Introduction
By default, BuddyBoss does not offer a built-in option to change the default navigation tab that loads when a group is opened. Groups typically open on the Members or Activity tab. If you want the Send Messages tab to load by default instead, this can be achieved with a custom function. This guide explains how you can set the Send Messages tab as the default group navigation tab.
Custom Workaround
Before proceeding, make sure you have a complete site backup.
- Go to Appearance > Theme File Editor in your WordPress admin dashboard.
- Under Select theme to edit, choose your active theme (preferably BuddyBoss Child Theme), then click Select.
- From the Theme Files list, click Theme Functions (functions.php).
- Paste the following code just before the closing PHP tag (?>):
function bbg_set_group_default_extension( $ext ) {
return ‘messages’; // Set the default extension to ‘messages’
}
add_filter( ‘bp_groups_default_extension’, ‘bbg_set_group_default_extension’ );
- Click Update File to save your changes.
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Q: The group still opens on a different tab.
A: Make sure the code is added to the active theme’s functions.php file and that no other custom code is overriding the group default extension.
Q: Can I set a different tab as the default instead of Messages?
A: Yes. Replace ‘messages’ with another group tab slug, such as ‘members’, ‘activity’, or ‘forum’.
Q: Will this affect existing groups or only new ones?
A: This affects all groups immediately, including existing ones.
Q: Can I revert this change easily?
A: Yes. Remove the code from functions.php and save the file.
Q: Who can I contact for further assistance?
A: Please review the BuddyBoss Support Policy or consult a developer for custom work.
