How to Configure Member Access Control on BuddyBoss

Introduction

Member Access Controls let you limit social features in your BuddyBoss community based on criteria like membership level, profile type, GamiPressrank, and more. This pro feature, available with the BuddyBoss Platform Pro plugin, integrates with popular membership plugins to consistently manage access for groups, activity posts, messages, media, and connections. Ensure you update to the latest versions of BuddyBoss Platform, BuddyBoss Platform Pro, and BuddyBoss Theme before you begin.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Verify and Update

1. Confirm that the BuddyBoss Platform Pro plugin is installed.
2. Update BuddyBoss Platform, BuddyBoss Platform Pro, and BuddyBoss Theme to their latest versions.
3. Ensure your system is fully updated before proceeding.

Step 2: Set Up Group Access Controls

1. Navigate to BuddyBoss > Settings > Groups in your WordPress Dashboard.

2. Scroll to the Group Creation section.
3. Check the box labeled Enable Social Group Creation to allow members to create groups.

4. Click Save Settings to apply this change.
5. Next, configure filters under the Group Access section by selecting criteria (such as membership level or profile type) that determine who can create groups.
6. Similarly, configure filters under the Join Groups section so that only eligible members can join public groups or request access to private groups.
7. Click Save Settings again to finalize these options.

Step 3: Configure Activity Post Controls

1. Go to BuddyBoss Settings > Activity.
2. Navigate to the Activity Access section.
3. Set filters—such as GamiPress achievement levels—so that only members who meet the criteria can create activity posts.

4. Click Save Settings to apply your changes.

Step 4: Configure Message Access Controls

1. Navigate to BuddyBoss > Settings > Messages.
2. Go to the Message Access section.
3. Restrict who can send private messages by setting filters (for example, allowing only teachers to message students).

4. Click Save Settings to confirm your changes.

Step 5: Set Up Media Access Controls

1. Go to the BuddyBoss > Settings > Media.
2. Scroll to the Media Access section.
3. Limit photo and document uploads based on WordPress roles (e.g., only editors and authors can upload media).

4. Click Save Settings to apply the changes.

Step 6: Configure Connection Access Controls

1. Go to BuddyBoss > Settings > Connections.
2. Scroll down to the Connection Access section.
3. Apply filters to control who can send and receive connection requests, such as restricting requests based on membership groups.

4. Click Save Settings.

Troubleshooting and Q&A

Q: Why isn’t the group creation feature working even after enabling it?
A: Ensure the BuddyBoss Platform Pro plugin is installed and updated, and that the “Enable Social Group Creation” option is checked in the Groups settings.

Q: How do I restrict media uploads and private messaging to specific user roles?
A: Configure filters in the Media and Messages settings based on WordPress roles or membership criteria, then save the settings to apply the restrictions.

By following these simplified steps, you can effectively configure member access controls in your BuddyBoss community. This setup streamlines the management of social features and enhances the overall user experience by ensuring consistent access across groups, activity posts, messages, media, and connections.

We’re always happy to help with questions you might have! Search our documentation, contact support, or connect with our sales team.