Setting Up Firebase for MemberPress App

Firebase powers push notifications and optional Google Analytics for the MemberPress App. With Firebase, you can send native push notifications to Android and iOS users, and track user engagement through Analytics if enabled. This guide explains how to create a Firebase project, register iOS and Android apps, configure Cloud Messaging for push notifications, and optionally enable Google Analytics.

Understanding Firebase Integration

Firebase integration provides backend services for push notification delivery and analytics tracking across mobile platforms.

Push notification delivery enables real-time message distribution to Android and iOS devices. Firebase Cloud Messaging handles notification routing and delivery to member devices.

Analytics tracking monitors user engagement and behavior within the application. Google Analytics integration provides insights into member activity and app usage patterns.

Cross-platform support enables unified notification management for iOS and Android. A single Firebase project manages both platform integrations simultaneously.

Configuration flexibility allows for optional Analytics enablement based on tracking needs. Analytics can be enabled or disabled during project creation or later.

Creating Firebase Project

Firebase project creation establishes the foundation for push notification and analytics services.

1. Go to Firebase Console.
2. Click Create project.

3. Enter a Project name and click Continue.

4. To enable Analytics, leave Enable Google Analytics for this project checked.
5. To skip Analytics, uncheck the option and click Continue.
6. If Analytics is enabled, select an existing account or create a new one, then click Continue.
7. Click Create project and wait for initialization.
8. Click Continue to open your project's dashboard.

Registering iOS App

iOS app registration connects the MemberPress App to Firebase for push notification delivery.

1. In the Firebase project overview, click the + Add App.

2. Select the iOS icon under Get started by adding Firebase to your app.

3. Enter your iOS app's Bundle ID (must match your Xcode project).
4. Optionally enter an App nickname and App Store ID.

5. Click the Register app.
6. Download the GoogleService-Info.plist file and add it to your Xcode project.
7. Follow the CocoaPods integration instructions provided, then click Continue to console.

Registering Android App

Android app registration connects the MemberPress App to Firebase for push notification delivery.

1. Click the Android icon under Get started by adding Firebase to your app.

2. Enter your Android Package name.
3. Optionally add an App nickname.

4. Click the Register app.
5. Download the google-services.json file and place it in your /app/ module directory.
6. Add the Firebase SDK dependencies in your Gradle files as instructed, then click Continue to console.

Configuring Push Notifications

Push notification configuration enables the Cloud Messaging service for Android and iOS platforms.

1. In Firebase Console, click the gear icon > Project settings.

2. Select the Cloud Messaging tab.

For Android

1. Copy the Server key displayed in the Cloud Messaging section.
2. Copy the Sender ID displayed in the Cloud Messaging section.

For iOS (APNs)

1. Under APNs certificates, click Upload.
2. Upload your .p8 key file.
3. Enter the Key ID in the Key ID field.
4. Enter your Team ID in the Team ID field.
5. Click Save.

Enabling Google Analytics

Google Analytics enablement provides user engagement tracking and behavior monitoring within the application.

1. In Firebase Console, go to Analytics > Dashboard to verify data collection.

2. In WordPress Admin, navigate to Dashboard > MP App > Settings > Integrations > Firebase.
3. Toggle on Enable Firebase Analytics.
4. Enter your Firebase Project ID in the Project ID field.
5. Click Save Changes.