How to Monitor iOS Devices with the Bark Home

Updated May 08, 2025 21:35

Paola Rivera

Apple is strict when it comes to security and doesn’t allow third-party solutions (like Bark) direct access to monitor iOS devices.

...So Bark created a one-of-a-kind solution — the Bark Home device.

Add an iPhone or iPad for monitoring in your parent app / dashboard.
Follow the on-screen instructions — you’ll need to plug in your child's iPhone or iPad to the Bark Home via a USB cable — to begin the first-time setup.
After you're done, make sure to set up Safari monitoring in your kid's Settings app.
For step-by-step instructions, follow our detailed guide.

When your child’s device is home and connected to the Wi-Fi, the Bark Home goes to work scanning it. We'll send you an alert if we find an issue.

Please note alerts for iOS devices aren't in real time. We have to scan back through content from when your child was away.

If the Bark Home can't find your child's device, we'll let you know.

On your phone or computer browser, open up the Bark parent app / dashboard.
Tap the ➕ sign on the top right.
Tap your child.
Tap Set up Monitoring, and select Apple/iOS.
Follow the on-screen instructions to pick Monitor with Bark Home.

Don't see this as an option?
1. Verify you're subscribed to Bark Premium.
2. Verify you've paired Bark Home to your account.
Plug your child's iOS device into the Bark Home with their USB charging cable and follow the prompts in your parent app / dashboard.
On your child's iOS device screen, look for "Trust this computer" and enter their lockscreen passcode if needed. (If you don't see this prompt, you likely granted permission already.)
Getting an error saying "the passcode was not entered"? Learn more.
On your parent app / dashboard, select your kid'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 use a shared iPad?
  Create a child named "Shared" (or something similar) to set up that device.
- Kids have other non-Apple devices?
  Get them connected!

Make sure your Bark Home remains plugged in and online.
Check the status of the Bark Home on your parent app / dashboard.
Talk to your child about Bark.
Remind your child to always connect to Wi-Fi at home and to enter their lockscreen passcode if prompted. We have tips for that conversation.
Check that the device is detected over Wi-Fi.
Find it under your child's devices in your parent app / dashboard.
- If it's a green Wi-Fi symbol, it means it's currently being detected.
- If it's a grey Wi-Fi symbol, it means it was detected over Wi-Fi in the past.
Check the last time we analyzed the device.
Find the device by selecting your child and clicking Devices within your parent app / dashboard.

Reviewing Alerts

If Bark detects potential bullying, sexual content, depression, self-harm, or other worrisome content on your child's iOS device, we'll send you a notification.

Learn more about what makes Bark's content monitoring unique.

Need to add more?

You can add an unlimited number of email accounts, social media accounts, and devices for monitoring. Follow this guide to connect the rest of your kids' accounts and devices!

Need help?

Check out our iOS troubleshooting guide. The Bark customer support team is also here for you! Please reach out to us if you need additional assistance.