Set Up WordPress Account Activation Email for User Registrations

When it comes to user registration, the WordPress account activation email can be a helpful addition. It’s the gatekeeper, ensuring that only genuine users gain access to your site. Moxet Khan will show you how to set up a user registration form that requires email activation, using the JetEngine plugin from Crocoblock. We’ll create meta boxes for users, send WordPress user activation email with JetFormBuilder, and use hooks to tie everything together. This is a high-level overview, and for a complete understanding, we recommend watching the original video tutorial.

The Road to a WordPress Account Activation Email

As the tutorial is quite extensive here you will find just a rough outline of the steps. Please watch the video and follow along.

1. Create User Meta for Code & Status
   We start by creating two new meta fields on the JetEngine Meta box page: ‘code’ and ‘user_status’.
2. Creating a Form with a Username & Password
   Next, we construct a registration form with the usual fields.
3. Add Hidden Fields to Generate a Random Activation Code
   We then add a hidden field for the activation code to the registration form.
4. Register De-activated User in the Database
   We register the user in the database, but they remain deactivated at this stage.
5. Send Activation Code via E-Mail
   We send an activation code to the user via email.
6. Create a Verification Page
   We create a verification page where the user lands from the activation email.
7. Build a Query to Fetch Code from the URL and Match it with the User in the Database
   We build a query to fetch the code from the URL sent through the email and match it with the user database table.
8. Use Dynamic Visibility to Show or Hide a Section for the Next Form
   If the code in the database is found, we use dynamic visibility to show another form to the user which allows changing the status from false to true.
9. Create a Form to Change the Status to True if the Code Matches Using a Hook
   Finally, we create a form that allows the user to change their status from false to true if the code matches.

Why Activate via Email?

Security and Authenticity

Activation emails ensure that the user signing up has access to the email they are using. This prevents spam accounts and enhances security.

Data Integrity

Ensuring that users can only register with a valid email address means that your user data will be more accurate and reliable.

User Engagement

Sending an activation email is the first step in engaging with your users. It can set the tone for future communications and encourage users to become more involved with your site.

Tips & Tricks

Personalize the Activation Email

Add a personal touch to the activation email. Use the user’s name and perhaps include a welcome message.

Use a Clear Call to Action

Make sure the activation link in the email is prominent and easy to find.

Common Issues

1. Activation Email Not Sent
   Check your WordPress email settings and ensure that your host allows sending emails.
2. Activation Link Doesn’t Work
   Make sure that the activation code is correctly generated and stored.
3. User Cannot Register After Activation
   Check the user status field and ensure it is being updated correctly.