Introduction
In BuddyBoss (and WordPress), your username serves as your permanent login ID, while your handle (nickname) is the public name used for tagging, mentions, and display. This guide explains how each works, what you can and cannot change, and how to automate group subscriptions.
Username vs. Handle
Username (Login ID)
- Immutable: Set at registration and cannot be changed.
- Purpose: Used exclusively for logging in.
- Uniqueness: Must be unique; duplicates are not allowed.
Handle (Nickname)
- Editable: Users can change their handle at any time.
- Purpose: Used for tagging/mentions in activity feeds and profiles.
- Uniqueness: Must be unique; attempting to save a duplicate handle will be rejected.
Impact on Functionality
- Login Credentials: Your username remains the sole credential for signing in. Changing your handle does not alter your login ID.
- Feature Access: No other site functionality is affected by handle changes—only the login capability tied to your fixed username.
Automating Group Subscriptions
To automatically add users to specific groups or sub-groups (bypassing manual “request to join”), use the BP Auto Group Join plugin:
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Q: I changed my handle and now can’t log in—why?
A: Only your unchangeable username works for login. Your handle is not a login credential.
Q: Why did WordPress reject my new handle?
A: Handles must be unique. If another user already has that nickname, you must choose a different one.
Q: Can I revert to my old handle?
A: Yes—provided no one else has claimed it since you changed it.
Q: Do past mentions update when I change my handle?
A: Yes. All mentions display your current handle, even in historic activity.
