How to Monitor iOS Devices with the Bark Sync

Quick Detailed

Monitoring iPhones and iPads

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 Sync.

1. Plug your Bark Sync into any outlet within range of your Wi-Fi network.
2. Install the Bark Kids app on your child's device.
3. On the Bark Kids app on your child's device, tap the Sync tab > Add Bark Sync.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to plug in the iOS device into the Bark Sync with the provided cable.
5. After you're done, make sure to set up Safari monitoring, location tracking, and prevent the app from being deleted in your kid's Settings app.
6. For a full walkthrough: 

→ View Step-by-Step Guide

Once the Bark Sync is set up, it will automatically scan your child's device for potential dangers while it's charging. 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.

We'll alert you if Bark Sync loses its Wi-Fi connection or runs into any other issue that prevents it from analyzing iOS content.

Get Started

1. Plug your Bark Sync into any outlet within range of your Wi-Fi network.
2. 🛑 Hold off on plugging your child's iOS device into the Bark Sync for now. We'll let you know when it's time.
3. On your kid's iPhone or iPad, install the Bark Kids app.
4. Set aside your kid's device for now.
5. Open up your parent app / dashboard.
6. Tap on Account > Device codes.
7. On your kid's device, enter in the device code.
8. Allow all permissions.
9. When asked about location, tap Always Allow or Allow While Using App.
10. When asked about a VPN, tap Allow. You may be asked to enter your child's lockscreen passcode.
    
11. In the Bark Kids app, tap Sync > Add Bark Sync.
    
12. Follow the on-screen instructions. At some point, you'll be asked to do the following steps:
    • Plug your child's iOS device into the Bark Sync with the provided charging cable.
    • Allow local network permissions when prompted.
    • Connect the Bark Sync to a Wi-Fi network.
    • Enter your child's lock screen passcode twice — once to trust Bark Sync, and once to enable automatic scans whenever the device is plugged in.
    • Start an initial scan.
13. The first scan will take longer than future scans since it's looking at the last 60 days of texts, photos, videos, etc. The more photos and videos there are, the longer it'll take. 
14. While the scan is in progress, go into the Settings app of your child's device to set up Safari monitoring and location tracking.
15. Use Apple's Screen Time to prevent the app from being deleted.
16. When you're done, open up your parent app/dashboard to set routines for blocking or allowing apps, review alerts, and more.
17. 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!

Best Practices

• Talk to your child about Bark. 
  Remind them why using the Bark Sync to charge their iOS device is important. We have tips for that conversation.
• Make sure the Bark Sync is connected to Wi-Fi when your kid plugs in their iOS device.
  • Check the status of the Bark Sync on your parent app / dashboard or in Bark Kids app > Sync. You can also check the LED lights on the Sync to verify Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • If your child is traveling to a new location, they can connect Bark Sync to Wi-Fi by plugging in the iOS device into the Bark Sync, opening the Bark Kids app > Settings, and selecting the new Wi-Fi network.
• Check the last time we analyzed the iOS device.
  Find the device within your parent app / dashboard by selecting your child and clicking Devices.
  

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.