How to Make the Subgroups the Default Group Tab

Introduction

BuddyBoss does not allow you to set the Subgroups tab as the default tab for groups. This guide explains how you can make the subgroups the default group tab.

Custom Workaround

1. Go to Appearance > Theme Editor in your WordPress admin dashboard.
   
2. Under Select theme to edit, choose your active theme (preferably a BuddyBoss Child Theme), then click Select.
   
3. From the Theme Files list, click Theme Functions (functions.php).
   
4. Paste the following code just before the closing PHP tag (?>):
   

add_filter( 'bp_groups_default_extension','bb_custom_sub_group_tab');

function bb_custom_sub_group_tab( $default_tab ) {

    $group = groups_get_current_group(); // Get the current group

    if ( empty( $group ) ) {

        return $default_tab;

    }

    // Check if the group has subgroups and enable the Subgroups tab as default

    if ( bp_enable_group_hierarchies() ) {

        $descendant_groups = bp_get_descendent_groups( bp_get_current_group_id(), bp_loggedin_user_id() );

        if ( count( $descendant_groups ) > 0 ) {

            return 'subgroups';

        }

    }

    return $default_tab;

}

5. Click Update File to save your changes.
   

After implementing this code, groups that have subgroups will automatically open on the Subgroups tab by default.

Note: Modifications are typically considered custom work, but we are making an exception in this case. Please review the BuddyBoss Support Policy.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Q: The Subgroups tab is still not the default for some groups.
A: Make sure that Group Hierarchies are enabled in BuddyBoss and that the group actually has subgroups. The code only sets the default for groups with existing subgroups.

Q: Can I change the default tab back to Members or Activity?
A: Yes. Remove or comment out the code from functions.php to revert to the standard default tab behavior.

Q: Will this affect all groups or just specific ones?
A: Only groups that have subgroups will automatically use the Subgroups tab as the default. Groups without subgroups remain unaffected.

Q: Can I customize the default tab for other tabs like Forums or Events?
A: Yes. Similar logic can be applied using the bp_groups_default_extension filter, replacing ‘subgroups’ with the slug of the desired tab.

Q: Who can I contact for further assistance?
A: Please review the BuddyBoss Support Policy or consult a developer for advanced customizations.