How to Enable Auto-Login on Activation Using Code Snippets (Without a Plugin)

If you prefer not to use the BuddyPress Autologin on Activation plugin, you can implement the auto-login functionality yourself with a simple code snippet. Here’s how:

Code Snippet for Auto-Login on Account Activation:

// Function to auto-login users after activation
function custom_bp_auto_login_on_activation( $user_id ) {
    // Ensure that BuddyPress is active
    if ( ! function_exists( 'bp_core_get_core_userdata' ) ) {
        return;
    }

    // Get user data
    $user = get_userdata( $user_id );
    if ( ! $user ) {
        return;
    }

    // Log the user in
    wp_set_current_user( $user_id );
    wp_set_auth_cookie( $user_id, true ); // Set to 'true' for persistent login
    do_action( 'wp_login', $user->user_login, $user );

    // Redirect to a welcome page or dashboard
    wp_safe_redirect( home_url( '/welcome' ) ); // Change the URL to your desired page
    exit;
}
add_action( 'bp_core_activated_user', 'custom_bp_auto_login_on_activation', 30, 1 );

Explanation:

  • bp_core_activated_user: This action hook fires after a user activates their BuddyPress account. We use it to trigger the auto-login.
  • wp_set_current_user: This sets the current user.
  • wp_set_auth_cookie: This function sets the authentication cookie, which logs the user in.
  • wp_safe_redirect: This safely redirects the user to a welcome page or dashboard after login. You can change the URL to any page you prefer.

How to Install the Code Snippet:

1. Using a Code Snippet Plugin:

  • Download and install the Code Snippets plugin from WordPress.org.
  • After activation, go to Snippets > Add New.
  • Paste the code snippet provided above.
  • Name the snippet something like “Auto-login on Activation.”
  • Save and activate the snippet.

2. Add to functions.php File:

  • If you are comfortable editing your theme’s files, you can add this code snippet directly to your theme’s functions.php file:
    • Go to Appearance > Theme Editor in your WordPress dashboard.
    • Open the functions.php file of your active theme.
    • Paste the code at the bottom of the file.
    • Click Update File.

3. Create a Custom Plugin:

  • If you prefer keeping custom code separate, you can create a custom plugin for it:
    • Create a new folder named bp-auto-login in the wp-content/plugins/ directory.
    • Inside that folder, create a file named bp-auto-login.php.
    • Add the following header and the auto-login code snippet:
<?php
/*
Plugin Name: BuddyPress Auto-Login on Activation
Description: Auto-log users in after account activation on BuddyPress
Version: 1.0
Author: Your Name
*/

function custom_bp_auto_login_on_activation( $user_id ) {
    // Same code from the snippet above...
}
add_action( 'bp_core_activated_user', 'custom_bp_auto_login_on_activation', 30, 1 );
  • Save the file and activate the plugin from your WordPress dashboard.

Final Thoughts

While the BuddyPress Autologin on Activation plugin is a quick solution to auto-login users upon activation, creating your own custom code gives you more flexibility and control. Depending on your requirements, you can choose the plugin for simplicity or code your own solution for a more customized experience.

Both methods work well for BuddyPress communities, improving user experience by logging members in automatically after they activate their accounts.

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