by Nextend Social Login and Register – A Complete Guide
Introduction
User registration and login are crucial parts of any WordPress website, whether it’s a blog, membership site, online store, or community platform. However, many users hesitate to create new accounts due to the hassle of filling out registration forms and remembering yet another username and password. This is where Nextend Social Login and Register comes in – a powerful WordPress plugin that allows users to log in or register on your site using their social media accounts like Facebook, Google, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more.
With over 300,000+ active installations, Nextend Social Login has become one of the most popular solutions for simplifying the login and registration process on WordPress sites. It provides a seamless experience for users and helps site owners increase sign-ups, reduce login friction, and improve user engagement.
In this article, we’ll explore the features, benefits, setup process, advantages, and limitations of Nextend Social Login and Register in detail.
What is Nextend Social Login and Register?
Nextend Social Login and Register is a free and premium (Pro) WordPress plugin that lets users register and log in using their existing social media accounts. Instead of filling out long forms, users can sign in with just one click, making the process faster, easier, and more secure.
The plugin integrates with popular platforms like:
- Twitter (X)
- Apple (Pro)
- PayPal (Pro)
- Microsoft (Pro)
- Amazon (Pro)
- Yahoo (Pro)
By supporting multiple providers, it ensures that your users have flexibility in choosing their preferred login option.
Key Features of Nextend Social Login and Register
1. One-Click Social Login
Users can log in or register with a single click using their social media accounts, eliminating the need to create a new username and password.
2. Wide Range of Providers
The free version supports Google, Facebook, and Twitter, while the Pro version adds many more providers, including LinkedIn, Apple, PayPal, Microsoft, and Yahoo.
3. Fully Integrated with WordPress Login
Social login buttons can be seamlessly added to:
- The default WordPress login page
- Registration pages
- Comment forms
- WooCommerce checkout and account pages
- Any custom login forms via shortcodes or widgets
4. Account Linking
If a user has already registered with an email, they can link their social accounts to their existing account, ensuring no duplicate accounts are created.
5. Custom Redirects
After login, users can be redirected to specific pages, such as their profile page, WooCommerce dashboard, or a custom thank-you page.
6. Customizable Buttons
You can style and place social login buttons anywhere on your site. The plugin provides multiple design options, including icons, text + icons, and custom button designs.
7. GDPR and Privacy Compliance
The plugin is GDPR-ready, giving users transparency about data usage and allowing compliance with privacy regulations.
8. WooCommerce Integration
For online stores, Nextend Social Login integrates directly with WooCommerce, allowing users to register and log in quickly during the checkout process. This reduces cart abandonment rates and improves conversions.
9. Shortcodes and Widgets
Developers can use shortcodes and widgets to insert social login buttons into custom pages, sidebars, or menus.
10. Role Management (Pro)
With the Pro version, site owners can assign specific user roles based on the social login provider. For example, LinkedIn users might get assigned as contributors, while PayPal users could get a premium customer role.
Benefits of Using Nextend Social Login
- Improved User Experience – One-click logins eliminate password fatigue and simplify the process for users.
- Increased Registrations – Many users skip registration forms, but with social login, sign-ups increase dramatically.
- Higher Engagement – Returning users can log in effortlessly, leading to higher engagement rates.
- Better Conversion Rates for eCommerce – WooCommerce sites benefit from reduced checkout friction.
- Security – Social media accounts often have stronger security (two-factor authentication, recovery options) compared to standard WordPress passwords.
- Reduced Support Requests – Users no longer forget passwords, reducing the need for password reset requests.
How Nextend Social Login Works
Step 1: Install and Activate
- Go to Plugins → Add New in your WordPress dashboard.
- Search for Nextend Social Login.
- Install and activate the plugin.
Step 2: Configure Social Providers
- Navigate to Nextend Social Login → Providers.
- Choose the provider (Google, Facebook, etc.) you want to enable.
- Register your site with that provider’s developer platform (e.g., Google Developer Console or Facebook App Dashboard).
- Copy and paste the App ID and App Secret into the plugin’s settings.
Step 3: Customize Login Buttons
- Adjust design, text, and placement of login buttons.
- Add them to login pages, registration pages, or WooCommerce checkout.
Step 4: Redirect Settings
- Set up where users are redirected after login (profile page, shop page, custom URL).
Step 5: Test the Integration
- Log out and try logging in with a social account to ensure everything works correctly.
Free vs Pro Version
| Feature | Free Version | Pro Version |
|---|---|---|
| Providers | Google, Facebook, Twitter | LinkedIn, Apple, PayPal, Microsoft, Amazon, Yahoo |
| WooCommerce Integration | ✔ | ✔ (with advanced role options) |
| Redirect After Login | ✔ | ✔ (customized per provider) |
| Custom User Roles | ✖ | ✔ |
| Email Templates | Basic | Advanced |
| Account Linking | ✔ | ✔ |
| Support | Community | Priority support |
The Pro version is worth considering for membership sites, eCommerce stores, and professional projects that need more providers and advanced role management.
Real-World Use Cases
- WooCommerce Stores
Social login reduces cart abandonment by allowing shoppers to sign up and check out instantly with their Google or Facebook accounts. - Membership Websites
Platforms like forums, e-learning portals, and social networks benefit from faster onboarding. - Corporate Websites
LinkedIn login helps companies verify professional users and assign special roles. - Freelancer Platforms
Login with PayPal or Google can streamline user verification.
Advantages of Nextend Social Login
- User-friendly setup – easy for non-developers.
- Supports multiple social platforms.
- Lightweight and fast – does not bloat your site.
- Compatible with most themes and plugins.
- Works seamlessly with WooCommerce.
Limitations of Nextend Social Login
- Some popular providers (LinkedIn, Apple, PayPal) require the Pro version.
- Initial setup requires creating apps in each provider’s developer console, which can be technical for beginners.
- Limited community extensions compared to other plugins like Super Socializer.
- Customization may require CSS knowledge for advanced designs.
Tips for Best Use
- Offer Multiple Login Options – At least Google and Facebook, since they cover the majority of users.
- Enable Account Linking – Prevents duplicate accounts when users register with both email and social accounts.
- Test Redirects – Ensure users are taken to relevant pages after login.
- Combine with Security Plugins – Social login is secure, but adding tools like 2FA enhances protection.
- Use Analytics – Track how many users prefer social login versus traditional registration.
Conclusion
The Nextend Social Login and Register plugin is a must-have for any WordPress site that values user convenience and increased engagement. By simplifying login and registration, it helps site owners capture more sign-ups, improve user satisfaction, and reduce friction during login.
Its free version covers the essentials (Google, Facebook, Twitter), making it an excellent choice for most websites, while the Pro version adds flexibility and advanced features for eCommerce stores, membership sites, and professional platforms.
If you want to boost registrations, reduce password fatigue, and create a smooth user experience, Nextend Social Login and Register is one of the best plugins you can integrate into your WordPress website.
