
Tap your child's name.
Tap the ➕📱 icon on the top right.
Tap Set up Monitoring, and select Apple/iOS.
Follow the on-screen instructions and select Monitor with Bark Home.
Don't see this as an option?
Make sure you're subscribed to Bark Premium and have paired your Bark Home to your account.
Plug your child's iOS device into the Bark Home using their USB charging cable and follow the prompts in your parent app / dashboard.
On your child's device, look for a Trust this computer prompt and enter their lock screen passcode if needed. If you don't see this prompt, you've likely already granted permission.

Getting a "passcode was not entered" error? Learn more.
On your parent app / dashboard, select your child's iOS device from the list when prompted.
Wait for the initial scan to begin.
Then, set up Safari monitoring.
Repeat these steps for your other children's iOS devices.
- Kids sharing an iPad?
  Create a child profile named "Shared" (or something similar) to set up that device.
- Kids have other non-Apple devices?
  Get them connected!

Best practices

Talk to your child about Bark.
Remind them to always connect to Wi-Fi at home and enter their lock screen passcode if prompted. Here are tips for that conversation.
Make sure your Bark Home remains plugged in and online.
Check its status on your parent app / dashboard.
Check that your child's device is being detected over Wi-Fi.
In your parent app / dashboard, tap your child's name, tap Devices, and tap their iPhone or iPad.
- A green Wi-Fi symbol means it's currently being detected.
- A grey Wi-Fi symbol means it was detected over Wi-Fi in the past.
To check the last time Bark scanned the device, tap your child's name in your parent app or dashboard and tap Devices.

Reviewing alerts

If Bark detects bullying, sexual content, depression, self-harm, or other concerning content, we'll send you a notification. Learn more about how Bark's content monitoring works.

Need to add more accounts?

You can add unlimited email accounts, social media accounts, and devices. Follow this guide to connect the rest of your children's accounts and devices.