How to Configure Email Domain Restrictions in BuddyBoss

Introduction

The BuddyBoss Platform’s Email Domain Restriction feature lets you manage which email domains, extensions, or specific email addresses can be used to register on your site.  

Restrict specific domains, whitelist approved domains, or block entire email extensions (e.g., @spam.com) to secure and streamline your community. 

Keep full control over who can register on your site, whether you need to lock access to a certain organization, prevent spam sign-ups, or block free email providers.

Tutorial Video

Configure Email Domain Restrictions

Enable Email Restriction

1. Log in to your WordPress Dashboard.
2. Navigate to BuddyBoss > Settings > General.
3. Scroll down to find the Registration Restrictions section.

 Note: You must use the BuddyBoss Registration Form for this feature to work.

Add Restricted or Allowed Domains and Emails

You can specify email domains, extensions, or individual email addresses to allow or restrict.

To Add a Domain or Extension:

1. Click the Add Domain button.

2. Enter the domain name (e.g., buddyboss) and extension (e.g., com).

3. Choose a Condition from the dropdown:

• Always Allow – Allows registration from the specified domain, even if other restrictions exist.
• Only Allow – Blocks all registrations except those from this domain (ideal for employee-only communities).
• Never Allow – Completely blocks registrations from the specified domain.

4. Click Save Settings.

To allow only @buddyboss.com emails to register, enter buddyboss in the Domain Name field and com in the Extension field, then select Only Allow.
You can also use a wildcard (*) to block entire email extensions (e.g., blocking all .xyz domains).

To Add Specific Email Addresses:

1. Click the Add Email button.
2. Enter the email address you want to allow or restrict.
3. Click Save Settings.

Test the Registration Restriction

1. Open your site’s registration page.
2. Try to register using a restricted email domain (e.g., [email protected]).
3. Click Create Account.
4. If the domain is blocked, an error message will appear:
   • “This email address or domain has been blacklisted. If you think this is an error, please contact the site administrator.”

Note: If an invitation is sent to a user with a restricted email address, the Email Invite process will be blocked, and a warning message will be displayed.

Note: If a user attempts to change their email to a restricted address, an error message will appear, preventing the update.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Q: The restriction settings are not working. What should I do?

A: Ensure that you have correctly saved the restriction settings.

Q: Can I block free email providers (Gmail, Yahoo, etc.)?

A: Yes! Simply add domains like gmail.com or yahoo.com under Never Allow.