How to Migrate from Social Learner to BuddyBoss Platform

Introduction

Migrating from Social Learner to the BuddyBoss Platform unlocks enhanced community features, modern design flexibility, and improved performance. This guide covers every step—from backing up your site to post-migration testing—to ensure a seamless transition. Watch the migration tutorial video for a visual walkthrough of the full process.

Tutorial Video

Pre-Migration Checklist

Backup Your Website

• Use a backup plugin (e.g., UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy) or your host’s backup tool.
• Include your database, WordPress files, themes, plugins, and media.
  

Disable Unnecessary Plugins

1. Go to Dashboard > Plugins > Installed Plugins.
2. Deactivate any non-essential plugins.
   

Step-by-Step Migration Process

Upload BuddyBoss Platform

1. Navigate to Dashboard > Plugins > Add New.
2. Click Upload Plugin, choose the BuddyBoss Platform ZIP, then Install Now.
3. Click Activate.
   

Upload BuddyBoss Theme

1. Go to Appearance > Themes > Add New.
2. Upload the BuddyBoss Theme ZIP, Install Now, then Activate.
   

Upload BuddyBoss Child Theme

Repeat the theme upload steps for the Child Theme. Using a child theme preserves your customizations during updates.

Fix LearnDash Courses Page

1. Go to Dashboard > LearnDash LMS > Courses.
2. Edit the Courses page and select the default template.
3. Remove any conflicting customizations.
   

Set LearnDash to “LearnDash 3.0” Template

1. Navigate to Dashboard > LearnDash LMS > Settings.
2. Under General Settings, choose LearnDash 3.0 as the template.
   

Activate BuddyBoss Theme License

1. Go to Dashboard > BuddyBoss > License Keys.
2. Enter your license key and click Activate License.
   

Configuring BuddyBoss Components

Enable Forums Component

1. Navigate to Dashboard > BuddyBoss > Components.
2. Toggle Forums on.
   

Enable Media Component & Run Media Migration

1. In Components, enable Media.
2. Click Run Media Migration to import existing Social Learner uploads.
   

Enable Network Search

1. Activate Network Search under Components to improve site-wide search functionality.

Enable Follow and Likes

1. Toggle on Follow and Likes to boost social engagement.

Connect LearnDash Groups to BuddyBoss Social Groups

1. Go to Dashboard > BuddyBoss > Integrations > LearnDash.
2. Link your LearnDash Course Groups with BuddyBoss Social Groups.
   

Post-Migration Cleanup and Testing

Delete Unused Plugins and Themes

1. In Plugins and Appearance > Themes, remove inactive items (including Social Learner).
2. This improves security and performance.
   

Repair Data

1. Run Dashboard > Tools > BuddyBoss Tools > Repair Data to ensure all components function correctly.

Test Custom Development

1. Verify any custom code or integrations still work as expected. Engage a developer if adjustments are needed.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Q: My LearnDash courses aren’t displaying correctly.
A: Confirm the LearnDash template is set to LearnDash 3.0 under LearnDash LMS > Settings.

Q: How do I reconnect social groups to courses?
A: In BuddyBoss > Integrations > LearnDash, ensure each course group is linked to its corresponding social group.

Q: Why aren’t my media files showing after migration?
A: Make sure you ran the Media Migration step. If issues persist, re-run it and clear any cache.

Q: Can I delete Social Learner safely?
A: Yes—once you’ve confirmed full functionality on the BuddyBoss Platform, you may remove Social Learner to free up resources.

Q: Who can I contact for further assistance?
A: Submit a support ticket via your BuddyBoss account dashboard for personalized help.