Configuring Google Firebase for MemberPress App

Google Firebase Cloud Messaging powers push notifications on Android and iOS platforms. Firebase integration enables real-time alerts for members through the mobile application. This document covers creating a Firebase project, enabling the API, generating service keys, registering mobile apps, and uploading configuration files.

Understanding Firebase Integration

Firebase Cloud Messaging delivers push notifications to member devices across iOS and Android platforms. Firebase V1 API provides the current messaging infrastructure, replacing legacy messaging systems. Proper Firebase configuration requires project creation, API activation, service account key generation, and app registration for both platforms.

Creating Firebase Project

Firebase project creation establishes the foundation for push notification delivery.

1. Log in to the Firebase Console at console.firebase.google.com.
2. Click Create a new Firebase Project on the projects page.

3. Enter a project name in the project name field.

4. Click Continue to proceed to the next step.
5. Optionally enable Google Analytics by toggling the switch.
6. Select or accept the default Analytics account if enabled.
7. Click Create Project to finalize project creation.
8. Wait for the project setup to complete.
9. Click Continue to open the new project dashboard.

Enabling Firebase Cloud Messaging API

Firebase Cloud Messaging API must be enabled before the push notifications function.

1. Click the Settings gear icon in the Firebase project.
2. Select Project settings from the dropdown menu.

3. Click the Cloud Messaging tab.

4. Verify the Firebase Cloud Messaging API shows a green “Enabled” indicator.
5. If the Firebase Cloud Messaging API (V1) is not enabled, click the ⋮ menu.

6. Select Manage API in Google Cloud Console from the menu.

7. Click Enable on the Cloud Messaging API page.
8. Confirm the API status displays as “Enabled“.

Firebase Cloud Messaging API (V1) supersedes the Legacy Cloud Messaging API for improved functionality.

Generating Firebase Service Account Key

The service account key provides authentication for WordPress to send push notifications through Firebase.

1. Navigate to Project settings > Service accounts in Firebase Console.

2. Scroll to the Firebase Admin SDK section.
3. Click the Generate new private key button.
4. Click Generate Key in the confirmation pop-up.

5. Save the downloaded JSON file to a secure location.

Note: The service account key cannot be downloaded again after initial generation. Store the file securely for WordPress upload.

Creating Firebase iOS App

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

1. Click the + Add App on the Firebase project dashboard.

2. Click the iOS icon to begin iOS app registration.

3. Navigate to Dashboard > MP App > Configure > iOS Settings in WordPress.
4. Copy the Bundle ID from the iOS Settings page.

5. Return to Firebase Console and paste the Bundle ID.
6. (Optional) Add your app nickname and App Store ID.

7. Click Register App to create the iOS app.
8. Download the GoogleService-Info.plist file.
9. Click Next through the remaining setup steps.
10. Click Continue to console to finish iOS app registration.

Creating Firebase Android App

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

1. Click + Add App on the Firebase project dashboard if it is not already open.

2. Click the Android icon to begin Android app registration.

3. Navigate to Dashboard > MP App > Configure > Android Settings in WordPress.
4. Copy the Application ID from the Android Settings page.

5. Return to Firebase Console and paste the Application ID.
6. (Optional) Add your app nickname.

7. Click Register App to create the Android app.
8. Download the google-services.json file.
9. Click Next through steps 2-4 of the setup wizard.
10. Click Done to finish Android app registration.

Connecting Firebase to MemberPress App

Firebase configuration files must be uploaded to WordPress for push notification functionality.

1. Navigate to Dashboard > MP App > Configure > Google Firebase.
2. Locate the Firebase Cloud Messaging API V1 section.
3. Click Upload next to the service account key field.

4. Select the downloaded JSON service account file.
5. Click Upload next to the iOS Configuration File field.
6. Select the GoogleService-Info.plist file for iOS.
7. Click Upload next to the Android Configuration File field.
8. Select the google-services.json file for Android.
9. Optionally upload test app configuration files in the test sections.
10. Click Save Settings to finalize Firebase configuration.

Firebase V1 API configuration replaces the Legacy Cloud Messaging API for improved push notification delivery.

Verifying Firebase Configuration

Firebase configuration verification ensures proper setup for push notification functionality.

1. Navigate to Dashboard > MP App > Configure > Google Firebase.
2. Verify the service account key file was uploaded successfully.
3. Confirm the iOS configuration file displays in the iOS section.
4. Confirm the Android configuration file displays in the Android section.
5. Check that Save Settings was clicked after uploads.
6. Navigate to Firebase Console and verify that both iOS and Android apps appear.
7. Confirm the Firebase Cloud Messaging API shows an “Enabled” status.

Proper Firebase configuration enables push notification testing and delivery to member devices.