How to Setup a Private BuddyBoss App

Introduction

By default, your BuddyBoss App mirrors your public website—anyone can browse content without signing in. Enabling private access forces members to authenticate before viewing or interacting with any app content. This enhances security, encourages registrations, and ensures only authorized users see your community. After following this guide, your app will require login or account creation before granting access to posts, profiles, courses, and more.

Tutorial Video

Enabling Private App Access

1. In your WordPress Dashboard, navigate to BuddyBoss App > Configure > General.
   
2. Scroll to the Privacy section in the Settings panel.
   
3. Tick Restrict App Access to Only Logged In Members.
   
4. Click Save Changes to apply.
   

Verifying Private App Behavior

1. Force-quit the BuddyBoss App on your mobile device.
   
2. Relaunch the app; you should land on the Login screen with Continue Without Logging In removed.
   
3. Attempt to tap any content (e.g., a post, member profile, or course).
   
4. Confirm the Login modal appears, prompting authentication before proceeding.
   

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Q: I still see public content without logging in.
A:

• Hard-quit the app (swipe it away) and reopen to fetch the latest settings.
• Clear any caching plugins on your WordPress site, then save the settings again.
• Verify you updated the BuddyBoss App plugin to the latest version.
  

Q: The “Continue Without Logging In” option remains visible.
A:

• Ensure you clicked Save Changes after enabling the privacy checkbox.
• Check for JS or caching conflicts by disabling other plugins temporarily.
• If using a staging environment, confirm you’re editing the correct site.
  

Q: Members are stuck on the login screen after enabling private access.
A:

• Verify your Registration and Forgot Password screens work by tapping those links.
• Make sure your site’s registration settings (under BuddyBoss Platform > Settings > General) allow new user sign-ups.
  

Q: Can I partially restrict content instead of everything?
A:

• The private app setting is all-or-nothing. For granular control, use your site’s content visibility settings (e.g., make groups or courses “logged-in only”).