How to Configure Push Notifications in the BuddyBoss App

Introduction

Push notifications keep your community engaged by delivering timely alerts straight to users’ devices. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to enable Firebase integration, customize automatic and manual notifications, and define which alerts your members receive so they never miss important updates in your BuddyBoss App.

Tutorial Video

Enabling the Push Notifications Component

1. In your WordPress Dashboard, go to BuddyBoss App > Components.
   
2. Toggle on Push Notifications, then click Save Changes.
   

Configuring Firebase for Delivery

1. Navigate to BuddyBoss App > Configure > Google Firebase.
   
2. Follow the Firebase setup tutorial to generate and upload your Google Services JSON and Plist files.
   
3. Ensure your Server Key and Sender ID are correctly entered.
   
4. Click Save Changes.
   

Seting Up Automatic Notification Types

1. Go to BuddyBoss App > Settings > Push Notifications.
   
2. Under Automated Notifications, enable or disable each alert (e.g., New Activity Post, New Message, Group Invitation).
   
3. Click Save Changes.
   

Note: Only the types you enable here will appear in members’ in-app settings, ensuring they receive only relevant alerts.

Sending a Manual Notification

1. Navigate to BuddyBoss App > Push Notifications and click Send New.
   
2. Enter a Title (optional) and Message. This previewes in the modal on both iOS and Android.
   
3. (Optional) Add a Deep Link URL to route users to a course, group, or app page (e.g., https://www.example.com/bbapp/page/1).
   
4. Choose a Sender (e.g., your admin account).
   
5. Select Send Immediately or Schedule for later.
   
6. Under Recipients, pick All Members, specific users, or apply filters by Group, Course, or Membership.
   
7. Click Send Notification.
   

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Q: Members aren’t receiving notifications.
A: Verify your Firebase credentials and that devices are registered. Ensure members have allowed push permission in their device settings.

Q: The notification link opened in a browser instead of the app.
A: Confirm you used a valid app deep link (e.g., starts with /bbapp/). External URLs open in-app browser if not recognized.

Q: Some notification types don’t appear in the member’s settings.
A: Only those you enabled under Settings > Push Notifications will be available for members to toggle on/off.

Q: How do I update the notification icon or app name in alerts?
A: In BuddyBoss App > Configure, set your App Icon under Branding > Images and your App Name under Configure > General. Both require a new app build to take effect.