Wireless Support

Bark Premium Setup Instructions

In this article, you'll discover how to get started with Bark Premium for the first time. Most of this information is identical to Bark's own support article for getting started.

Setup Checklist for Online Safety

Set up your Bark Parent/Guardian Account
Enable Parental Controls. (Block and filter content you never want your kids to access.)
Set healthy Screen Time limits. (Use our customizable schedule.)
Connect devices for monitoring. (Get alerts for potential problems.)
Connect accounts for monitoring. (Accounts like Gmail, Instagram, and Pinterest.)
Finish account settings.

A couple of things to know as you get started:

Bark offers layered protection. This means Bark has different levels of coverage for your child's devices (think phone, tablet), accounts (think Gmail, Instagram), and shared devices (think Xbox, home computer).

Bark recommends first setting up the devices that your child has access to, followed by connecting their personal accounts and shared devices.

When it comes to social media monitoring:

You OR your child can connect accounts for monitoring.
Most platforms require that you (or your child) enter the account's username and password during setup.
Some platforms may require that you have the child's device or your family's home computer on-hand during setup.
Bark will let you know what is needed to monitor a particular platform or device. Every social media platform is a little bit different in design, so how Bark is able to monitor each app is unique to what those app developers have allowed.

Set up your Bark Parent/Guardian Account.

Add your children.
Select the email, social media, and device(s) that you know your children use.
Bark monitors over 30+ different platforms for potential problems. Don't see a particular platform? Don't worry, you can still block or schedule access to millions of apps and sites later.

Enable Parental Contols

Bark's on-the-go parental controls are also known as Screen Time and Web Filtering. To be able to block apps and filter sites on your child's phone or tablet, follow the applicable instructions below.

For Android: Install the Bark for Kids app on your child's device. Download from bark.us/android (not the Google Play app store).
For iOS: Install the Bark Kids app on your child's device. Download from the Apple App Store.
For Chromebook: Install the Bark for Chromebooks app on your child's Chromebook. Download from the Google Play Store.

Set Healthy Screen Time Limits

You can manage your child's screen time schedule and web filtering rules at any time. Below are some quick tips to get you started.

Default rules: The default app and web filters when another rule isn't currently applied. Make sure to customize this one!
Bedtime: Limit device usage when it's time for lights out and customize what kids can access during that time.
School time: Limit what can be accessed during the school day.
Free time: Dedicated time to use devices just for fun and customize what kids can access during their fun time.

Customize the Rules

When you customize each ruleset, you have the option to allow or block whole categories (think Social Media) or particular apps (think Snapchat). Bark's categories cover millions of apps and sites, so if you don't see an app listed, chances are it's covered under a category like Games or Social Media. You can also input specific sites and apps as exceptions. After making changes, allow a few minutes for your rules to take effect.

Connect a Device for Monitoring

Adnroid: You have already installed the Bark for Kids app on your child's device!
iOS: Install the Bark Desktop App on a home computer or laptop. Download from bark.us/ios (not the Mac App Store).
Amazon Fire: Install the Bark for Kids app on your child's tablet. Download from the Amazon App Store.
Computer: Install the Bark extensions on your child's Chrome or Edge browser. Download from the Chrome Web Store or Edge Add-ons site.

Connect Accounts for Monitoring

Choose how you'd like to get connected.
Select your child's account that you'd like to connect.
Enter your child's login credentials for the account.
You may get a prompt asking if you're sure. If applicable, click Allow, as seen in the example below.

Don't worry if you forget to connect an account. You'll be able to add the new account later. If you have trouble connecting a social or email account, check out Bark's troubleshooting solutions.

Set Alert Notifications

Add emails to receive alerts. These can include partner, spouse or family member's email addresses.
Add a US phone number if you'd like to receive text notifications for alerts.

Bark Jr. and Bark Premium are services provided by Bark Technologies, Inc. C Spire makes Bark services available to C Spire customers at a discounted cost.